Bacteria, being easily acquired and needing only a warm, moist place to grow, is the most common culprit behind infection in dogs. Infection can happen anywhere on the body, but an infection on the leg may be difficult to heal because it is easily accessible to the dog's mouth, leaving it vulnerable to repeating licking and chewing. This can not only cause the loss of topical medication, but can add moisture and skin abrasions that allow bacteria to take hold and further exacerbate the problem. Antibiotics are formulated specifically to kill bacteria, but the full course of treatment depends upon the underlying cause of the primary infection.
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Oral Antibiotics
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Whether the infection is caused by allergies or a wound, oral antibiotics are the veterinarian's go-to weapon against bacteria. Treatment usually begins with a broad-spectrum antibiotic in conjunction with topical medication for a one-two punch that tends to knock out the infection quickly. Cephalexin, Clavamox and Baytril are the three most commonly prescribed oral antibiotics, and are given twice daily for seven to 10 days.
Topical Antibiotics
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Used for both skin allergies and wounds, topical antibiotics are applied directly to the infected area, and work to not only kill any bacteria already present, but also to prevent new bacteria from gaining a foothold. Medications like Gentocin, Tresaderm and neomycin come in liquid, cream or ointment form, and must be applied three to four times daily after a thorough cleaning of the affected area. The dog will immediately attempt to lick the medication off of its leg, so an Elizabethan collar is necessary unless it can be directly supervised until the medication soaks in.
Medicated Shampoos
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For generalized skin infections, a medicated shampoo is a useful adjunct to systemic and topical treatment. Chlorhexidine or sulfur-based shampoos kill bacteria and prevent secondary infections on the entire surface of the skin, and are also a good way to keep localized infections from spreading. Many owners of dogs who are prone to skin infections use antibacterial shampoos regularly to prevent infection.
Natural Remedies
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Some pet owners prefer to use natural remedies for their pets. These owners rely on herbs and herbal tinctures such as dandelion, echinacea and milk thistle to support their dog's immune system. Instead of killing the bacteria outright, these preparations strengthen the body's natural defenses to allow it to fight off the infection on its own. Always consult your veterinarian before using any herbal remedy to avoid mis-dosing or unfavorable reactions.
Diet Change
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If the bacterial infection is caused by an allergy, a diet change is in order. Your veterinarian may recommend a hypoallergenic diet, or simply a change of protein, but feeding your dog the new food exclusively will reduce the chance of a relapse.
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