Home Remedies for Canine or Feline Acne

Acne is troublesome for pets and humans alike. While the cause of acne can vary from pet to pet, most acne affects the facial area, generally around the lips or chin. Fortunately, acne does not tend to cause major distress for a pet and there are several home remedies for pet acne.

Symptoms of Acne in Pets

Pets who are affected by acne will often have small blackheads, whiteheads or other colored pimples found around the lips and chin. Severe acne can mean that several pimples, blackheads or whiteheads are present; or that a small number of pimples present are causing a severe reaction: oozing, crusting and swelling.

In a dog or cat, acne can be itchy or irritating to the pet, which can lead to scratching, which in turn can lead to additional infections. Should any additional infections occur, or should the acne appear to be causing extreme discomfort to the pet, it is important to seek out veterinary care. Though acne can often be treated at home, some cases may require the intervention of a veterinarian. Furthermore, if you cannot verify that your pet has acne rather than a rash or infection, then it is important to have a veterinarian confirm the presence of acne before pursuing any at-home treatment options.

Basic Home Remedies for Pet Acne

Like with your own face, it's important to wash regularly. For a pet, even a once-a-week wipe-down with a warm, wet washcloth can make a difference. However, for a pet with acne, wiping down the face daily with a washcloth can be extremely helpful in treating and reducing the acne as well as preventing future acne from occurring. Soap can be used, but be sure to use a pet-safe soap, such as one purchased from a pet store or your veterinarian.

Though a washcloth and soap are beneficial, another way of treating pet acne is to hold a warm (not scalding hot) washcloth to the area for a few minutes until the cloth cools off. The heat from the washcloth helps to open up the clogged pores, which in turn, releases the bacteria that may be causing the acne.

Lastly, cats and dogs can develop acne because of reactions to their food or water bowls, which can become dirty if not regularly cleaned. Food and water bowls should be washed and dried thoroughly on a regular basis (after all, you wouldn't drink water from a week-old dirty glass, would you?) Also, if your pet's bowl is made from plastic, it may be worthwhile to switch to stainless steel or porcelain, as those are less likely to collect bacteria (in comparison to bacteria collecting in the pores of the plastic bowl.)

What to Avoid When Dealing With Pet Acne

Though it may be tempting, products made for acne in humans should not be used in cats, dogs or any other pet. These can be toxic or cause illness in the pet, especially if the pet happens to swallow any of the product.

Also, avoid squeezing the pimples on your pet. This can cause pain for your pet but can also cause the infection to travel deeper into the skin, causing additional acne and worsening the situation.

Additional Information:

Pet Place: Acne in Dogs

Pet Place: Acne in Cats