Skin infections are a common and frustrating
problem for both dogs and their owners. Infections come in a variety
of forms. They can be caused by bacteria or fungal organisms like
yeast. Some infections affect only the superficial layers of skin;
others spread to deeper tissues as well.
If you suspect that your dog has a skin infection but it is limited to a small portion of his body and he acts like he feels fine, you can try treating it at home before calling your veterinarian.
Most infections are
caused by an overgrowth of the normal microorganisms that are present
on a dog's skin. Anything that disrupts the balance between
the skin's protective measures and its resident bacterial and fungal
populations can produce a skin infection. Possible underlying
problems include:
- Allergies
- Hormonal imbalances (e.g., hypothyroidism or diabetes mellitus)
- External parasites
- Skin trauma
- Matting
- Immunosuppression
Signs of a Skin Infection
The symptoms typically associated with a skin infection are:
- Itchiness
- Hair loss
- Red, oozing sores commonly called "hot spots"
- Pus-filled "pimples"
- Firm, raised spots in the skin
- Red, inflamed skin
- Skin darkening
- Flakiness
If the infection involves the skin's
deeper layers or spreads elsewhere in the body, a dog may lose his appetite,
become lethargic, develop a fever, be in pain, and have open wounds that
drain pus.
Treating Dog Skin Infections at Home
If you suspect that your dog has a
skin infection but it is limited to a small portion of his body and
he acts like he feels fine, you can try treating it at home before calling
your veterinarian. First, shave the hair away from the affected
area with a pair of electric clippers. Next, thoroughly clean
the infected skin with an antiseptic and then apply a pet
medication that contains an antibiotic and something to relieve itching. If over a few
days your dog's condition fails to improve, call your vet.
Veterinary Care for Skin Infections
Your vet may suspect that your dog
has a skin infection based on a physical exam, but he or she will need
to run a few tests to rule out other skin diseases that cause similar
symptoms and to determine what microorganisms are involved if an infection
is diagnosed. Skin scrapes to look for parasites, fungal cultures
to rule out ringworm and cytological preparations to get an idea of
the type and number of bacteria and yeast on the skin are all routine.
Based on the results of these tests, your veterinarian may prescribe one or more of the following treatments:
Severe skin infections often have to
be treated for several weeks or even longer before they are completely
eradicated. A good rule of thumb is to continue treatment for
at least a week after your dog's condition has completely returned
to normal. If the skin infection fails to resolve as expected
or becomes a reoccurring problem, your veterinarian will need to search
for an underlying cause.
The above is provided for information purposes only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of any condition.
This information does not cover all possible variables, conditions, reactions, or risks relating to any topic, medication, or product and should not
be considered complete. Certain products or medications may have risks and you should always consult your local veterinarian concerning the treatment of
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