Genetics, Hormones and Diet are the most common reasons your dog suffers from acne. If you have concerns of your dog having acne, pimples, hot spots or bumps around their muzzle area, try considering these tips and tricks below to get rid of them:
Better Hygiene: I know this sounds obvious, but most acne problems in dogs are caused due to poor hygiene and bacteria. Therefore, pet owners need to keep their dogs clean by bathing them once a week, taking proper care of their dental hygiene and paying attention to their overall health. You also need to take into account any type of new food or product newly given to them to see whether they cause any problems.
Medicated Shampoo: Be sure to use medicated shampoo when bathing them. Your vet may recommend you a shampoo or you can visit a local pet care store to find medicated or antibacterial shampoo specially designed for dogs. Start by applying a small amount of shampoo to the cloth and gently wash the area and never leave residue as it can be harmful to your dog’s skin over time. You also need to notice whether or not the shampoo you are using is making the problem better or worse, because some products can be irritating to the skin or cause allergic reactions.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is an effective way to cleanse the skin of bacteria and debris present on your dog’s skin. It must be diluted when used because if it’s not, ACV can give your dog superficial chemical burns and skin irritation. Specifically, ACV contains “alpha-hydroxy acids like lactic, citric and malic acids which helps soothe the redness and itchiness around the area that’s affected.
Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is high in lauric acid, which help skin conditions like hot spots, bites, stings, or itchy, dry skin. Applying coconut oil to the skin can kill acne-causing bacteria and increase moisture, which may also reduce acne scarring. When it comes to selecting a brand, virgin coconut oil is considered best, as most of coconut oil’s benefits have been observed with this type.
Diabetes is another major reason that can cause superficial skin tissue death (necrolytic dermatitis) in old dogs. That’s why it’s crucial for every pet parent to know everything about diabetes management in dogs