Ask Dr. KraemerCategory: Chin Bleeding AcneWhy Are My French Bulldog Chin Pimples bleeding?đź’Ą(Answered)
Brittany Ponce asked 3 weeks ago

Why Are My French Bulldog Chin Pimples bleeding?đź’Ą

Dr. Kraemer, my French bulldog "Trappy" has these pimple-like bumps on his chin.

He's had them forever, but I presume he is bleeding from one now, due to him scratching it.

French Bulldog blackhead chin pimples

I treat his skin folds with antiseptic wipes. I give him Zyrtec daily for allergies, which doesn't work. And I don't like the allergy medicine the vet wants to prescribe.

 

Any assistance or guidance would be appreciated.

🌿Any products you recommend?

Thanks Briteny 🙏

1 Answers
Dr. Roy Kraemer Staff answered 3 days ago

Answer for Why is my French Bulldog Chin Acne bleedingđź’Ą

Dear Birteny and sweet "Trappy",

Looks like Trappy is rocking the not-so-glamorous bulldog version of teenage acne—yes, chin pimples are a thing, and sadly, they’re pretty common in our beloved squishy-faced breeds.

Bulldogs are genetically blessed with sensitive skin, so chin acne often shows up whether we like it or not.

Fr. bulldog puppy skin acne

 

What Are Those French Bulldog Chin Pimples?

There are a few grades of bulldog acne

MILD  BULLDOG ACNE (Blackheads):

The mild kind usually looks like little blackheads or red bumps and is easy to handle with some TLC and bully-safe skincare—like our

These help clean, soothe, and disinfect the area without being too harsh on their delicate skin.

Antiseptic bully therapeutic Ultimate

SEVERE BULLDOG ACNE (Folliculitis)

Now, in more inflamed cases (like Trappy's), the hair follicles can get irritated or infected—a condition called folliculitis (fancy vet-speak for angry, inflamed bumps that can bleed). That’s when things get messier.

bulldog-and-fr-bulldog-skin-acne

How To Test For Bulldog Bleeding Pimple?

Sometimes, the acne gets worse because of

  • allergies
  • itchy wrinkles,
  • or even tiny skin mites (like demodex).

SKIN SCRAPE: Ask your vet about a simple skin scrape test to rule out those mites.

bulldog baby bold spot on forehead

CYTOLOGY & CULTURE: In more stubborn cases, doing a cytology (microscopic exam) or even a culture can give better answers.

In the meantime, here are a few things you can do at home to help Trappy heal:

How to Prevent and Treat Fr. Bulldog Bleeding Pimples?

ANTIHSITAMINS: You mentioned meds, but without the name of what your vet prescribed, I can’t comment too much.

bulldog skin acne Folliculitis

🚨Just a heads-up, though—antihistamines usually aren’t all that helpful for doggy acne.

  1. Cone of shame (yes, it’s a thing—and it helps!): Whether you go stiff or soft donut-style, the goal is to stop Trappy from pawing, scratching, or rubbing the area.
  2. Stay dry:
    1.  Hygiene: Wipe Trappy’s chin after meals and water breaks (drool is not our friend here).
    2. Sterility: And switch to a stainless steel bowl—easier to clean, and less bacteria party central.
  3. Wipe it right:
    1. Bully Antiseptic Wipes a few times a day to gently clean the area.
    2. You can also follow up with our Antiseptic Lotion—just apply a small amount to your gloved hand and rub it gently into the bumps.
  4. Boost from the inside out: to support skin health and reduce flare-ups. Consider adding:
    1. Bully Immune Booster
    2.  Bully Fish Oil (EFA),
    3. and Bully Derma Care Skin & Allergy Chews

Skin Acne Ultimate Bundle

Fr. Bulldog Acne Pimple Folliculitis Prescription Medication:

If things don’t improve, a short course of prescription meds (like topical or oral antibiotics or steroids) might be needed to calm the flare-up.

Feel free to send me Trappy’s medical records, any test results, and updated photos so I can guide you further.

Skinfold Antiseptic Lotion Handout - French Bulldog

 

Wishing you both less itch and more wiggle soon,
Dr. Kraemer Vet4Bulldog

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