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While Blackheads are quite prevalent among humans, they are much less common in dogs. This explains why a lot of dog owners worry if their dogs have blackheads or if they might be experiencing a different skin problem completely.
Comedones, often known as blackheads, are typically caused by clogged hair follicles. But because a dog’s skin differs greatly from a human’s in many aspects, it’s essential to understand whether or not dogs develop blackheads.
Make sure you are fully informed about what may or may not be happening under your dog’s fluffy hairs before using exfoliating treatments for your dog. In this article, we’ll discuss everything about blackheads on dogs.
Popping Dog Blackheads
It’s not a good idea to pop your dog’s blackheads.
Although they appear the same, blackheads on dogs and people are not the same. As appealing as popping blackheads may sound, the risks outweigh the potential benefits.
Your dog’s skin can become traumatized and harmed if the blackhead is squeezed out. Furthermore, bursting the blackhead won’t make the problem go away. A blackhead that has been squeezed out can quickly develop into a severe skin infection that is challenging to treat. Dog skin infections are a nightmare because they require a long treatment process.
Blackheads may be the only problem or a warning sign that something much more severe is happening. If your dog is prone to getting them, it is preferable to visit the vet to determine the cause.
In a similar manner, popping dog pimples traumatizes their skin and causes more harm than good.
How To Get Rid Of Dog Blackheads Safely
Blackheads are typically treated topically with benzoyl peroxide or anti-seborrheic shampoos that contain sulfur or salicylic acids. Never consider using standard benzoyl peroxide products designed for treating acne in humans. Products designed for human acne are simply too potent for dogs because their skin is different from that of humans.
If you think your dog may have canine acne, keep an eye out for these signs:
- Lips and chin inflammation and redness
- Pimples with pus
- Facial sores that are bleeding
- Red bump
Treatment #1 Take To Vet
Leaving the blackhead alone is the best course of action. However, when the blackheads are persistent or if your dog seems to have a lot of them, things become a little more challenging. To identify the underlying cause in such situations, it is best to seek veterinarian help.
The veterinarian will likely recommend a topical antibiotic or antifungal treatment to handle the condition before it worsens if many of the blackheads have already developed into a local irritation or even infection.
Additionally, once you find discomfort in your dog, just like any other conditions or skin lesions like dog warts, you must visit your veterinarian.
Treatment #2 Home Remedy
If dirt buildup is the cause of the blackheads on your dog’s nipples, you should regularly bathe your dog to get rid of this buildup. A wet towel won’t be able to remove some spots.
Dogs must have their teeth routinely maintained in addition to their skin since dogs have various disadvantages when it comes to readily maintaining a clean mouth, including exposure to bacteria.
Treatment of the secondary problem is crucial if the blackheads are a result of another skin issue. The main reasons why your dog develops blackheads and the appropriate treatments are listed in the table below.
| Main Problem | Treatment |
| Demodectic Mange | Follicle flushing shampoos are used to treat this condition and eradicate the mites from the follicle. |
| Seborrhea | This can be effectively managed using shampoos, essential fatty acid supplements, and other oral meds. |
| Cushing’s Disease | This is typically treated with an oral medicine that restores the blood’s normal level of natural steroids. |
After giving your dog a fresh bath to refresh its body, you can give a small bite of pineapple as a treat.
Where Dog Blackheads Can Appear
Blackheads are clearly visible to the naked eye. The following are the areas where blackheads are frequently concentrated since these are the places where oil glands are most concentrated:
- Tail
- Back
- Chest
Belly
Blackheads on softer skin, such as the belly, may form as a result of Cushing’s disease. Many pet owners believe that the symptoms are simply a natural part of aging. However, there are also other factors why your dog gets blackheads on their belly.
- Age
- Breed
- Weight
Back
If your dog gets blackheads on its back, the sebaceous glands are probably producing too much oil in that area. Blackhead-prone, hairless canines displayed very high skin sebum levels. The majority of the blackheads on the dog’s back were dispersed across the skin, with lesions clustering mostly in the legs and prepuces.
Some of the hairless canine breeds that are prone to getting blackheads on the back are:
- Chinese Crested Dog
- American Hairless terrier
- Mexican hairless
- Inca Hairless dog
Tail
Dogs can get blackheads on their tails too. However, antibiotics may be required if the glands are infected. Benzoyl peroxide is helpful because it has a follicular flushing effect.
Nipples
The nipple of a dog frequently develops blackheads. Similar to how we do, they also get blackheads. Even while blackheads are not a cause for alarm, it is a good practice to keep an eye out for them.
Elbow
When you notice blackheads, don’t disregard them. Check to see whether your dog’s blackheads are not inflamed, painful, or irritating after noticing them. If there is any discomfort, it is important to visit your veterinarian as they may require treatment. Additionally, it can sometimes reveal a lot about the health of your pet or if anything severe is wrong with them.
Chest
A sebaceous cyst may develop if you pop a blackhead on your dog’s skin. It is not worth popping any blackheads to try to clear up your dog’s skin because they hurt, are uncomfortable to deal with, and are not worth it. Therefore, resist the urge to squeeze your dog’s blackheads.
What Do Dog Blackheads Look Like?
This combination of sebum and dead skin cells turns black and forms a blackhead when it is exposed to the air. At this stage, blackheads are frequently simple to identify because they show up as dark, tiny dots on your dog’s skin. They are, of course, easier to see in dogs with less hair overall or in areas where there is less hair, such as the dog’s tummy.
Blackheads in dogs can result from a variety of underlying issues, but it’s crucial to remember that not all lesions that resemble blackheads actually are blackheads.
What Causes Blackheads On Dogs?
Dogs may get blackheads on their skin for a variety of reasons. This includes the following:
- Sweat
- Grime
- Dead skin
- Bacteria
- Oil
- Dirt
Conclude
There are a number of dog skin diseases that resemble blackheads, and occasionally canine blackheads are a symptom of underlying issues. Even though you might be tempted to squeeze your dog’s blackheads, it is preferable if you choose not to. For accurate diagnosis and treatment, speak with your veterinarian.
