Just like humans, dogs and cats can suffer from acne. Usually noticeable on the chin or around the whiskers, sebaceous adenitis looks like tiny inflamed bumps that appear like a human’s acne. It is caused by a drop in the pet’s immune function that results in congestion of the oil glands around the whiskers.
These tiny bumps are a sign of there is more going on with your pet than you might initially think. Decreased immune function can have several causes: allergies, poor diet or an auto immune disease. If your pet had a recent diet change or even a new plastic dish you might see chin or whisker acne. However, it can be more serious. Pet acne is also a tip off to auto immune diseases like pemphigous foliaous vulgaris that causes painful blistering of the skin and is the result of antibodies directed at parts of the skin.
It isn’t just unpleasant to see, it’s uncomfortable for your pet so never take the opportunity to express one of these tiny pimples. If expressed or left untreated, sebaceous adenitis can become infected and start off a chain of prescription medications to heal. It is important to replace dishes and keep them clean and reconsider grains and preservatives in your pet’s food and anything new that your pet has come in contact with in the previous weeks.
From a holistic veterinary perspective, acne around the whiskers can be treated with herbal products that reduce heat, inflammation, dampness and infection in the skin. Holistic medicine addresses the root cause of sebaceous adenitis so consider a holistic doctor to prescribe herbal treatments that work on boosting immunity, reducing heat in the liver and assist in total body recovery. Remember, these aren’t just a few zits, sebaceous adenitis is a sign of something affecting your pet’s entire system
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