How to Treat Dog Skin Infections With Pyodermas

Dogs at least occasionally can suffer from various forms of skin infections. Among the most common is pyoderma. Symptoms of this bacterial infection include lesions, pustules (which are puss-filled swelling), itchiness, discharge and, in some cases, hair loss, or alopecia. Some breeds are more predisposed to pyoderma than others, such as German shepherds and breeds with skin folds, such as bulldogs and pugs. Dogs that suffer from endocrine disease and fungal infections also have a higher chance of developing pyoderma than other dogs.

Things You'll Need

  • Antibiotic
  • Topical ointment
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Instructions

  1. Instructions

    • 1

      Take your dog to the veterinarian to receive a prescription for a topical ointment and an antibiotic.

    • 2

      Apply the topical ointment to the pyoderma, or infected skin, as prescribed by your veterinarian.

    • 3

      Administer the antibiotics to your dog as prescribed by your veterinarian. The veterinarian will have your dog on the antibiotic regimen for at least a month to ensure that the infection has completely left your dog's system.

    • 4

      Observe your dog for any unusual behavior or symptoms, such as fatigue, irritability, vomiting and bleeding. Report any symptoms to your veterinarian, as it could mean that your dog's condition is deteriorating.

    • 5

      Schedule a follow-up visit with your veterinarian when treatment is finished.