Why does my dog have pimple like bumps on her body

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 16, 2024

Contributions sourced from

Care and Treatment of Dog Skin Pimples

What You Need to Know About Dog Skin Pimples:

Dog skin pimples (also called canine acne) have multiple possible causes including parasites (fleas, mites), infection, fungus, allergy and skin tumors. A dogs breed and age can also indicate the possible canine skin condition (see next page for a list of skin conditions by breed). Pimples can appear anywhere on a dogs body, but are more likely on dogs skin of muzzle and around lips. Identifying and treating dog's acne early is essential to prevent further complications such as infection or more severe skin conditions.

Several possible causes need to be considered by determining a diagnosis. More common causes are:

Hormonal imbalance: This can occur in puppies as they grow and their bodies change.
Poor hygiene: Dogs that arent regularly cleaned can develop skin issues like pimples.
Trauma: This could be from a minor injury, excessive scratching, or rubbing the face on the ground.
Allergies: Some dogs may react to certain foods, environmental factors, or materials with acne.
Blocked hair follicles: This can occur when the dogs hair follicles get blocked with dirt, oil, or dead skin cells.

To prevent dog acne, it's important to maintain regular cleaning routines, especially for dogs prone to skin issues. Using special wipes to clean the dog's face and folds, and switching to stainless steel or ceramic food and water bowls can help minimize the risk. Consulting with a veterinarian for the best prevention strategies tailored to your dog's specific needs is also recommended.

When a dog suffers from itch, scratching can introduce bacteria into the skin, resulting in pustules and puss-filled papules referred to as pyoderma.

Treatment for dog skin pimples will depend on the severity and the cause. Here are some general treatment approaches:

Regular Cleaning: If the acne is caused by poor hygiene, regular cleaning with a mild soap can help. Avoid scrubbing as this can irritate the skin further.
Topical Treatments: Medicated ointments, creams, or gels containing benzoyl peroxide or chlorhexidine can be effective in treating acne. These should be used under the guidance of a vet. Medicated shampoos can be used for full coat, but herbal shampoos should be preferred for preventive measures.
Oral Medications: If the acne is severe or doesnt respond to topical treatments, a vet may prescribe oral antibiotics or corticosteroids. In some cases, anti-histamines are also prescribed if allergy is diagnosed.
Change in Diet or Environment: Similarly, if the acne is caused by allergies, identifying and removing the allergen is recommended. This may require a change in diet, bedding, or a move to a different environment.
Prevent Trauma: If the dog is rubbing its face on the ground or scratching excessively, measures should be taken to stop this behavior. This may require behavioral training or the use of a cone.

Its crucial to remember that while a pimple like bump on a dog might seem like a simple issue, it could be a symptom of a larger underlying problem, such as an immune disorder or infection. It is always recommended to consult with a veterinarian if you notice your dog has pimples anywhere on the body. Never try to pop or squeeze the pimples, as this can lead to further inflammation and potential infection.

We suggest comparing the pictures and descriptions found on this and the following pages to narrow down the possible cause of any dog skin condition.

Dog Skin Pimples Caused By Pyoderma (Bacterial Skin Infection)

Overview

Do dogs get pimples? The answer is Yes! There are manypossible reasons for dog skin pimples. Each cause is categorized by thesize of the skin bump. Causes of pimples on dog skin papules (elevated skin lesionthat does not contain pus) and pustules (does contain pus) under 1 cm ( or 0.39 inches) and causes over 1 cm are described below.

Causes of Dog Skin Bumps and Pimples(Under 1 cm - .39 inches)

Allergy

The three main types of allergy that affect dog skin are flea allergy,atopic dermatitis (allergy to environmental allergens, pollen, mold,dust, mites) and allergies to dog food. Dog pimples can be a side effect of allergy as well. A veterinarian will alsodifferentiate symptoms from mange, secondary pyoderma (pus filled skinpimples) and yeast infections (ringworm). It is also possible for dogsto suffer from more than one type of allergy.

Dog Flea Allergy DermatitisWhen a Dog's Coat Changes Color, It isan Indication that a Dog is Licking the Area. Changes in the Rump Area Just Above the Tail Such as Dog Skin Pimples are an Indication of Dog Fleas

Source: Washington State University

Dog Food Allergy- Skin reaction to one of the 40 ingredients in the typical dog food cancause dog skin pimples. Symptoms can start even if a dog has been usingthe same food or treat for one or more years. The most common allergens in dog food can be possibly proteins, particularly those from beef, dairy, eggs, chicken, wheat gluten or soy.

Dog Skin Food Allergy on NeckRed dog skin and pimples due to food allergy(called cutaneous adverse food reaction).Source: Washington State University

Canine Atopic Dermatitis (Canine Atopy)- CAD- A seasonal response to allergens in the environment such as pollen or mold. This response is usually because of genetic disorders in certain dog breeds or families which are predisposed to the condition and it is a life-long condition.

Dog Atopy on LegAtopic dermatitis on leg of a white dogSource: Dr. Dandace Soursa, DABVP, DACVD, Sr. Veterinary Specialist, Pfizer

Dog Skin Infection (Pyoderma)

Dog skin infection occurs when bacteria or fungus is able to colonize orgrow on the skin. This is often a secondary condition. For example,itch associated with allergy can result in scratching the skin. Thesescratches can lead to wounds, which make it easier for a bacterial infection to take hold. The bacterial infection can be an inflammation over skin or can affect follicles or base of hair, thus termed folliculitis.

Pimples Caused By Dog Skin InfectionCanine Bacterial SkinInfection and Dog Skin Pimples

Caused by a bacterial skin infection. Primarily seen in short-coated dog breeds that have skin folds and German shepherds.

Dog Skin PyodermaWeimaraner with PuppyPimples caused by Pyoderma, Strangles and PustulesSource: Washington State UniversityRingworm on Dog NoseRingworm on face of a 9 year old Miniature pincherSource: Washington State University

Canine Mast Cell Tumor

Mast cells are present on the skin's surface and throughout the skin. Allergic reaction is onetype of problem that can occur with these cells. Another is when theybegin to grow abnormally, resulting in benign (not cancer) or canceroustumors (also called neoplasms).

Mast Cell Dog Skin TumorSharpei Mast Cell Tumor(Neoplasia)Source: Washington State University

Other Causes

Parasites (demodicosis): an increase in mites that are burrowed into the skin and dog hair follicles. It occurs when face mites get out of control while multiplying.

Pimples Caused By Dog MangeExample of Canine Mange as the Causeof Dog Skin Pimples

Source:

Naturasil

Skin inflammation (Rhabditic dermatitis is caused by contact with decaying organic matter such as straw or hay)
Exposure to sunlight (Actinic dermatitis seen in short haired dogs)
Acne in Dogs
Sebaceious adenitis (lymph node inflammation)
Genetics (see chart for breeds prone to skin disease)

Causes of Dog Skin Bumps and Pimples(Over 1 cm in size)

Amyloidosis: It is a rare disease where abnormal deposits of protein collect on the skin and in organs.
Calcium deposits: It's also called Calcinosis Cutis, where calcium salts accumulates on skin and subcutaneous layers of skin. The condition is characterized with skin lesions and rough surface which is itchy.
Reaction to a foreign body such as concrete dust or fiber glass that gets under the skin
Granuloma: These are skin nodules, which are formed due to excessive licking of injured parts on skin. Most granuloma occur on parts of body which are easily accessible to dog for licking. Forelegs are most common sites in such cases.
Malignant Histiocytosis: Histiocytosis are skin tumors and can be benign and malignant in nature. The benign histiocytosis may appear and disappear at their own and doesn't cause any external or internal damage. However, malignant histiocytosis (also called systematic reactive histiocytosis) are the tumors that can spread on skin and progress to vital organs and bone marrow. Most of the times, malignant histiocytosis is unresponsive to treatment.

Canine Histiocytoma Lesion on Dog EarHistiocytomas are benign skin lesions or tumors (not cancer)that are more common in dogs under 3 years of age.Source: UC Davis/Peter Moore

Sterile nodular panniculitis: inflammation of the skin membrane, which is usually resulted after a disruption in blood flow through fats that underlies the skin.
Xanthomas: skin lesions that are the result of fat accumulation in skin immune cells. The condition is commonly reported in dogs suffering from diabetes mellitus or the ones fed excessively with diets rich in high-cholesterol.

Diagnostic Approach

A veterinarian starts an examination by looking for the most commoncause of dog skin pimples, which is dog flea allergy. Don'tunderestimate this as a cause. Fleas are notorious as hiding and caneven infect indoor dogs exposed to fleas brought into the house byanother pet or even a person.

Once fleas are ruled out, the vet will take a skin scraping. Thescraping will show if problems such as mange, bacterial skin infection ,yeast infection or a fungal infection are the underlying cause.

Other causes such as ringworm require a 2 to 3 week test, so in theinterim a Vet might recommend a parasiticide such as Revolution. Thiswould address problems caused by mites. Tests in general are low cost,so are worth performing.

If all tests come back negative then additional testing in neededincluding a biopsy of one of the dog skin pimples. It also makes senseto rule out food allergy by switching to a hypoallergenic diet.

Dog Pimples on Back Caused by Pyoderma (Bacterial Infection). Pyoderma is Referrred to as Superficial, Surface, or Deep Pyoderma.

Treatment

Treatment of any dog skin disorders involves addressing symptoms while removing theunderlying cause. Most cases are treated as an outpatient. Infections are treated with oral antibiotics for 3 to 4 weeks.

In the case of puppy skin pimples (see third page), conditions canbe caused by puppy pyoderma (mild skin bacterial infection), puppy warts (virus), dog acne, demodex mites and puppy strangles.

Treatment	Description
Regular Cleaning	If the acne is caused by poor hygiene, regular cleaning with a mild soap can help. Avoid scrubbing as this can irritate the skin further.
Topical Treatments	Medicated shampoos, creams, or gels containing benzoyl peroxide or chlorhexidine can be effective in treating acne. These should be used under the guidance of a vet.
Oral Medications	If the acne is severe or doesn't respond to topical treatments, a vet may prescribe oral antibiotics or corticosteroids.
Change in Diet or Environment	If the acne is caused by allergies, identifying and removing the allergen can help. This may require a change in diet, bedding, or a move to a different environment.
Prevent Trauma	If the dog is rubbing its face on the ground or scratching excessively, measures should be taken to stop this behavior. This may require behavioral training or the use of a cone.

Natural Remedies forProblem Dog Skin

If your dog continually has problem skin such as dog skin pimples, youmight want to experimentwith a natural remedy designed to promote healthy skin. The followingingredients have a history of helping the skin:

Equisetum arvense: Has high silicacontent which essential in the maintenance of healthy and strong skin,bones, claws.
Taraxacum officinalis (Dandelion): source ofvitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, D, C, various B Vitamins,iron, lecithin, silicon, potassium, magnesium, zinc and manganese.
Arthrospira platenis (Spirulina): containsprotein, vitamins (including B12 and folic acid) and carotenoids.
Fucus vesiculosis: is a sea vegetable that is aconcentrated source of minerals. Regular use will also promote skin andcoat condition.
Kalium sulphate (Kali. Sulph.): is a biochemictissue salt that keeps cell membranes in peak health. Kali. sulph alsohelps maintain balance in the skin and underlying tissue.

A good product to research is PetAliveSkin and Coat Tonic, which was made specifically for this purpose.Discuss this and other options with your veterinarian.

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