Doberman Chin Acne
What is often referred to as "chin acne" in dogs is actually called "muzzle folliculitis" (MF). There are probably more myths associated with this condition than any other Doberman health issue.
First things first - muzzle folliculitis and so-called "allergies" are primarily caused by a genetic factor; in other words the weakness which allows skin issues is inherited from a pup's parents. This is why it is SO IMPORTANT for breeders to be honest with themselves about just how hardy their breeding dogs are, and for the public to educate itself about how to select a breeder with robust dogs.
Many internet sites will claim that "skin allergies are a part of life for a Doberman" - but this is simply not true. The statement SHOULD read "skin allergies are a part of life for poorly bred Dobermans". There are breeders (like myself) who rarely or never experience this issue. When a breeder thinks a weak immune system is "normal" for a breed, they make no effort to breed it out of their lines. So, avoiding issues like MF starts with an inspection of a breeder's dog's chins for scarring and questions about whether they feel immune issues are "just part of the breed".
When inspecting possible future parents of a Doberman puppy, check the chin for active MF or the hairless, scarred surface of the tip of the bottom muzzle showing the dog has, at one point, suffered from this immunity issue.
First things first - muzzle folliculitis and so-called "allergies" are primarily caused by a genetic factor; in other words the weakness which allows skin issues is inherited from a pup's parents. This is why it is SO IMPORTANT for breeders to be honest with themselves about just how hardy their breeding dogs are, and for the public to educate itself about how to select a breeder with robust dogs.
Many internet sites will claim that "skin allergies are a part of life for a Doberman" - but this is simply not true. The statement SHOULD read "skin allergies are a part of life for poorly bred Dobermans". There are breeders (like myself) who rarely or never experience this issue. When a breeder thinks a weak immune system is "normal" for a breed, they make no effort to breed it out of their lines. So, avoiding issues like MF starts with an inspection of a breeder's dog's chins for scarring and questions about whether they feel immune issues are "just part of the breed".
When inspecting possible future parents of a Doberman puppy, check the chin for active MF or the hairless, scarred surface of the tip of the bottom muzzle showing the dog has, at one point, suffered from this immunity issue.
The Plastic Bowl Myth:
There is a persistent myth among Doberman owners that using plastic bowls for food and water will "cause" muzzle folliculitis. This is absolutely unfounded. Advice is given to clean and sterilize metal food and water bowls to keep muzzle folliculitis from occurring.
I can assure you with experience since 1979 that plastic water or feed bowls has absolutely nothing to do with MF. All my Dobermans drink out of plastic water containers, and pups eat out of plastic feed bowls. I've only had two cases of MF pop up in a decade, and both were quickly cured.
There is a persistent myth among Doberman owners that using plastic bowls for food and water will "cause" muzzle folliculitis. This is absolutely unfounded. Advice is given to clean and sterilize metal food and water bowls to keep muzzle folliculitis from occurring.
I can assure you with experience since 1979 that plastic water or feed bowls has absolutely nothing to do with MF. All my Dobermans drink out of plastic water containers, and pups eat out of plastic feed bowls. I've only had two cases of MF pop up in a decade, and both were quickly cured.
How To Treat Muzzle Folliculitis
If you happen to have a dog with a weaker immune system and need to treat a case of MF, it is easy and inexpensive. Simply buy a container of Strydex Maximum Strength Medicated pads. This contains 2% salicylic acid.
Contrary to some advice, I found it was useful to "pop" the pimples and clean the area well, twice a day with the Strydex pads. The MF was cleared up within a week and never came back. I haven't had a case now in six years.
Contrary to some advice, I found it was useful to "pop" the pimples and clean the area well, twice a day with the Strydex pads. The MF was cleared up within a week and never came back. I haven't had a case now in six years.