Pug Acne Treatment, Causes and Symptoms

Today we will be discussing what and how to manage canine chin acne for your pugs.

People who visit our clinic get paranoid about their dog acne problems particularly pugs. They don’t know what medicine to give for their pug pimples.

We shared with them that another prevalent cause of acne in dogs is poor hygiene. Even with short coats, your dog’s personal cleanliness is crucial.

Hygiene is often hampered in breeds like pugs with more wrinkles and skin folds around their faces. Several breeds with a short, dog’s muzzle are also in danger. Skin problems are more common in younger dogs.


Please continue reading this blog to know the facts about treating skin problems and how to stop severe acne in your pug. This is important for the overall health of your pug.

What is pug acne or pug pimples?

dead skin cells

Canine acne is also known as folliculitis. It is the inflammation of the hair follicle and it can happen to most dogs.

Furunculosis is the name for hair follicles that get stuck, with the pus, and breaks open.

In dog blackheads, it can appear on the chin and lips. The acne problems show red bumps, swollen, crusty, or bleeding. It can be painful and itchy for a dog to have acne.

Every dog can get canine acne. But, most dogs with acne are short-haired breeds. It could also call pyoderma in dogs because it has pus.

Symptoms of Pug Pimples

good dog acne shampoo

The early indications of pug chin acne may be modest, and they can appear at any age. Breakouts are most often seen on the chin and lips. It may begin as a single pimple on the dog’s head, near the lips.

Affected dogs may scratch the region more often as a result of itching or as a reaction to scratching.

If left untreated, the symptoms might become can have severe cases.

The following are possible early mild cases signs:
  • Red bumps
  • Papules with no hair
  • Comedones
  • Pustules
  • Nodules
  • Furuncles
  • Plaques on cellulitis
  • Bleeding
  • Swelling
  • Itchy skin
The following are examples of later or progressive signs:
  • Suppurative symptoms (pus discharge) furunculosis and/or folliculitis
  • Papules of a large size
  • With or without discharge, ulcerated lesions
  • Painful

Possible Causes of pug acne

permanent scarring
There are a variety of reasons why a dog may get canine acne in the first place.

It may occur on a pug as a pimple or a nodule that appears like a blackhead or whitehead. And it is most often seen on the chin (like the human condition).

Genetic factors of Dog pimples
  1. Trauma – An injury to the skin causes the fur to break and the follicles to clog.
  2. Rubbing the chin against a scratched plastic dish. May cause contact dermatitis.
  3. Demodicosis
  4. Furunculosis and eosinophilic folliculitis
  5. Dermatophytosis
  6. Histiocytosis
  7. Diabetes is a kind of metabolic disorder.
  8. Neoplasia
  9. Allergies. It happens when there’s generalized swelling and skin inflammation. The dog’s immune system problem may cause by both dietary and environmental allergies.
  10. Fleas
  11. Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is the most common secondary bacterial infection.

It is now understood to be a genetic predisposition that affects short-coated dogs. And cause by aberrant follicular keratinization before it assumes to be hormonal changes.

Short bristly muzzle fur dog breeds that are most prone to pimples.

  • Boxers
  • Doberman
  • Pinschers
  • English Bulldogs
  • Great Danes
  • Weimaraners
  • Mastiffs
  • German Shepherds
  • German Shorthaired Pointers

Pug pimples may develop when dirt and germs allow accumulate in the creases of the skin.

Pug pimple Diagnosis

dog's skin

A dog’s acne may get worse if it’s exposed to certain materials or foods, or if it gets wet or dirty. Make sure the reaction is only around the muzzle and doesn’t spread.

Keep an eye on your pug’s reaction to its acne and any other unusual signs. Like a change in appetite or diarrhea or vomiting. They should also keep an eye on the dog’s scratching.

Veterinarians may do one or more of these tests to figure out what is causing the acne. Because there is a high chance that infections will get worse.

It can do with a tool that scrapes across the affected area of skin to get a lot of white blood cells. That can look at under a microscope and also grown in a lab.

This examines to look for skin parasites. Signs of specific types of bacterial culture, or the reason for the outbreak.

Demodex mites might find in a few strands of hair taken from the area where the mites originate. They can also work to check for fungal infections by pulling out hair strands.

It’s possible to use skin scraping and cotton swabs to check. For bacterial infections and see how well a specific antibacterial works.

Skin Biopsy

This is a second test in which a small piece of skin remove under light anesthesia or sedation and pain relief.

This test can give more information about tissue disease. Than a surface or less invasive test can.

You can do the same thing as with bacteria, but you can also use hair samples in the test. If you want to know if your body has fungi.

A fungal infection is likely to happen with open wounds. It could be the reason for the wound to become infected.

Needle aspirate

This is done on any fluids that are under the skin to find out what caused the reaction.

Fluid can also view at under a microscope to get a better picture of what’s going on.

In this test, a small needle uses to poke through a fluid-filled area and get a sample of the fluid inside.

When the first treatment doesn’t work, you might want to do a blood test.

There are some diseases that affect the skin that blood tests can help find out if they are true or not true. But both skin and blood tests can be used to find out if you have an allergic reaction.

Prevention of pug pimples

dog's pimples

Treatment is usually very simple once infections have found and the root cause.

To keep the dog from hurting the area again, an e-collar is wear. This is usually only for a short time as infections and breakouts get better.

Some can treat canine acne with medicines that transfer to the skin. Like dog acne shampoo, cleansers, creams, and wipes.

Dogs may need to use topical gel for the rest of their lives to keep their skin from getting worse.

Benzoyl peroxide

When you use benzoyl peroxide. It can get rid of and clean out the follicles that can also see human acne treatments. People who put on creams with retinoids can dry out and can cause skin irritation.

Appropriate antibiotics

Antibiotics or antifungals are the most common medicines that doctors give. Oral medications are usually taken for a few weeks at a time. A lot of people who take oral antibiotics get diarrhea.

Natural treatments of dog acne

If you’re seeking other natural topical acne treatments for pugs and other types of acne. These could be a better fit:

Coconut Oil

If you give your dog coconut oil by mouth, it can help his skin and hair. The recommended amount for a dog of 10 pounds is 1/4 teaspoon for every 10 pounds of body weight.

Aloe Vera gel

May aid in the control and reduction of acne-causing germs.

Apple Cider Vinegar

It is excellent topical therapy because of its antibacterial qualities. But it should not apply to raw skin because it can hurt.

But talk to your veterinarian before giving any treatments. To make sure there isn’t a problem with the medicines your dog is taking.

Acne in dogs can heal.

It’s very important to have follow-up appointments for canine acne treatment and recovery. Because there are so many different things that could be going on.

If your dog drinks oral antibiotics or antifungals. The veterinarian will most likely want you to bring him back in two weeks. To make sure they worked and there were no side effects.

Management is very important to the treatment of canine acne. It has a very high chance of coming back after it’s gone away.

It also gets worse without the right treatment. When it comes to taking care of your skin, you can use things like topical cleansers and dog acne shampoo every day.

People often have to change their diet, change their food and water bowls to metal ones. Or change their grooming. Once the bacteria responsible for your pugs acne known, and the infection isn’t very bad. Full recovery should happen in less than a month.

Maintenance Solutions for Pug Acne

treat dog acne

Proper hygiene

Improper cleanliness and microorganisms unless they are still in adolescence. These are the main acne issues in dogs.

Personal hygiene like bathing the dog once a week, or at least a few times each month. Will keep it clean and keep your dog’s face clean.

Poor dental hygiene may contribute to acne around the skin’s surface or dog’s mouth. so cleaning your teeth a couple of times a week or giving an edible dental treat will assist.

Look for a dog food brand to determine whether they were the source of the issue why your dog’s body develops acne.

Shampoos with Antibiotics

Look for medicated shampoos for dogs at your local pet store.

Aloe vera or echinacea-based dog shampoos may be beneficial for addressing skin disorders. Because human shampoos, lotions, and ointments are too harsh for dogs. They should clean with items designed only for them.

Keep an eye out to see whether the shampoo you’re using is making the condition worse or better. Since some of these shampoos might irritate the skin or create allergic responses in certain dogs.

Allow nature to run its course.

You should resist pimple popping, it is not a smart idea and may make severe acne to your pug.

Picking at the lumps might spread the acne or lead to a more severe condition.

You may apply warm water on the towel to the affected region to cut further inflammation. Acne may clear up on its own in certain cases.

 Consult with your veterinarian.

If the acne looks to be growing worse or the region appears infected.

Prescription ointments, oral medicines, and medicated soaps. May use to treat more severe forms of acne. For expert guidance and treatment alternatives, see your veterinarian.

Acne is a common occurrence in dogs, particularly those that are still developing.

Mild instances are typical in adolescent dogs. But if there is a significant breakout or bleeding, it should clean up.

The best you can do at home is keep the dog clean. By washing him often, keeping his teeth clean, and using a medicated shampoo.

Your veterinarian should call. If you have any other concerns or questions about further treatment choices.

Best advice for pug acne

dogs acne

Many instances of pug acne are simple to cure and disappear once your dog reaches adulthood. But if you don’t notice any progress or if your dog’s symptoms begin to alter. It’s time to consult your veterinarian.

Hygiene and teeth cleanings provide plenty of opportunities to track your efforts in managing your dog’s acne. Take images to keep track of your progress of develop pimples. If you do wind up going back to the vet, you’ll at least have examples and proof to assist your doctor to decide what’s best.

You can also check our other blogs about the do’s and dont’s on pug parenting.