Puppy strangles in dogs is a rare, painful skin condition primarily affecting young puppies, typically between 3 weeks and 4 months old. It is also known as juvenile cellulitis, sterile granulomatous dermatitis, or juvenile pyoderma. Key characteristics and symptoms of puppy strangles include:

• Sudden onset of severe facial swelling, especially around the muzzle, eyelids, and lips.
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck and under the chin, which can enlarge significantly.
• Painful, crusted, pimple-like lesions or pustules on the skin—commonly on the face, ears, paws, and sometimes genital areas.
• Other signs include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, joint swelling or pain, and hair loss.
• The swelling and lesions can cause distress and pain for the puppy.

The exact cause of puppy strangles is unknown, but it is believed to be an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system reacts abnormally, causing inflammation. It is not contagious to other dogs or people. Some breeds, such as Golden Retrievers, Dachshunds, and Gordon Setters, may be more prone to developing it. Diagnosis involves physical exams, blood tests, and sometimes skin biopsies to rule out infections or other causes. Treatment usually includes corticosteroids to suppress the immune response, along with antibiotics if secondary infections occur. Most puppies respond well to treatment, with marked improvement within a few days and full recovery typical in 10-14 days. Puppy strangles requires prompt veterinary attention as early treatment improves outcomes and prevents complications. In summary, puppy strangles is a serious but treatable autoimmune skin disease in puppies, characterized mainly by facial swelling and painful skin lesions with a good prognosis if managed early and properly.