dog acne

[Sam's mom]

What is it? Is there such a thing? A friend of my mom's had a dachshund and said that he had doggie acne. What causes it? Is it allergies? I've never heard of it so any info would be great!!!

[Penny's Aunt]

Is it on his chin? I think that's what it was called. If I recall correctly, it's usually a staph infection, & can be a real stinker to clear up, but I don't believe it's life-threatening or anything. It looks like a chronically-dirty chin that sometimes weeps clear fluid.

[weenie]

Yep that's it, Penny's Aunt. My mom's boxer has had a lot of problems with it. She keeps putting Panalog on the area but he's got it so irritated that it sometimes bleeds. He hates anyone to touch it. She is going to try the antibiotics that the vet suggested next. It is a real bugger to get cleared up. Good luck!

[Penny's Aunt]

The theory on the chin acne is that the chin is one of the few areas on a dog or cat that they can't clean that is exposed to so much outside debris: food, dirt, etc.

It is a real problem to clear up, & I have seen some that never cleared up. Washing it with Phisohex (sp?), then medicating it may help, but there aren't any guarantees.

Tell your Mom to have a treat ready for giving immediately after treatment. My pup has to be treated for an abcess on her head right now, but will come & sit quite well for the pill & hot-pack, since she knows she will get a treat afterward. Is this the dog with the bowel disorder? Just use some of his regular food for the treat. Boxers aren't usually finicky!