My Dog Has Sores on His Back That Look Like Impetigo

As with any health-related condition affecting your dog, seek the assistance of a veterinarian when trying to diagnose and treat it. However, if you are currently unable to take your dog to a vet, several common conditions can cause these sores, many of which you may be able to treat at home. If the sores persist, worsen or become infected, seek professional treatment. If cost is the issue, your local animal services department may provide free or low-cost veterinary services.

  1. Allergies

    • Dogs are as prone to food, pollen, dust, mold and flea allergies as humans, and this propensity is one of the most common reasons for skin sores. Especially if it enjoys being outdoors and rolling around on the ground, your dog could be suffering flea allergy dermatitis, as its skin reacts to flea bites and the fecal matter of the fleas in his fur. A thorough bath in a medicated shampoo preparation for dogs and regular dosing with over-the-counter flea treatments will help calm this problem. If your dog appears to scratch the sores frequently, spray the area with a solution of one part tea tree oil to one part water to help soothe the itching. To eliminate a food allergy, try changing your dog's diet to see whether the condition improves. You can also treat allergies effectively with antihistamines, which can stop the itching, reduce swelling and fight airborne allergens. Vets recommend a dose of 1 mg per 1 lb. of dog weight. When using antihistamine products, check to ensure that the only active ingredient is diphenhydramine; alcohol and other active ingredients can impede the treatment. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids also increases the effectiveness of antihistamines in dogs.

    Impetigo

    • While it occurs more commonly in puppies than adult dogs and usually occurs on the hairless abdomen and not the back, your dog may be suffering from impetigo. This bacterial infection exhibits pus-filled blisters that break and form a crust. Treat it with a topical solution. Bathing the dog twice weekly for a month in benzoyl peroxide shampoo will also help.

    Folliculitis

    • If your dog's sores are accompanied by bumps, scabs, scaling and a dull coat, it may have folliculitis --- often present along with other conditions such as allergies, mange or an injury. If antibacterial lotions and shampoos do not help, you may need to give your dog a course of antibiotics to combat the condition.

    Mange

    • Mites cause demodectic and sarcoptic mange in dogs. Canine scabies or sarcoptic mange can spread easily among dogs and can also be transferred to humans. Red skin sores, intense itching and hair loss around the face, ears, legs and back are common symptoms. Regular baths and brushing play an important role in preventing mange. Once the dog is infected, you must wash all its bedding and put the dog on a course of antibiotics.

    Hot Spots

    • Acute moist dermatitis is commonly called "hotspots" since the affected areas are red and inflamed and hot to the touch. They can occur as a result of excessive licking and chewing, allergies, infections and insect bites. Treatment consists of bathing and soothing affected areas while addressing underlying conditions.