A Pup Parent's Guide to Dog Skin Infections
Dog skin infections are no fun for anyone in your family. Here’s what to do if your dog is itchy, red, or uncomfortable.
Key takeaways:
There are all kinds of dog skin infections, so identifying the issue is the first step.
Allergic reactions can come from food, dog care products, or environmental irritants.
Scratching ears or biting toes might indicate a yeast infection.
Sores, bumps, scabs, or unusual shedding with scaly skin may signal folliculitis.
Impetigo comes with pus-filled blisters on your dog's hairless abdomen.
A rash and dandruff may be seborrhea.
Ringworm can spread to humans, so you’ll want to contact your vet.
Just like humans, dogs can suffer from a range of skin infections that require different treatments. If your pup is itchy and irritated, this guide will point you in the right direction. It covers the most common dog skin infections, what to do when they occur, and how to avoid them.
Yeast infections
If your dog is obsessively scratching their ears or chewing their toes, a yeast infection may be the culprit. Yeast can grow in the soft and moist areas of your dog's body. Besides a lot of scratching, expect to see itchy or discolored skin. Oral drugs, medicated sprays, and medicated baths can all help alleviate the pain and yeast. You can get a lot of these products over the counter, but it’s best to check with your vet to be on the safe side.
Folliculitis
This bacterial dog skin infection causes sores, bumps, and scabs. If your pup is short-haired, you'll be able to see the signs of infection on their skin. Long-haired dogs tend to hide folliculitis under their fur, but symptoms include a dull coat or excessive shedding with scaly skin. You can treat it with oral antibiotics or antibacterial ointments and shampoos, but keep in mind that folliculitis often comes with other issues as well like mange, allergies, or injuries. Be sure you treat the underlying cause as well.
Impetigo
Impetigo is most common in puppies, but it can occur in dogs of all ages. It typically appears on the hairless part of your dog's abdomen and comes with unattractive pus-filled blisters that break open and crust over. Don't worry, though, because impetigo is often not as bad as it looks. You can treat it with a topical solution, but seek a vet’s care in the rare event that the infection spreads or doesn't go away.
Seborrhea
This dog skin infection comes with a rash and dandruff. Generally, it's a medical complication related to allergies or hormonal changes, but it can be a genetic disease that starts when your pup is young and lasts for life. If your dog has these symptoms while young, reach out to a vet. Otherwise, you can use a medicated shampoo to treat the symptoms and reduce your dog's discomfort. Then, it's time to treat the underlying cause. Neutering and spaying can help your dog avoid hormonal imbalances.
Ringworm
The telltale signs of ringworm include ring-shaped circular patches that appear on your dog's head, paws, ears, or forelegs. These lesions are often accompanied by inflammation, scaly patches, and hair loss. Pups less than a year old are the most likely to contract it, but older dogs can certainly get it. This infection spreads quickly, too, so make sure to isolate dogs with this condition and keep other pets away.
Ringworm can also spread to humans, and it's particularly concerning if you have a compromised immune system. You may need to keep your distance from your pup while they are treated. To treat it, use a topical therapy cream coupled with an oral anti-fungal drug. Consult your vet if you see this dog skin infection.
Allergic dermatitis
Allergic dermatitis can look like an infection, but it's just an allergic reaction. Your dog's skin allergies can come from care products, food, insect bites, pollens, or other environmental irritants. As soon as you notice an issue, think about what's changed in your dog's life:
Have you introduced new products or changed their diet?
Were they rolling around in different plants?
Or getting too close to another pup at the dog park?
Any of these activities could cause an allergic reaction. Try to pinpoint the allergen and avoid it in the future. For intense reactions, call your vet.
A change in the color or texture of your dog's skin can indicate that they have a skin infection. Dry flakey skin and red inflamed hotspots that don't heal are other signs. Keep an eye out for infections, and take a proactive approach to your dog's care.
Protect your dog's skin – contact Scenthound today
Routine care and basic hygiene helps keep your dog clean and healthy. Working with our professional team of SCENT Techs is peace of mind that a trained professional is well-acquainted with your pup and can help identify any small issues before they turn into bigger problems. We are your source for the routine care and grooming of your pup's Skin, Coat, Ears, Nails, and Teeth.
Book an appointment at your nearest Scenthound location today.