Dog Skin Pimples
Dog Skin Pimples are rare in a dog and can come from multiple sources. Here is a list of common causes, location on your pet, diagnosis and treatment:
Dog Skin Pimples from Flea Bites
Pimples from fleas are due to your dogs allergic reaction to the saliva passed from the flea to your dog.Affected Sites: Nose, thighs, groin, belly, anus Diagnosis: Skin testing for allergy to fleas Treatment: Use of an insecticide such as Flpronl spray (Frontline Spray Treatment, imidacloprid (Advanage 10 or 100 from Bayer), pemethrin, selamectin (Revoltuion or Stonghold by Pfizer). Spot ons such as Frontline Top Spot for Dogs are applied every 2 weeks. Pyrethroid sprays are used daily. You should also treat the area where the dog lives with methoprene (Altosid), fenoxycarb, or pyriproxifen.
Commercial Sources of Flea Medication:
Dr. Foster and Smith - Save on Flea & Tick Products for your Dog!
Dog Skin Pimples from Bacterial Infection
Bacterial infections are usually caused by some underlying disease or Staphylococcus intermedius which is a bacteria that infects canine skin.Affected Sites: seborrhea on the skin (dandruff), alopecia on legs. Diagnosis: A skin scraping is used for further evaluation under a microscope. For pimples sometimes a needle is used to collect skin material (aspiration of nodules). Treatment: Anti-bacterial prescription anti-biotics and shampoos that contain Chlorhexidine (Canident Comprime, Croc-Blanc,Novalsan Otic, Novalsan S, Novalsan Solution, Sovalsan Suspension (apply 1 to 14 days).
Good Commercial source: ChlorhexiDerm Shampoo 2 percent (12 oz)
Benzoyl Peroxide - for degreasing (apply 7 to 14 days) Iodine - antifungal, antibacterial (apply 7 - 14 days) Sulfur - seborrhea (apply 3 - 14 days) Good Commercial Source: Derm Care Medicated Shampoo for Dogs
Salicyclic acid - seborrhea (3 - 14 days) Tar (3 - 14 days) - seborrea (apply 3 - 14 days) Colloidal Oatmeal (2 - 14 days) - dry skin. A good commercial source for oatmeal shampoo is Dr. Foster and Smith Oatmeal Shampoo
A good general use anti-bacterial shampoo is Antibacterial Deodorizing Shampoo by Eight In One
Picture of Canine Bacterial Skin Infection
Dog Skin Pimples from Parasites (mites)
Parasites such as mites are able to invade your dogs skin due to an immune system that isn't working properly. The immune system could be negatively affected by a hereditary condition, hormonal disease, steroid based medications or chemotherapy. These types of pimples are seen on the face in less than 4 places or in more than 5 areas on the body and paws. Other names for this condition are mange and scabies. Diagnosis of parasites is done by taking a skin scraping or biopsy and then examination under the microscope. If the pimples are in 1 area then follow one of the treatment options recommended for bacterial infection (above). If you see pimples in multiple areas then try an over the counter miticide such as Demrisil that mixes into your dog's shampoo or a dip containing amitraz, ivermectin or milbemycin. Many owners try the over the counter treatment first such as Dermisil for Pet Mange  . If you don't see improvement then try a prescription approach. Mite related diseases are very contagious. Be sure to wear gloves when handling your pet.
Picture of Canine Mange
Dog Skin Pimples caused by Fungus (dermatophytosis)
Pimples are found on the ear, face and paws.Diagnosis is done by looking at the skin under a special lamp called a woods lamp. Tests may include a skin culture and biopsy. Treatment is done with products that contain griseofulvin or ketoconazole. Medicated antifungal shampooos can also help.
Commercial Source: Foster and Smith Malaseb Medicated Pet Shampoo
Allergic Reaction to Environment
Symptoms of allergy include thinning hair and pimples.Diagnosis can be done under a woods lamp, analysis of plucked dog hairs under a microscope, biopsy or skin culture. Like humans, allergens can be placed on the skin and then checked for reaction. Treatment options include elimination of the allergen from your dogs living space, whole body suits that protect the skin from the allergen or the prescription drug pentoxyphyline. Low dose glucocorticoids (prescrption steroid) also have been shown to be effective.
Commercial source of hypoallergenic shampoo: Hypo Allergenic Shampoo
Picture of Canine Skin Allergy
Dog Skin Pimples form Mast Cell Tumor
Pimples caused by a tumor are usually on the back half of the dog.Diagnosis is made with either a biopsy (testing of a skin sample) or the testing of a skin sample (cytology). Treatment usually involves surgical removal, chemotherapy and radiation.
Sources:
www.natural-pet-care.com
Mueller, R. S.
The Dog with Papules, Pustules and Cysts
The Dog with Papules, Pustules and Crusts
Mueller, R.S.
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
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