Blackheads, also known as comedones, are a type of acne that occurs when dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria clog pores. They appear as small, dark bumps on the skin, usually on the face, neck, belly, chin, and shoulders. Blackheads are a common skin concern for humans, but can dogs also get them?
Yes, dogs can get blackheads. In fact, blackheads are quite common in dogs, especially those with short, thick hair and oily skin. Blackheads can occur at any age, but they are more common in younger dogs.
If you want to find the answer to whether can dogs get blackheads, continue reading this article.
What Are Blackheads in Dogs And Can Dogs Get Blackheads?
Blackheads in dogs often look like pimples and are small, dark bumps on the dog’s skin that occur when dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria clog pores. They are a type of acne and can occur on any part of the body, but are most common on the face, neck, and shoulders.
Blackheads in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors, including underlying skin conditions such as seborrhea or allergies, excess oil on the skin, or certain breeds being prone to blackheads due to their short, thick hair and oily skin.
Blackheads are usually not a cause for concern in dogs and can often be treated at home with topical medications or natural remedies.
However, if your dog has a lot of blackheads or if they are accompanied by other symptoms, such as redness, swelling, or discharge, it is important to seek veterinary care to determine the underlying cause and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Blackheads can also affect the hair follicles. Blackheads can obstruct the hair follicle. When the hair follicle is blocked, it can lead to the formation of a blackhead, which appears as a small, dark bump on the skin.
Blackheads can also occur on the scalp, where they can affect the hair follicles and potentially lead to hair loss. In addition, if blackheads are not treated properly, they can become infected, which can further damage the hair follicles and lead to hair loss.
How Do Dogs Get Blackheads?
Blackheads in dogs are caused by the same factors as in humans: dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria clogging the pores.
Dogs can get blackheads if they have an underlying skin condition, such as seborrhea or allergies, or if they are prone to developing excess oil on their skin.
In addition, certain dog breeds are more prone to blackheads, such as Great Danes, Schnauzers, Doberman Pinschers, Boxers, Pugs, Bulldogs, and Labrador Retrievers.
These breeds have short, thick hair and tend to have oily skin, which can make them more prone to developing blackheads.
Demodex Mites And Blackheads
Demodex mites are a type of small, cigar-shaped mite that can live in the hair follicles and sebaceous glands of the skin. These mites are found on the skin of many mammals, including humans, and are usually harmless.
However, in some cases, an overpopulation of Demodex mites can lead to skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, and blackheads.
If you have blackheads and suspect that Demodex mites may be a contributing factor, it is important to consult a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
They can recommend the appropriate treatment options, which may include medications or other skin care products to help control the mites and improve the appearance of your skin.
When to Worry About Blackheads in Dogs
Blackheads are usually not a cause for concern in dogs and can often be treated at home.
However, if your dog has a lot of blackheads or if the blackheads are accompanied by other symptoms, such as redness, swelling, or discharge, it is important to seek veterinary care.
Your vet will be able to determine the underlying cause of the blackheads and recommend the appropriate treatment.
In some cases, blackheads may be a sign of a more serious skin condition, such as a bacterial infection or a hormonal imbalance, and a vet might prescribe antibiotics in such a situation.
Topical Medications for Blackheads in Dogs
If your vet determines that your dog’s blackheads are not due to a more serious underlying condition, they may recommend a topical medication to help clear up the blackheads.
These medications may contain benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or sulfur to help unclog the pores and kill bacteria.
It is important to follow your veterinarian’s instructions for using these medications, as they can be irritating to the skin if used incorrectly.
Your veterinarian may also recommend a specific shampoo or conditioner to use in conjunction with the topical medication.
What Can Be Done Naturally Against Blackheads in Dogs?
There are also several natural remedies that can help prevent and treat blackheads in dogs. These include:
- Regular grooming: Regular grooming, including brushing, combing, and brushing, can help remove excess oil and dead skin cells from your dog’s coat, which can help prevent blackheads.
- Diet: A healthy diet rich in essential fatty acids and low in unhealthy fats can help promote healthy skin and coat in dogs.
- Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial properties that can help kill bacteria and unclog pores. It can be diluted and applied topically to the affected area or added to your dog’s water.
- Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help treat blackheads and other skin issues in dogs. It should be diluted before use and applied topically to the affected area.
Some of My Favorite Products For Dog Owners
I hope this article has helped you just a bit in everyday life as a dog owner. Being a dog owner for more than 25 years myself, I’ve tried an abundance of different products with varying success, but these products below are some that I can highly recommend to every dog and their owner without hesitation!
These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. But it’s products that I use daily myself, and I have nothing but praise for.
Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be hard, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. But since 2015 when the company was founded, I’ve been using Ollie Petfood. With their product being tailor-made to suit every dog’s specific needs, and as my dogs absolutely love the product, I’m pretty sure I’ve found a product I will continue to use for many years more. If you use my link you can get 50% off your first order.
Dog Training: If you’ve ever owned a puppy, you know that they require a lot of training to grow into a well-behaved adult. Brain Training for Dogs has helped me immensely with the mental training part of raising a dog, and it’s something I strongly recommend you consider.
Grooming: If you have a dog in your home, you’re going to need a brush, and for this, I recommend a Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush. For that price, you simply can’t beat this brush for everyday grooming.
If you’re looking for the most up-to-date recommendations, check out my recommended products section that I’ve created to help every dog owner!
