Canine Bacterial Skin Diseases

The health of your dog's skin is a good indicator of your pet's overall wellbeing According to "The Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook," dogs have thin skin that is more sensitive to injury than human skin, making them more susceptible to injury. If you don't get the injury treated properly, bacterial infections can make the condition worse.

  1. Puppies

    • Acne or impetigo may occur under 1 year of age.

      Three conditions which may occur in dogs under 1 year old: acne, impetigo and juvenile pyoderma. Acne and impetigo are fluid filled, superficial bumps, located on the chin, lower lip, groin area or abdomen. Juvenile pyoderma, also called puppy strangles, is an abrupt swelling of the face, followed by quick development of sores. All three conditions require you to seek treatment from your veterinarian. Puppy strangles is serious; seek care immediately.

    Acute Moist Dermatitis

    • Acute moist dermatitis, commonly known as hot spots, occurs anywhere on your dog's body, especially on thick-coated dogs. A hot spot is a swollen patch of skin which oozes pus, gives off a foul odor and causes hair loss. Hot spots are very painful and cause severe itching. Treatment entails shaving your dog's hair around the area, applying a topical antibiotic cream, giving an oral antibiotic and generally an oral corticosteroid. Your veterinarian can advise.

    Folliculitis

    • Folliculitis, also known as a hair pore infection, resembles puppy impetigo but it extends to your dog's armpits and chest and may go deep into the skin. It is typically the result of another non-bacterial skin disease injuring the hair follicles. Treatment ranges from giving your dog specialized baths to antibiotics, depending on the root cause of the folliculitus.

    Skin fold pyoderma

    • Pekingese known for having face fold pyoderma.

      Skin fold pyoderma occur when your dog's skin folds (lips, face, vulvar, tail) rub together and cause a raw, moist, foul-smelling, swollen area. Treatment includes cleaning the area with a specialized solution followed by one or two topical creams.

    Mycetoma

    • Mycetoma is caused by different types of fungi invading your dog's body through a wound. They are masses most commonly found on your dog's feet or legs and are often misdiagnosed as an abscess that will not heal. Treatment may involve surgical removal, otherwise the doctor may prescribe medications used to treat mycetoma.