Symptoms of MRSA in Canines

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections can be deadly if not treated properly. A dog can show many symptoms if he has a MRSA or staph infection. However, the biggest sign is excessive scratching. MRSA can be caused by many different things such as fleas, allergies and flea or tick dips.

  1. Skin Lesions

    • Red areas on the dog's skin that seem "pimple-like" and have a bump in the middle are cause for alarm. These skin lesions can be a definite sign of MRSA infection in dogs.

    Crusty Appearance

    • The skin lesion may appear to be crusty especially on the dog's belly.

    Itching

    • Itching is another symptom commonly seen with MRSA. The dog will itch the infected spot, which can also worsen the already present lesions. Severe infections can lead to severe itching.

    Wound Draining

    • The more severe the infection, the more likely it is that the lesion will "manifest draining areas," according to Dog & Horse Skin Care (see Resources). This can be pus draining from the wound, which can also dry and matte the fur around the wound. This draining can also cause the crusty appearance of mild skin lesions.

    Hair Loss

    • Because of the severe itching associated with MRSA infections, hair loss can be another symptom, especially around the infected area where the dog is most likely to scratch.