How to treat dog skin infection

Pyoderma is defined as a bacterial skin infection. Pyoderma may also be referred to as impetigo, especially in young puppies.

What are the clinical signs of pyoderma?

The most common clinical signs associated with pyoderma are papules or pustules that form on the skin. These lesions often look similar to pimples in humans. They are most often red and raised, with a white pus-filled center.

Other signs include circular crusts, dry or flaky patches of skin, hair loss, and itching. In short-haired breeds, the coat may appear to protrude or stick up in areas, mimicking hives, or it may appear moth-eaten because of patchy hair loss. Some cases may involve a moist layer on the skin or a musty odor, particularly in between toes or skin folds.

What causes pyoderma in dogs?

Bacterial skin infection occurs when the skin's surface has been broken, the skin has become injured due to chronic exposure to moisture, the normal skin bacteria have been altered or changed, the blood flow to the skin has become impaired, or the immune system has been suppressed.

A specific type of pyoderma is skin fold pyoderma that develops in skin folds, such as facial folds, lip folds, tail folds, and in the groin or armpits. It may develop between the mammary glands in females that have had multiple litters of pups. It may also occur secondary to obesity when adjacent skin folds upon itself. The skin folds allow the surface of the two adjacent areas to lie in close contact, creating a warm, humid environment. In the presence of moisture, the normal skin bacteria then multiply, creating an infection in the fold.

Certain breeds appear to be predisposed to the condition. These include:

• Spaniels with lip fold pyoderma • Pekingese, Pugs, Boxer Dogs, and Bulldogs with facial fold pyoderma affecting the wrinkles on the face and nose

• Shar-Pei and other breeds with loose skin and skin folds.

"Pyoderma is often secondary to allergic dermatitis and develops in the abrasions on the skin's surface that occur as a result of scratching."

Pyoderma is often secondary to allergic dermatitis and develops in the abrasions on the skin's surface that occur as a result of scratching. Puppies often develop puppy pyoderma in thin-haired areas such as the groin and underarms. Fleas, ticks, yeast, or fungal skin infections, thyroid disease or hormonal imbalances, heredity, and some medications (immunosuppressive drugs and higher doses of steroids) may increase the risk of your pet developing pyoderma.

How is pyoderma diagnosed?

A diagnosis of pyoderma is often based on your pet's clinical signs and medical history. Additional tests, such as blood tests to determine if your pet has an endocrine disease such as hypothyroidism or hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease), skin cytology (looking at a skin swab or tape prep under the microscope), skin culture and antibiotic sensitivity tests, and fungal cultures may be performed. In cases associated with allergic dermatitis, tests may be performed to determine your dog's specific allergies.

How is pyoderma treated?

The typical treatment for pyoderma is antibiotic therapy for a minimum of three to four weeks. In chronic or recurrent cases, it is important to perform a skin culture and antibiotic sensitivity test to ensure that the proper antibiotic is used. Antibiotics in these cases may be needed for 8 to 12 weeks. Common antibiotics include amoxicillin (Amoxi-Tabs®, Amoxi-Drops® or Robamox®), cephalexin (Rilexine®, Keflex®, Vetolexin®), and clindamycin (Antirobe®, Cleocin®) whereas more resistant bacteria may end up needing a drug such as enrofloxacin (Baytril®).

Topical treatment includes sprays and medicated shampoos containing benzoyl peroxide, sulfur with salicylic acid, or chlorhexidine, which may need to be used once or twice per week for three to four weeks. Additionally, it is important that your pet has clean, dry, padded bedding. If allergies are the underlying cause, antihistamines or lower doses of steroids may be used at the same time before longer-term medications are determined.

"...it is important that your pet has clean, dry, padded bedding."

Skin folds may need to be clipped and often benefit from the use of medicated wipes containing some of the above topical ingredients. The most important aspect here is to keep the area dry and practice good hygiene.

In extreme cases, surgery may be necessary to reduce or remove the skin folds.

What is the prognosis for my pet's condition?

The prognosis for uncomplicated pyoderma in the majority of cases is good to excellent. Most cases of pyoderma resolve with oral antibiotics and/or topical therapy. Chronic or recurrent cases may require additional testing to determine if there is an underlying condition contributing to the bacterial skin infection. Routine bathing with medicated shampoos can minimize recurrences.

Bacterial skin infections in dogs often result from an underlying immune disorder. The most common predisposing causes include allergies (inhalant/contact, food, and/or flea bite). Hormonal conditions such as hypothyroidism or Cushing's Disease of the adrenal gland, and diseases such as liver disease, kidney disease, and even cancer may predispose many dogs to bacterial skin infections. Symptoms of skin infections (also known as pyoderma) include scaling, crustiness, hair loss, and the development of papules, pustules, and pus/discharge on the skin. Your veterinarian can diagnosis pyoderma by visual exam; however, definitive diagnosis may require examination of hair and discharge, and skin cultures of the lesions. Follow the steps below to treat your dog's bacterial skin infection:

Clean the infection or wound
Most dogs with bacterial skin infections should have the affected areas flushed and cleaned as often as possible. In cases where the hair is matted, it may be necessary to have the hair clipped in order to allow air to access to the areas and give the infection ample opportunity to heal. Topical antibacterial soaps and shampoos can help such as KetoChlor Shampoo or Malapet Shampoo. It is often necessary to shampoo pets once to twice a week, while also using any prescribed antibiotic therapy for maximal chances of recovery.

Kill bacteria and provide itch relief
Many excellent topical antibacterial products can be used with antibiotic and shampoo therapy. An excellent product, Be Soothed Tea Tree Oil Skin Relief contains natural tea tree oil, which is a powerful antibacterial and antifungal compound. It can be applied up to 2-3 times daily on affected areas of the skin. Betagen Topical Spray is another effective product that contains the antibiotic gentamycin and the anti-inflammatory betamethasone, and is particularly useful in localized areas of infection as well as hot spots in dogs.

Consult your veterinarian
Bacterial skin infections often occur in dogs secondarily to underlying skin allergies, hormonal (endocrine) disorders, or other internal disease. Through a combination of shampoo therapy and antibiotics, the prognosis for your dog's recovery from a bacterial skin infection is excellent.

Skin infections are relatively common in dogs, especially among those who spend a lot of time roughhousing outdoors or have underlying allergic diseases. When your dog gets cut or scratched, they create an opportunity for a bacterial infection. This can be from bacteria that normally live on their skin and coat or from bacteria in the environment. Chronic skin conditions can also lead to bacterial infections. And just like with humans, infections may come with painful symptoms and, if left untreated, lead to severe illness. 

Taking care of your dog’s skin is an important contributor to their overall health. Read on to learn more about common causes of bacterial skin infections in dogs, how to recognize this type of infection and the medications used to treat dog skin infection. 

The medical term for skin infections in dogs is pyoderma. This broad term refers to infections originating from fungal or bacterial organisms. There are many reasons your pup might have a bacterial infection, most leading back to broken skin. When your dog is bitten by an insect, scrapes themselves while playing or gets into an altercation, for example, their wound can become vulnerable. 

To make matters worse, many dogs who have a wound or bite on their skin will chew at it or scratch it to help ease their discomfort. These natural responses may exacerbate the size of the injury and further upset the balance of good vs. bad bacteria, possibly leading to a fungal and/or bacterial infection in the dog’s skin. 

Dogs are also susceptible to skin infections if they have chronic skin conditions or underlying allergic disease. If your pooch experiences regular hair loss or red skin, be on the lookout for infections. Basically, any time your dog has broken skin, there is an opportunity for bacteria, fungus and other organisms to creep in. 

Types of bacterial skin infections in dogs

Bacterial infections can affect dogs differently depending on the type of infection that forms. Many veterinarians distinguish varieties of bacterial infections based on how deep they penetrate the skin of your pup. Here are three common categories of bacterial skin infections—or pyodermas.

• Surface pyoderma If your dog has this type of infection, the bacteria has not spread beyond the surface of the skin. While you may notice inflammation, more serious symptoms may not arise. Surface pyodermas include skin fold pyodermas, which often occur in dogs with face wrinkles, and hot spots known medically as pyotraumatic pyoderma.
  
• Superficial pyodermas These bacterial skin infections can penetrate the stratum corneum layer of the skin. A superficial pyoderma may appear as impetigo—an infection of the hair follicles—or bacterial overgrowth syndrome. Bacterial folliculitis is one of the most common superficial pyodermas found in dogs. 
  
• Deep pyodermas The deepest bacterial infections in dogs’ skin are thankfully also the least common. These infections are usually severe and can affect the deep tissues. If your pup does develop a deep pyoderma, they can experience symptoms ranging from painful abscesses to chin acne to the rupture of infected hair follicles. Deep pyodermas can also progress to blood-borne infections and become medical emergencies.
  

Your dog’s bacterial skin infection can originate from a few different sources. While only a veterinarian can diagnose which bacteria is the culprit for your pet’s problems, here are some of the most common ones that can cause infections in dogs.

• Staphylococcus pseudintermedius While this type of bacterium is most commonly found in pets, it can be passed to humans and cause severe infections in both. It’s most often found on the skin, mouth, nose and in the stomach of dogs and is relatively harmless until your pet gets sick, at which point it can take advantage of their weakened immune system. It typically causes skin and ear infections and is the most common cause of pyodermas in dogs.
  
• Coagulase-negative staphylococci Less common than staphylococcus pseudintermedius, this group of bacteria is also found on the skin and is usually harmless. However, it can cause more serious infections due to its inability to form coagulase, an enzyme that assists in blood clotting. It can infect the bloodstream as well as skin tissue and can be more resistant to methicillin treatments.
  
• Streptococcus Due to their less developed immune systems, puppies and older dogs are more susceptible to this bacterium. It is most commonly contracted when it comes into contact with a dog’s wound or surgical incision and can cause pain, fever, coughing, lethargy, pneumonia and abscesses. Common treatments include antibiotics and rehydration. 
  
• Acinetobacter Unlike other bacteria that form naturally on the skin, nose or mouth, Acinetobacter is usually found in soil and water. It can spread very quickly through contact, live for long periods on surfaces, and is notoriously resistant to multiple kinds of antibiotics in some cases.
  

Symptoms of bacterial skin infections 

Typical symptoms of bacterial skin infections in dogs include red skin, inflammation, chewing behavior and itchiness. You may also notice hair loss or crusted skin. In more severe infections, your dog may experience lethargy and fever. Left untreated, a bacterial infection can also affect other areas of the body. Certain bacteria can cause kidney inflammation or other internal symptoms. 

To properly diagnose your dog, your vet may deploy several—typically noninvasive—tests. These can include tape samples of a skin lesion, an impression smear, skin scrapings for mites, fungal cultures, a Wood’s lamp examination or bacterial culture. In more rare cases, your veterinarian may also want to conduct hormone testing or perform blood work. Combined with a visual assessment of the infected area, your vet can make an informed opinion about the most appropriate path forward. 

Always consult your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has a skin infection, even though many treatments for bacterial infections can be done at home. Many ointments and medications require a prescription from your veterinarian. If your dog’s skin condition results from another underlying condition, they may need additional medication or testing. 

Common dog skin infection treatment options include:

• Thorough cleaning of the infected area Using antibacterial solutions and water to clean the infected skin is typically the first step to beating a bacterial infection. As you gently wash your dog with antibacterial shampoo and warm water, pay close attention to broken skin or obvious disease areas. For crusted skin, you may need to soak the area for a few minutes, if you can get your dog to cooperate. 
  
• Topical treatments Consult your veterinarian about which topical treatment to use. They can make a recommendation based on the type of skin infection you’re trying to resolve. Your dog may be given something with 2% to 4% chlorhexidine to help treat common infections, including staph. Topical treatments include shampoos, sprays or oils. 
• Antibiotic regimens For more serious infections, a round of antibiotics may be appropriate. The best antibiotic for a dog skin infection will be prescribed based on the bacteria in question and will need to be administered orally, topically or through injections for a few weeks. 
• Anti-fungal treatments Even if your dog has a bacterial infection—and not a fungal infection—your veterinarian may still suggest an anti-fungal solution. This can happen when there is too much yeast in the infected area. 

Other at-home treatments

There are some at-home treatments for dogs with bacterial skin infections that may not kill the bacteria but can make your pup feel better. 

Your vet may also approve other anti-itch remedies so long as they don’t interfere with prescribed medication. Ask about oatmeal baths and other soothing skin support products. 

The easiest way to handle dog skin infections is to prevent them from occurring. While you can’t avoid all contact with undesirable bacteria, you can take some proactive steps. 

• Clean skin folds daily. Dogs with wrinkly faces are more prone to bacterial skin infections. Use a warm, clean washcloth to clean between their skin folds at the end of each day. Ensure the area is completely dry after cleaning.
• Give baths after messy play. Rolling around in the dirt or mud isn’t just bad for your carpet. It can also introduce bacteria into small cuts on your dog’s skin that you don’t even know are there. Giving a bath after every day at the park can help prevent bacterial infections in your dog’s skin. 
• Manage allergies. Dogs who have skin allergies tend to scratch a lot and can create wounds that are vulnerable to infection. If you can treat the underlying allergy, your dog may experience fewer skin problems in general, including bacterial infections. 
• Identify underlying conditions. Beyond allergies, your dog may also have underlying skin conditions that are leading to infection. Fleas, tick bites and other irritants are common culprits. Be sure to keep up with your pet’s flea and tick prevention plan. Also treat anything that may cause itchiness so you can limit broken skin on your pup. 

Fast identification of a bacterial infection in your dog’s skin is the simplest way to help prevent a more serious health issue. While a surface-level infection might seem like just an inconvenience, an untreated infection can spread and become more serious. Consult your veterinarian if you think your dog has a skin infection, and prepare for the future by educating yourself on other kinds of infections such as leptospirosis. If you’re looking to establish a lifelong relationship with a vet, explore Petco’s veterinary services options. For more solutions to help keep your dog healthy and happy, check out Petco’s selection of dog vitamins, chews and bones and dog toys.

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