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mogrann · Jan 20, 2011, 06:56 AM

Owen has what appears to be acne on his jaw line. They don't bother him if I touch them. I should mention he has been diagnosed with food allergies and is on a fish only diet. He has been on this food for awhile. He gets no bones, rawhide etc, only food and treats that are fish only. He is 10 months old. Doubt this has to do with it but will mention in case it does.. he has elbow Dysplasia diagnosed by X-rays.
The only change in the household is that I am going out more for appointments for job searching, and therapy. Owen does seem to mind me being out and if no one is home he has to be crated or he will wreck something of mine. Also the weather has been cold in the minus 20s last week to warming up to the pluses. I am unsure if that matters or not.

Do dogs get acne? When should I be concerned and schedule a vet appointment? He is eating fine, pooping and peeing fine, playing fine, and having his normal activity. If I forgot any other info just ask please

Susan

shazamataz · Jan 20, 2011, 07:05 AM

Yup, just like teenage humans teenage dogs get acne.

Usually they appear around the face and on the lips. You can clear them up by dabbing some alcohol free listerine on them to dry them up or if they are in a place where it can't be licked off (like the chin) you can use human acne creams.

You might remember I have a hairless dog, they get them all over their bodies and even get blackheads as well as pimples. I use Witch hazel a few times a week on his body, just rubbed over with a cotton ball to keep the skin clean and oil free.

They do grow out of it eventually, you just have to be patient. I wouldn't go to a vet unless they were painful or were irritating him.

mogrann · Jan 20, 2011, 08:03 AM

Tried to give you rep but won't let me. Thank you so much. Will be picking some alcohol free Listerine for him(don't want a drunk dog on my hands)

As far as the witch hazel can we use that on his chin? He does get a bath once a week (down from twice a week) with his medicated shampoo. This has something to do with his alleriges and helping him not get infections due to him scratching. Does he need the witch hazel?

Susan

shazamataz · Jan 20, 2011, 10:44 AM

It won't hurt to try, it's a good astringent and won't sting, although it might not pick up all the oils and dirt in furry areas, I use it on my boy directly on bald skin.

Any products that will dry out the pimples will get rid of them fast, the listerine is great for that, plus it kills the bacteria... and they hate the taste so they are less likely to lick it off.
The reason you get the alcohol free one is that is doesn't sting much, put it on your own face and you will just feel a light tingle that is it... with the ones with alcohol they burn and sting.