Schnauzer bumps are a common health issue among Schnauzers. These blackhead-like bumps on the skin can be itchy, painful, and sometimes embarrassing for your dog (and you).
Many Schnauzers never develop Schnauzer bumps. In other dogs, the condition sometimes becomes chronic. In some cases, the bumps can become infected and may require the attention of a good veterinarian.
The good news is that severe cases of the bumps respond well to conventional treatments prescribed by a vet. For milder cases, your vet can suggest easy ways to treat this condition with affordable home remedies.
What are Schnauzer bumps?
Schnauzer bumps are a type of skin disorder that affects Schnauzers. The bumps are an example of Comedo Syndrome, a condition that can affect any breed of dog. Because the syndrome is most common in Schnauzers, especially Miniature Schnauzers, it is usually referred to as Schnauzer Comedo Syndrome, or simply Schnauzer bumps.
Why are Schnauzer bumps sometimes referred to as “comedones”?
The word “comedo” (as in Schnauzer Comedo Syndrome), comes from the Latin and is the technical term for the word “blackhead”, which Schnauzer bumps resemble. While “comedo” refers to the actual syndrome itself, you’ll sometimes see Schnauzer bumps referred to as comedones. You can read more about comedones here.
Do all Schnauzers get Schnauzer bumps?
No, all Schnauzers do not get Schnauzer bumps. Even so, the condition is still very common for this breed of dog. In fact, many consider it to be one of the defining characteristics of the Schnauzer breed.
What do Schnauzer bumps look like?
Schnauzer bumps are small bumps on the dog’s skin that resemble blackheads, pimples or sometimes warts. They usually flare up on the back of the dog, mainly along the spine.
These bumps are not contagious. While they will not harm your dog, they can sometimes lead to more serious problems if they’re left untreated and later become infected.
If you think your dog may have Schnauzer bumps but aren’t sure, try searching for images on Google or another major search engine. The image shown here is a screenshot of an image search done on Google.
Click on the image above or comedone syndrome schnauzer bumps to visit the search results page. You can then compare some of the images with the appearance of your own Schnauzer’s skin.
What causes Schnauzer bumps?
No one knows for sure what causes Schnauzer bumps.
According to some researchers, the bumps are caused by a genetic abnormality in the skin’s hair follicles and sebaceous glands.
This results in a build-up of sebum, an oily substance that the body produces to keep the skin moist. This causes the hair follicles on your dog’s skin to get clogged with keratin and fats.
They then dilate to form comedones, or Schnauzer bumps.
What are the symptoms of Schnauzer bumps?
While they may not be life-threatening, Schnauzer bumps can be quite uncomfortable and embarrassing for your pet.
Besides the bumps themselves, the most common symptom is hair loss around the bump, which may be caused by infection. Other secondary symptoms are scaling and itching.
Other symptoms may include thickened and red skin, an oily appearance of the skin, and a strong odor.
In severe cases, the bumps may turn into papules or pustules and become infected.
If your Schnauzer has any of these symptoms, it’s important to take your dog to the vet for treatment. Schnauzer bumps can worsen over time if they’re not treated properly, so it’s important to catch them early on.
How are Schnauzer bumps diagnosed?
If your Schnauzer has bumps on his back, especially if it’s for the very first time, it’s best to make an appointment with your veterinarian to have them examined.
That’s because it’s possible to confuse Schnauzer Comedo Syndrome with other skin conditions or medical issues that exhibit similar characteristics. Flea dermatitis, food reactions and allergies are some possible examples. It’s important to rule out any underlying medical issues before you begin treatment for this condition.
Once you arrive, the vet will perform a general examination of your dog’s skin and may also do some preliminary tests to rule out any other possible diseases or conditions that could account for the bumps on your Schnauzer’s back.
Your vet will also ask you questions related to when you first noticed the bumps and how often they flare up. He may also want more info about your dog’s living and sleeping environment, what kind of bedding you use and your Schnauzer’s diet.
Typically, a veterinarian will be able to diagnosis your dog’s illness based on visual examination and his understanding of this condition.
But he may also want to take a closer look at the bumps on your Schnauzer’s back. He may clip a small area of his hair and scrape the skin to retrieve a sample. The biopsy will confirm this syndrome if there is a plug blocking the follicle of the hair and sebaceous gland.
Schnauzer Bump Treatments – How to Treat Schnauzer Comedo Syndrome
If your dog’s Schnauzer bumps are infected, your vet may prescribe a course of antibiotics lasting two to three weeks. Another prescription drug called Accutane may be given in very severe cases.
A milder case of Schnauzer bumps can often be treated successfully at home with shampoos and astringents.
Benzoyl peroxide shampoo cleans the skin and reduces the number of bacteria on your dog’s coat. It is available without a prescription from pet stores or online.
Your vet may also suggest an astringent like witch hazel, distilled vinegar or rubbing alcohol to be used in conjunction with the shampoo. This can help to dry out and heal the skin.
Will my dog’s Schnauzer bumps ever go away?
Some Schnauzers never get Schnauzer bumps.
For those that do, there is no one definitive answer to the question: Will my dog’s Schnauzer bumps ever go away?
Schnauzer bumps will sometimes go away by themselves. If not, they usually respond well to the treatments mentioned above. But in some dogs, Schnauzer bumps become a chronic problem.
It’s worth remembering there’s no sure-fire cure for Schnauzer bumps. Treatments are intended to improve and manage the condition as simply and effectively as possible.
It is also important to keep in mind that each Schnauzer may experience bumps differently. Some may have only a few bumps, while others may have many.
Conclusion: Schnauzer Bumps – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
If you’re a Schnauzer owner, it’s important to be aware of the symptoms of Schnauzer bumps and how they’re treated. This condition can often be managed successfully with home treatments, but some dogs may require antibiotics or other prescription drugs.
Schnauzer bumps are not contagious, so your dog can still enjoy walks and playtime with other dogs while he’s being treated.
As always, if you have any concerns about your dog’s health, be sure to contact your veterinarian.
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