There are several different types of skin infections found in canines. Each type of infection has a different cause and cure. Some infections are isolated to the one animal, and others might spread to numerous dogs and even humans. Being able to identify the type of skin infection that has attacked your pet is crucial for treatment. Until a diagnosis has been made, it is important to be extremely careful handling the animal.
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Staphylococci
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Staph is the most common cause of bacterial skin infections found in dogs. The infection cannot be spread to people or even to other animals. The infection is identified by yellow and red ulcer-type itchy spots on the dog. The dog loses its hair in the area. The sore might have an odor and puss.
Although the spots might be found on any part of the body, the dog's chin is the most common place for a sore. In most cases, the infection caused from staph is healed through several baths of antibiotic solution.
Ringworm
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Ringworm is a fungal skin infection. This infection is predominantly found in young pups. The animal will have dry, round and crusty areas of hair loss. These are typically on the head and legs.
A veterinarian likely will identify the problem using an ultraviolet light to reveal the fungus. The fungus is contagious and can be spread to both animals and people. Caution should be used when exposing the dog to children.
Ringworm is healed through bathing the dog with special fungicide shampoos.
Parasitic Skin Infections
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Fleas, mites and ticks can cause parasitic skin infections in dogs. This infection is most commonly seen in the form of mange. The dog will lose its hair and have red and itchy skin. A special type of dip is used to rid the dog of the infection caused by the parasite.
Ear mites also can cause a parasitic skin infection in the ear. The ear might appear to have black dirt in it and be crusted with dry blood from scratching. Ear mite infections are cleared through cleaning the ears and using ointments from the vet.
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