Can Dogs Get Pimples?
It is normally mild and clears with simple care. Do not squeeze it, and see a vet if it worsens.
Yes, dogs can get pimples. Canine acne shows up as red bumps or blackheads, most often on the chin, lips and muzzle, and it is most common in young dogs. It is usually mild and clears with simple care, but rubbing, scratching or squeezing can make it worse or lead to infection. Similar bumps can also come from ingrown hairs or a patch of ringworm, so look closely if they do not clear.
What Causes Dog Acne
Common causes
- Hormones, especially during puberty
- Friction and bacteria from plastic food bowls
- Trapped dirt and moisture on the chin
- Underlying allergies in some dogs
How to Care for It
- Keep it clean. Wipe the chin with a warm, damp cloth once or twice a day.
- Swap the bowls. Use stainless steel or ceramic instead of plastic, and wash daily.
- Keep it dry. Pat the muzzle dry after meals and drinks.
- Do not squeeze. Let spots heal to avoid infection and scarring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes pimples in dogs?
Canine acne is linked to hormones, especially in young dogs going through puberty, plus friction and trapped dirt on the chin, and sometimes allergies. Plastic food bowls are a common culprit, as they scratch and hold bacteria that irritate the chin during eating.
Should I pop my dog's pimples?
No. Squeezing a dog's pimple can push bacteria deeper, cause pain, and lead to infection or scarring. Keep the area clean, discourage rubbing, and let mild spots heal on their own. See a vet if a bump grows, becomes painful or fills with pus.
How do I treat dog acne at home?
Gently wipe the chin with a clean, warm, damp cloth once or twice a day, switch from plastic to stainless steel or ceramic bowls and wash them daily, and keep the muzzle dry after meals. Never use human acne products unless your vet approves them, as many are too harsh for dogs.
When should I see a vet about my dog's pimples?
Book a visit if the bumps spread, swell, ooze pus, bleed, or seem sore, or if they do not improve with basic care. What looks like acne can sometimes be a skin infection, mange, an allergy or another condition that needs proper 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.
