Dog Comedones (Schnauzer Bumps)
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Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
UPDATED: Feb 3, 2025
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We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.
UPDATED: Feb 3, 2025
Pet Insurance U receives compensation from the third parties included on this site. This includes payment for clicks from our site to insurance providers’ sites and quote requests generated. Our rankings and reviews are not affected by payments from the insurance companies. The compensation we receive allows the site to be free and regularly updated. Our goal is to review every pet insurance provider, but not all companies are listed on the site.
And many of the companies we review do not pay us anything. We simply rate, compare and review their plan because we feel it will be valuable to you. Our reviews are guaranteed to be unbiased, professional and advertising compensation does not influence rankings.
On This Page
Comedone Syndrome, or Schnauzer Comedone Syndrome, is commonly known as Schnauzer Bumps.
Comedones or “bumps” are just dog pimples. They aren’t serious and can usually be treated at home.
As the name suggests, comedones are mostly seen in Schnauzers and Miniature Schnauzers. But, any breed can be affected by Comedone Syndrome.
Table of Contents:
What Is A Comedone?
A dog comedone, also known as a schnauzer bump forms under the surface of the skin from the buildup of oily material in the dog’s pore. Oil is meant to lubricate the skin and hair, but sometimes the old gland gets blocked. This is how comedones form.
Comedones are basically a dog blackhead.
A comedo looks black because the oily buildup oxidizes when it is exposed to oxygen on the surface of the skin. Comedones are typically harmless. However, they can be a sign of bacterial infections, ringworm, and hormonal diseases.
Can Dogs Get Zits?
It is not unusual for a dog to have multiple comedones at once, similar to an acne breakout in humans. It’s also possible for a single comedo to form by itself. Most dog owners say that these “pimples” appear overnight, out of nowhere.
Regardless, if your dog has a single comedo or many comedones, there’s no need to panic. As long as you keep the skin clean and the lesions don’t get infected, you can easily treat dog comedones at home.
Also, dog comedones and dog acne are not contagious to other animals or to humans. You don’t need to keep oth
er pets away from your dog while they are being treated for comedones.
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Dog Comedone Symptoms
Here is a list of signs to look for if you suspect Comedone Syndrome in your dog:
- Blackheads on the skin of your dog’s back or along the spine
- Pimple or wart-like bumps on your dog’s skin
- Localized hair loss near pimples or bumps
- Itching, if a bacterial infection develops from comedone syndrome
- If your dog is a Schnauzer, be ready to deal with comedones throughout your dog’s life. For most Schnauzers, Comedone Syndrome is inherited from their parents
How Much Does Comedone Treatment Cost?
Treatment costs depend upon each individual case but can range anywhere from $50 to $1,500.
At-Home Treatment of Comedone Syndrome
You can treat most cases of dog comedones at home without visiting a vet.
But, be on the lookout for signs of an infection. An infected comedo requires a veterinarian’s attention. If comedones get infected and aren’t treated with antibiotics, they can quickly lead to more serious problems.
Mild Comedone Syndrome Treatment
Mild cases can be treated at home with a couple of different options:
-
- Benzoyl Peroxide Shampoo
- Witch Hazel
- Hydrogen Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide helps to flush the dog’s pores and hair follicles in order to remove debris and clear comedones.
Wash your dog’s entire body (except for the face) with benzoyl peroxide shampoo. This will help treat existing comedones and prevent new bumps from forming.
Apply witch hazel directly to the comedone flare-up.
Hydrogen peroxide can also be used but may dry your dog’s skin over time so use sparingly.
Related: 10 Things You Must Know Before You Buy Pet Insurance
Keep Your Dog Well Groomed
During the first two weeks of at-home comedone treatment, wash your dog twice per week. Then, once per week should be sufficient. Too much washing can dry your dogs skin and make the condition worse.
Use a soft-bristled brush or bathing mit to gently scrub your dog’s skin and coat in order to loosen debris on the surface of the skin
Allow medicated shampoo to remain on the skin for at least 5 minutes (but 10 minutes is better!).
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Consider Changing Your Dog’s Diet
Food allergies can exacerbate comedone formation. Know what foods are safe for your dog.
Severe Comedone Cases
Anti-seborrhea shampoos may help more severe comedone cases.
Anti-seborrhea products get rid of oil on the skin. This helps to unclog pores.
Are Antibiotics Needed?
Antibiotics may become necessary if a secondary infection develops from comedones.
Infections require immediate veterinarian attention. Dog skin infections cannot be treated at home.
See a vet as soon as possible for antibiotics.
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Important Notes About Schnauzer Bumps
For Schnauzer And Miniature Schnauzer Parents:
Don’t drive yourself crazy looking for a canine comedone cure. There isn’t one! Relax. Look at treating your dog’s comedones as a pampered pup spa treatment.
It May Be Tempting To Pick At Or “Pop” Your Dog’s Comedone. Resist This Temptation!
Trying to remove a dog’s comedones yourself can lead to an infection. Infections are costly to treat and cause your dog to suffer.
However, in some cases, removing a comedone is the best option. You must consult with a vet or skilled grooming professional first.
Preventing Comedones In Dogs
Regular grooming helps to prevent comedone formation.
Washing your dog weekly and brushing his coat daily loosens debris on the skin that clogs pores to cause comedones.
Dog Food And Comedone Syndrome
Switching your dog’s food can make a world of difference in skin issues and many other health problems for your dog.
Consider switching to a high quality, whole food based kibble or even a raw food diet. Many Schnauzer parents have seen a dramatic decrease in the comedones after switching to a raw food diet for their Schnauzers.
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Canine Comedones And Nutritional Supplements
Consider adding high-quality nutritional supplements to your dog’s diet.
Omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics are most effective at treating dog skin issues. Omega-3 fatty acids in the form of fish oil are very beneficial for your dog’s skin and coat, and they help normalize oil gland production.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Comedone Syndrome?
A number of pet insurance plans cover prescription shampoos, prescription food, and even nutritional supplements that may be prescribed for Comedone Syndrome.
Almost every pet insurance covers the cost of prescription medications in the case of an infection due to Comedone Syndrome.
If your dog has to have a comedone surgically removed, pet insurance will cover the cost of the procedure, as long as your dog is diagnosed with Comedone Syndrome before you buy insurance. Otherwise, it will be considered a pre-existing condition, and will not be covered by any pet insurance company.
We recommend investing in pet insurance for your puppy so that no condition is ever considered pre-existing and you will always have help paying your vet bills.
There are a few pet insurance plans that offer wellness plans and preventative care coverage. This type of coverage reimburses you for regular vet checkups and other preventative care that may be helpful to prevent comedone recurrence.
Compare pet insurance coverage to see which policy provides the best options for your pet with Comedone Syndrome.
Return to the Dog Health Problems glossary.
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Dog Comedones (Schnauzer Bumps)
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Can dogs get comedones, and what are they?
Yes, dogs can get comedones, commonly known as Schnauzer Bumps. Comedones are essentially dog pimples that form under the skin due to the buildup of oily material in the dog’s pores. While they are generally harmless, they can indicate other conditions such as bacterial infections, ringworm, or hormonal diseases.
How can I treat dog comedones at home?
Mild cases of dog comedones can be treated at home using benzoyl peroxide shampoo, witch hazel, or hydrogen peroxide. Regular grooming, including washing your dog and brushing its coat, is essential. Severe cases may require anti-seborrhea shampoos, and antibiotics may be needed if a secondary infection develops.
What are the symptoms of dog comedones?
Symptoms of Comedone Syndrome in dogs include the formation of bumps or pimples, typically seen on the back or flanks. Regular grooming and observation are crucial to identify these symptoms.
Does pet insurance cover the treatment of comedone syndrome in dogs?
Many pet insurance plans cover prescription shampoos, foods, and nutritional supplements prescribed for Comedone Syndrome. Prescription medications for infections resulting from comedones are usually covered. However, it’s essential to check your specific policy for coverage details.
Can I prevent comedones in my dog?
Regular grooming, weekly washing, and daily brushing can help prevent comedone formation in dogs. Switching to a high-quality, whole-food-based kibble or a raw food diet may also make a difference. Additionally, adding nutritional supplements like omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics to your dog’s diet can be beneficial.
Are comedones in dogs contagious?
No, dog comedones and dog acne are not contagious to other animals or humans. There is no need to keep other pets away from a dog undergoing treatment for comedones.
Can pet insurance cover the surgical removal of comedones in dogs?
Yes, if your dog is diagnosed with Comedone Syndrome before purchasing pet insurance, the surgical removal of comedones is likely covered. However, if it’s considered a pre-existing condition, it may not be covered. Investing in pet insurance for your puppy can help ensure coverage for various conditions.
What are some signs of Comedone Syndrome in dogs?
Signs of Comedone Syndrome in dogs include the presence of bumps or pimples on the skin, typically on the back or flanks. Regular grooming and observation can help detect these signs early.
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap pet insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.