Show Your dog has an invisible ecosystem of good and bad microorganisms (bacteria, yeast and fungus) living on the skin. The skin barrier and skin microbiome work together to help protect the body from external aggressors. An imbalance in the skin microbiome may lead to an overgrowth of bad bacteria, leading to infections. CausesBacterial dermatitis, or a skin infection, is often triggered by an underlying disease, such as:
It occurs when the skin’s natural defenses break down, allowing an overgrowth of common skin bacteria, such as staphylococci. Other organisms, such as yeast and fungus, can also take advantage of the skin changes and multiply. SignsBacterial dermatitis may be generalized (all over the body) or restricted to certain areas such as skin folds, acne or hot spots. While the disease can occur in any dog, certain breeds are more prone to bacterial dermatitis, such as German Shepherds and breeds with skin folds (Pug, SharPei, etc.). TreatmentConsult your veterinarian, who will focus on treating the underlying problem to restore the balance of the skin's microbiome. In some cases, topical therapy alone with the anti-infective product DOUXO® S3 PYO has been shown to be effective.1-3 DOUX0® S3 PYO is an antiseptic product that hydrates and helps support the skin's ecosystem, restoring the delicate balance. DOUXO® is the #1 non-prescription topical brand used and recommended by U.S. veterinarians for dogs with skin infections.4
The following content may contain Chewy links. PetMD is operated by Chewy. What is Pyoderma in Dogs?Pyoderma is the medical term for a bacterial skin infection and it is one of the most common diseases in dogs. Dogs are at increased risk for pyoderma due to many features of their skin. For example, a dog’s skin has a thinner outer barrier and possesses a higher pH than many other species, making it easier for normal bacteria living on the skin to overgrow and for other bacteria to invade. Damage to the normal skin barrier also predisposes dogs to pyoderma. This is often seen with pets who scratch and lick their skin. Any area of the skin can be infected depending on the type of pyoderma affecting your dog. Types of Pyoderma in DogsSurface pyoderma affects the outer skin layer (epidermis). You may see pink, irritated skin, and hair loss. Surface pyoderma includes:
Superficial pyoderma affects the epidermis and part of the hair follicles. You may see redness, circular crusts, bumps, and hair loss. Superficial pyoderma includes:
Deep pyoderma affects lower skin layers (dermis, subcutis): This can occur if superficial pyoderma goes untreated or skin follicles rupture. You may see swelling, purple-looking areas, or draining tracts of infection in addition to redness, crusting, and hair loss. Deep pyoderma includes:
Symptoms of Pyoderma in DogsDogs with pyoderma may have red and itchy skin. You may also see circular crusts, flakiness, areas of hair loss, and pimple-like lesions. If your dog has been scratching or biting its skin, your pet may have visible sores and pus. If your dog has suffered from itchy skin for several weeks or more, you may see the skin get darker and thicker. Dogs with deep pyoderma may have swelling and draining tracts of infection, and experience low energy, loss of appetite, trembling, or other signs of pain. Causes of Pyoderma in DogsPyoderma usually occurs secondary to another illness or disease process. It may occur as a complication of:
A bacterial infection may need to be cleared before additional testing for the underlying cause can be completed. The most common bacterial infection that causes pyoderma is Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, which is responsible for more than 90 percent of cases. This type of bacteria normally inhabits the skin, but it can increase in number and cause problems when the skin barrier is damaged or unhealthy. Other causes include Staphylococcus schleiferi, Staphylococcus aureus (which in rare cases can spread to humans), as well as invaders like E. coli, Pseudomonas, Actinomyces, Nocardia, and others. How Veterinarians Diagnose Pyoderma in DogsIn order to diagnose your dog with pyoderma, your veterinarian will need to start with a physical exam. Based on the presence of certain lesions—such as pustules (bumps that look like pimples)— the veterinarian may be comfortable diagnosing your pet based on what he or she determines from the physical exam. Diagnostic testing is usually necessary, and may include:
Treatment of Pyoderma in DogsUse of an Elizabethan collar (or e-cone) is recommended if your pet is licking or biting its skin. This will prevent reinfection and allow the skin to heal. Medications your veterinarian may recommend include:
If you do not notice an improvement (lesions drying up, reduced itchiness, etc.) after a few days of treatment, please call your veterinarian. Culture and sensitivity may be needed to determine which antibiotic will be effective.
Recovery and Management of Pyoderma in DogsRe-check appointments with your veterinarian will ensure that your dog’s infection has completely cleared before its antibiotic treatment has ended. Treatment may need to be continued for 7 to 14 days past when their skin appears normal, so please do not stop the antibiotics before a full course of treatment has been completed. Ending antibiotic treatment too early can contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance. Infection often needs to be cleared before your veterinarian can begin investigating the underlying cause of the pyoderma. It is important to determine the underlying cause, whether it be allergies, Cushing’s disease, hypothyroidism, or another illness, so your dog doesn’t experience frequent relapses of pyoderma. Length of Treatment for Pyoderma in DogsThe length of treatment will vary depending on the type and severity of your pet’s pyoderma. Many cases of superficial pyoderma require treatments lasting three to four weeks. Deep pyoderma may require treatment that lasts for months. Do not stop treatment without the direct recommendation of your pet’s veterinarian. Pyoderma in Dogs FAQsIs pyoderma in dogs contagious to humans? It is rare for humans to catch pyoderma from their dogs, though it is possible (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus). Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, the most common cause of canine pyoderma, does not lead to disease in humans. Is pyoderma in dogs considered a serious condition? Pyoderma is typically easily treated on an outpatient basis with good outcomes. However, deep pyoderma can be more serious and in rare and extreme cases, require hospitalization. References
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