Puppy Acne

[Abby-Daby-Do]

My 1 year old female boxer has been fighting what the vet called puppy acne under her chin for about 6 months. I have had Abby on antibiotics 4 times and when she's on the pills the sores go away and everything looks fine, when she's off the pills for more than 3 days the sores come back. We have tried antibiotics, medicated cleaning wipes and dermatologist prescribed human acne cleansing pads but it doesn't seem to keep the sores away.

The sores look like zits and when they get very sore they bleed. I have Abby on a good diet and the vet doesn't believe she has a food allergy since the sores are contained to her chin.

Has anyone faced a similar problem? I know boxers are prone to skin issues but the sores look so painful and I don't want my baby to be hurting. Any suggestions or advice?

 

[gmacleod]

Boxers are a breed a bit more prone to teenage acne than most, and it can persist into adulthood.

Things that help a bit include:
1. Always use stainless steel or ceramic food and water bowls (never plastic) and wash them frequently in the dishwasher.
2. Clean/dry your dog's face after eating/drinking.
3. Use a weak hydrogen peroxide solution (or even acne cream) to clean the affected area a few times a week (don't overdo it though).

Aside from that - take a look at what you feed your dog. If it happens that it is foods high in grains, low quality fats, by-products or allergenic things like corn, wheat, beet pulp, soy or molasses then change to something better. Junk foods affect acne in dogs just as much as greasy fries and chocolate does in humans

 

[Abby-Daby-Do]

Thank you for the advice! I have two sets of stainless steal bowls that we rotate so she always has a clean set so that is taken care of and I've looked into the food that she eats and I'm thinking of trying Eagle Pack. Have you heard good or bad regarding that food? As for the cleaning of the area I do have an anibacterial solution from the vet that I will continue to use weekly and I will start cleaning her mouth after meals since she is starting to drool more. Hopefully it works! I'll keep you all posted!

 

[dharmadoodle]

Rogue's comes & goes. They bleed too when she plays fetch & her chin scrapes the ground. :(

We wash her face often - I guess it helps.

I've turned into a right green tea freak too - Not only do I use it to clean her ears, I use it on sores, & dab it on her spots too. :D

 

[gmacleod]

I'm thinking of trying Eagle Pack. Have you heard good or bad regarding that food?

Depends which Eagle Pack Their holistic formulas are pretty good, but I wouldn't touch the other ones.

There is some information and reviews of those products at www.dogfoodanalysis.com/dog_food_reviews It is searchable, so you should find the EP fairly easily.