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Pimples and Bumps on Dogs

By the Dog Health Handbook team · Updated · Fact-checked against current veterinary references (see sources)

Key takeaways

  • Most pimples are bacterial folliculitis, a staph infection of hair follicles.
  • Chin acne is common in young short-coated dogs.
  • Hives usually fade within hours.
  • Any lasting or growing lump should be tested with a needle sample.
  • Don't squeeze bumps on your dog.

Table of Contents

Research Causes Acne Lumps Treatment FAQ Sources

Skin Infections and Coat Problems Quicklinks

Skin Infections Pyoderma (Staph) Yeast Infections Pimples and Bumps Dry Skin Dandruff Seborrhea Hair Loss Black Skin

Pimples and bumps on dogs are most often caused by bacterial folliculitis, an infection of the hair follicles usually caused by staph bacteria.1,2 Other common causes include canine acne on the chin and muzzle of young short-coated dogs, puppy impetigo on the belly, hives from insect bites or other triggers, and lumps such as cysts or tumors.3,4,5,6 Infected bumps are usually linked to another problem such as allergies, parasites or hormone disease.1 Under 2025 guidelines, antiseptic shampoos, wipes or sprays, usually chlorhexidine, are first-line treatment for pimple-like skin infections.1,7 Any lump that lasts, grows or changes should be checked with a needle sample, because "quiet and slow growing masses can be cancerous."6,8

See a vet promptly if your dog has:

  • Hives with trouble breathing, throat swelling or weakness, or any hives after a vaccine or medicine5
  • Painful, swollen bumps or bumps that drain blood or pus4,3
  • A lump that is new, growing, changing, or bleeding6,8
  • Bumps that keep spreading or come back after treatment1,4

What the Research Says

  • Antiseptic wipes help. A 2024 study of 20 allergic dogs found that daily 3% chlorhexidine wipes for 14 days significantly improved skin and cytology scores.9
  • Most skin tumors aren't cancer. About two-thirds of canine skin tumors are solitary, benign lesions, but a needle sample is still needed to tell them apart.8
  • A simple first test. MSPCA-Angell calls a fine-needle aspirate "the most common diagnostic test for skin masses" and a "non-invasive, low risk, relatively low cost diagnostic tool."6
  • Hives fade fast. Merck notes that hives usually disappear within a few hours.5

Common Causes of Pimples and Bumps

  • Bacterial folliculitis: red bumps and pustules around hair follicles, with crusts, rings of peeling skin and patchy hair loss. See pyoderma.2,1
  • Puppy impetigo: pustules on the hairless belly of young dogs that aren't in the hair follicles1,4
  • Canine acne: red bumps and blackheads on the chin, lips and muzzle of young short-coated dogs such as Bulldogs, Boxers, Dobermans and Rottweilers3
  • Hives: raised, itchy welts, most often caused by insect bites or stings, shampoos or medicines5
  • Parasites: mites and flea bites10,1
  • Cysts and growths: cysts, warts, histiocytomas, fatty lumps (lipomas) and tumors such as mast cell tumors6,8

Canine Acne

Canine acne is an inflammation of the hair follicles on the chin and muzzle, probably triggered by minor trauma, and it "develops at a young age."3 Secondary staph infection is common, causing pustules and yellow crusts. In severe cases follicles rupture and form draining tracts.3 Mild cases may clear without treatment. Others are treated with benzoyl peroxide shampoos or gels, and with prescription medicines in severe cases.3

When a Bump Could Be a Tumor

MSPCA-Angell advises that for any lump in or under the skin, "it is best to have your pet evaluated."6 A fine-needle aspirate can identify many lumps, including mast cell tumors, though a biopsy may be needed to grade them.6,8 Cysts can change size, burst and become infected, and warts and histiocytomas often go away on their own.6

Treatment

  • Infected pimples (folliculitis or impetigo): chlorhexidine shampoos, wipes or sprays, with antibiotic pills only if needed1,7
  • Acne: benzoyl peroxide products, and prescription treatment if infected3
  • Hives: removing the trigger. Call your vet after a vaccine or medicine reaction.5
  • Lumps: testing first, then monitoring or removal depending on the result6,8
  • The underlying cause, such as allergies or parasites1

Avoid squeezing bumps. Cysts and infected follicles can rupture and become more infected.6,3

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I pop my dog's pimple?

No. Squeezing can rupture cysts and follicles and spread infection.

Will dog pimples go away on their own?

Hives and mild acne may. Infected bumps and lumps should be checked by your vet.

Why does my dog have bumps on its belly?

Common causes are puppy impetigo, bacterial folliculitis, allergies and flea bites.

Are bumps on my dog cancer?

Most aren't, but only a needle sample or biopsy can tell for sure.

What can I clean my dog's pimples with?

Ask your vet about chlorhexidine wipes or shampoo.

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Sources and further reading

This article was rewritten and fact-checked on October 23, 2026 against current veterinary references and specialist guidelines:

  1. Loeffler A, Cain CL, Ferrer L, Nishifuji K, Varjonen K, Papich MG, Guardabassi L, Frosini SM, Barker EN, Weese JS. Antimicrobial use guidelines for canine pyoderma by the International Society for Companion Animal Infectious Diseases (ISCAID). Veterinary Dermatology, 2025.
  2. Hillier A, Lloyd DH, Weese JS, et al. Guidelines for the diagnosis and antimicrobial therapy of canine superficial bacterial folliculitis (Antimicrobial Guidelines Working Group of the International Society for Companion Animal Infectious Diseases). Veterinary Dermatology, 2014.
  3. Torres SMF. Idiopathic Keratinization Disorders: Canine Acne. In: Small and Large Animal Dermatology Handbook, Vol. 2. University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing, 2025.
  4. Clark MD. Pyoderma in Dogs and Cats. Merck Veterinary Manual, updated October 2025.
  5. White SD. Hives and Rashes (Urticaria) in Dogs. Merck Veterinary Manual (pet owner version), updated September 2024.
  6. MSPCA-Angell. Lumps and Bumps: When to Be Concerned. MSPCA-Angell, February 2026.
  7. Loeffler A, Cain CL, Ferrer L, et al. Synopsis of the antimicrobial use guidelines for canine pyoderma by the International Society for Companion Animal Infectious Diseases (ISCAID). Veterinary Dermatology, 2025.
  8. Warland J, Dobson J. Canine and Feline Skin Tumors. Veterinary Focus 21(3), 2011 (IVIS).
  9. Bensignor E, et al. Efficacy of chlorhexidine-impregnated wipes for local dysbiosis in atopic dogs. Veterinary Sciences, 2024.
  10. Dryden MW. Mite Infestation (Mange, Acariasis, Scabies) in Dogs. Merck Veterinary Manual (pet owner version), updated April 2026.

About this article

Last updated : written using the 2025 ISCAID pyoderma guidelines, the Merck Veterinary Manual, an open veterinary dermatology textbook, MSPCA-Angell and IVIS, plus International Veterinary Information Service (IVIS) proceedings and research published 2022 to 2026.

This page is for general information and is not a substitute for an exam by your veterinarian.