Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My puppy has sore spots on his chin. Could it be puppy acne?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Staffordshire Bull Terrier | Male | unneutered | 24 lbs

Hi my 4 month old Staffy pup has spots on his chin that look sore is there anything to worry about

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on May 15th, 2017

This could be a condition called puppy strangles, it could also be Acne or contact dermatitis, those conditions are common in puppies this age. i would recommend taking Bronson to the vet in order to get it checked, depending on the diagnosis it will need to be treated either with antibiotics or with steroids.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on November 13th, 2017
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be due to dermatitis, possibly allergies or even something known as dog acne. It would really take an examination to be able to see it, palpate it and possibly sample it to see what it may be. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Therapy would be based on findings. Usually these conditions are easily treatable. Good luck and best wishes!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By C. Rathjens, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 28th, 2018
It looks like a mild dermatitis. If it's getting worse or seems to be bothering Archie (rubbing face on carpet, etc), then I would recommend a vet visit to get a prescription for a medicated wipe. If you just noticed it and it doesn't worsen or bother him, just keep an eye on it. Enjoy your cute pup!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on February 2nd, 2023
Hi and thanks for your request. This is likely to be a small spot of chin acne, possibly due to a superficial skin infection. I would recommend to keep it clean and disinfect it with hibiclens diluted one in ten with water twice daily for the next week. Lack of improvement or worsening (more spots, itch, pus discharge from the small pimple) should be checked by your local vets.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Why does my puppy have acne-like bumps on his lips and genitals?

I accidentally posted that answer before I was done. Puppy strangles is a rare condition where the body seems to attack its own skin. Your veterinarian will likely do skin tests to rule out more common causes of skin disease first (mites and ringworm for example). The sooner he is diagnosed, he can begin treatment if necessary. I hope this information helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Are the spots on my 3-week-old puppy's mouth puppy acne or strangles?

Hello, thank you for using PetCoach. These bump are pustules, so yes, sort of like acne but it is really inflammation of the hair follicles. It can be the beginning of puppy strangles so still continue to look out for that. You have two options: 1. Do nothing and just monitor them and let their immune systems take care of it as long as they are otherwise fine. OR 2. You can use these medicated pads once daily on the affected areas until the issue is resolved. ( https://worldtails.securevetsource.com/itemView/view/223965_HomeDelivery.pml?productId=146660&auto=true ) Sometimes these get very infected and inflamed, in which case, you will need to take them to the vet as oral antibiotics will be needed. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My 9-week-old puppy has a neck lump and acne. Is it serious?

Poor baby! This could be a serious problem like a bacterial infection caused by strep called strangles or just a simple infection. I would strongly recommend to have your vet take a look at him soon before it gets worse. This can be easily treated if caught early. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

What's this on my dog's chin? Is it acne? How can I treat it?

This looks like a mild infection which is likely an extension of chin acne. This is usually treated with benzoyl peroxide wipes (i.e. Stridex pads) and oral antibiotics. Antihistamines are also often used to help resolve this and some pets requrire steroid thereapy to get this to subside. This is usually caused by a skin allergy which can be from something in then environment or a food allergy. Remove any plastic bowls from you home, since this seems to be a common irritant for chin acne. I hope that your pet Scooby's skin resolves soon! Best wishes and take care.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why does my Labrador have spots and an open sore on his chin?

Blue and his brother are gorgeous dogs! It looks like Blue may have some acne on his chin. If they root around or dig in the yard it can cause inflammation there, it could also be secondary to allergies. Try to keep him from rooting if possible, and you can keep the area clean with a damp cloth. If it's not improving he may need to see your vet for treatment with antibiotics

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog has itchy bumps on his chin and muzzle. Could it be dog acne?

Poor Titan! He is so cute! This sounds like chin acne. Sometimes they need oral antibiotics to go away but unfortunately, the dogs that are prone to them will have problems with them returning. I would make sure his food and water bowls are made out of stainless steel and washed regularly. If not, this could increase his risk to developing these bumps. You can also try stridex pads which you can find in the human facial products of most stores. I would do them once to twice a day while he has the bumps and then at least once a day as a maintenance treatment to help prevent a reoccurrence. If he has never had antibiotics for them or if there are several bumps that have pus coming out of them, I would strongly recommend to have your vet take a look at them to help get rid of the infection. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My puppy has pimples on her chin. What causes them and how to treat?

Nova can get pimples just like humans. It is very common in bulldogs, boxers and other breeds that have large jowls as the chin tends to stay more moist and humid. You can get some special pads from your veterinarian that are safe to use and pets that you can use to cleanse the area. Keeping her food and water bowls very clean can help. Also make sure her chew toys are cleaned on a regular basis. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share