Can Dogs Get Ingrown Hairs?
They show up as small red bumps and are usually minor. Do not squeeze them.
Yes, dogs can get ingrown hairs, where a hair curls back into the skin and forms a small red bump. They appear most often after close clipping, in short or curly coated breeds, or where there is friction and pressure, such as the elbows and around the paws. Most are minor, but some can become infected. The small red bumps look much like canine acne, which forms in a similar way.
What Causes Them
Common causes
- Shaving or clipping too close to the skin
- Curly or coarse coats that curl back into the skin
- Friction at the elbows, armpits and paws
- Blocked hair follicles from dirt or dead skin
Not every bump is an ingrown hair: a round, scaly patch may be ringworm instead.
How to Care for Them
- Use a warm compress. A warm, damp cloth a few times a day helps it drain.
- Keep it clean. Gently clean the area and keep it dry.
- Stop the licking. Prevent your dog biting or licking the spot.
- Do not squeeze. Leave it to heal to avoid pushing in bacteria.
- Groom well. Regular brushing and sensible clipping prevent more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes ingrown hairs in dogs?
An ingrown hair happens when a hair curls back or grows sideways into the skin instead of out of it. In dogs this is most common after close clipping, in curly or coarse-coated breeds, and in areas of friction and pressure like the elbows, armpits and around the paws.
How can I treat my dog's ingrown hair at home?
For a single mild bump, apply a warm, damp compress a few times a day to encourage it to open and drain naturally, keep the area clean, and stop your dog licking or biting it. Never squeeze or dig at it, which can push bacteria deeper and cause infection.
How can I prevent ingrown hairs?
Avoid shaving your dog too close to the skin, keep the coat well brushed and free of mats, and use a good groomer who uses proper technique and clean blades. Reducing friction in problem spots, such as with soft bedding, also helps.
When should I see a vet about an ingrown hair?
See your vet if the bump grows, fills with pus, spreads to several spots, bleeds, or seems painful, or if it does not settle within a few days. What looks like an ingrown hair can be folliculitis, a cyst, or another skin problem that needs treatment.
⚠️ Emergency? If your dog may have swallowed something toxic or is seriously unwell, contact your vet or a pet poison helpline immediately (in the US, the Pet Poison Helpline is 855-764-7661).
Sources: American Kennel Club (akc.org), VCA Animal Hospitals (vcahospitals.com) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (avma.org). This guide is for general information and is not a substitute for advice from your own veterinarian. See our editorial & review policy.
