Not many pet owners know and/or understand feline/canine acne, so we gathered some information to help shed some light on the subject.
Feline Acne
Feline acne, also called “chin acne” or “kitty acne”, is a relatively common
skin condition that primarily affects the chin and lower lip. Some cats have a single episode, where others have recurring episodes of acne.
Feline acne can affect any cat, no matter the age, sex or breed. In cats with white or light coloured fur, feline acne can give the cat’s chin a dirty appearance. In cats with a black or dark coloured fur it is not that noticeable, unless you look closely.
Causes
The exact cause of feline acne is unknown, but there seems to be several contributing factors:
- poor grooming
- stress
- abnormal production of sebum (oils produced by glands in the skin)
- clogging of the hair follicles due to accumulation of dirt, oils and dead skin cells
- suppressed immune system
- food allergy
Symptoms
Blackheads form on the chin and upper lip, giving it the appearance that it’s dirty. Superficial pimples can also form, burst open and form a crust on the 
skin.
In more severe cases, swelling, hair loss and draining tracts can develop. The area can also become irritated/itchy causing kitty to scratch which can cause additional trauma and lead to secondary bacterial infection. This can become very sore.
Diagnosis and treatment
Feline acne is most often diagnosed on its characteristic appearance. With more severe cases, the vet might want to rule out any other skin conditions like mange, ringworm or a yeast infection.
Mild cases of feline acne may not need treatment, but can be treated with a topical cream or wash. More severe cases may require medical attention and an oral and/or topical treatment.
Do not squeeze or otherwise extract the acne from your cat’s chin or lower lip. This can lead to a more serious infection.
It may be helpful to switch from plastic to ceramic, stainless steel or glass food and water bowls and to wash the bowls daily.
Canine Acne
Also called “chin pyoderma” or “muzzle folliculitis”, is an inflammatory condition that affects the lips, chin and muzzle. Canine acne is usually seen in young adolescent dogs.
This skin condition is mostly seen in short-coated breeds, eg. Boxers, Rottweilers, Bulldogs and Weimeraners, and is rarely seen in long-coated breeds.
Causes
The precise cause of canine acne is unknown, but there seem to be some 
contributing factors:
- clogging of hair follicles due to build up of dirt, oils and dead skin cells
- contact allergy
- food allergy
- hormonal changes (as canine acne is mostly seen in adolescent dogs)
- suppressed immune system
- trauma to the muzzle (eg. a puppy rubbing his muzzle along the ground)
- drug reaction
- poor hygiene
Symptoms
Mild acne may just appear as a small reddened bump. In more severe cases you will see larger hard bumps, swelling and draining tracts. The skin may also become irritated/itchy causing the dog to scratch or rub the area. This can cause more trauma and a secondary bacterial infection. The area can also become painful.
Diagnosis and treatment
Fortunately, canine acne is not difficult to diagnose. With more severe cases, the vet might want to rule out other skin conditions like ringworm, fungal infection or demodectic mange.
Mild cases may not need treatment, but can be treated with a topical wash or ointment. More severe cases may require medical attention and an oral and/or topical treatment.
Do not squeeze or scratch the acne on your dog’s lips, chin or muzzle as this can cause a more serious infection.
While it can be difficult to prevent canine acne, it may be helpful to:
- switch from plastic to ceramic, stainless steel or glass feeding and water bowls
- wash food and water bowls daily
- keep deep facial folds clean and dry (eg. with Boxers, Bulldogs and Mastiffs)
Canine acne is manageable and almost always eventually resolves on its own as the dog matures.
