Canine Staph infections are among the most common disorder that can affect your dog. A staph bacterium can be found on most dogs' skin and it usually causes no problems on its own. The staph infection is triggered by other medical problems. Your dog should respond well to treatment of a canine staph infection.
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Causes
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According to vetinfo.com, staph infections generally are triggered by allergies or a similar inflammation that goes deep into the pores of the skin. Some allergies that can set off a staph infection may include grass, fertilizer or pollen. The allergy inflames the skin and your dog starts scratching, bringing an onset of a staph infection. A staph infection develops from a bacterium and finds its way into open cuts and sores on the skin. It can also enter and cause infection in the ears.
Diagnosis
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Diagnosis begins with a thorough physical examination by your veterinarian. He may order a skin culture and sensitivity test to determine the best antibiotic for your dog's needs. To get a definitive answer to your dog's staph infection, your vet may require further blood tests, allergy tests and skin biopsies.
Symptom
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There may be signs of yellow pustules on the skin, red ulcerated skin, and dry crusted skin areas, loss of fur, and uncontrollable itchiness and scratching by your dog, which are all definite signs of a skin disorder such as a staph infection.
Treatment
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The most common treatment is with antibiotics for a period of six weeks. For long term treatment it may be necessary to stimulate your dog's immune system through medications. You may also want to bathe your dog with an antibiotic shampoo. If there are lesions on your dog due to the staph infection, hair around the sores may need to be removed and the lesions treated with a prescription ointment or cream.
You may need to isolate your dog during the treatment period and be sure to sanitize his belongings, keeping his area clean. This also helps in warding off the recurrence of a staph infection.
Prevention/Solution
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Keeping your dog's skin in healthy condition can help to ward off diseases such as staph infections. Help starts from the inside out with a proper diet, avoiding additives. Choose more natural foods with nutritious ingredients and no byproducts. Be sure that omega-3 is one of the listed ingredients in its diet. Keeping your dog's bed and personal belongings free from bacteria growth will benefit your dog as well as a bath when there is the presence of "doggy smell." Be attentive to your dog's skin every week to be sure there are no sores, rashes or parasites that could be causing problems. A little preventative measure will go a long way to provide your dog with a healthy skin and coat, free from staph infections.
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