Pyoderma in Puppies

Pyoderma is a specific type of nonfatal skin infection. It occurs often in litters of puppies, where shared living conditions are tight.

  1. The Facts

    • Pyoderma is a skin infection caused by Staphylococcus intermedius. It occurs in puppies that have compromised immune systems, or are infected with a particularly aggressive strain of bacteria.

    Symptoms

    • Pyoderma presents as yellow pustules on a puppy's skin. The area may become red, inflamed and eventually crusty.

    Location

    • Infected areas usually pop up on a dog's trunk. On puppies the infection may spread to the abdomen.

    Conctraction

    • Puppies contract pyoderma from their mothers' saliva. Because mother dogs lick their puppies to keep them clean, entire litters may be affected.

    Treatment

    • Pyoderma is not fatal, even in young puppies. Treatments for the infection include antibacterial washes, ointments and oral medications.