Determining the precise cause of a skin infection can be challenging, and often requires an exhaustive medical history review and various diagnostic tests.
Skin cytology (in which samples from affected areas of your dog’s skin are examined under a microscope), fungal and bacterial culture and sensitivity testing, and blood tests designed to detect conditions that lead to repeated infections are all options that should be explored further.
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Antibiotics
Most skin infections in dogs are bacterial in nature and antibiotics will typically be prescribed to treat them; typically oral antibiotics. It’s important to also identify and address the underlying condition to help minimize recurrences; such as allergies, hormone imbalances or hereditary diseases.
Pyoderma, commonly caused by Staphylococcus pseudintermedius bacteria, is one of the most prevalent bacterial skin diseases afflicting dogs and should always be present on their skin, but when their immune systems become compromised due to allergies or hormone imbalances it allows this bacteria to enter their bodies and lead to infection.
Vets typically prescribe shampoo and antibacterial medication to address bacterial infections in pets, which will usually help clean the skin, reduce foul odors and eliminate discomfort experienced by animals. They may also advise cutting away hair over affected areas so it can be flushed or drained to speed recovery and aid in recovery.
Topical Antibacterial Products
Topical antibiotic washes are an effective way of ridding dogs of bacteria, eliminating scales and mitigating foul odours associated with skin infections. They’re especially useful for dogs that tend to engage in behavior like licking, chewing or scratching that spread infection, as well as those who possess long and thick coats that impede airflow to areas affected by an infection.
Pyoderma is a bacterial skin infection caused by Staphylococcus pseudintermedius bacteria found naturally on a dog’s skin; however, when their protective barrier is compromised this bacteria can enter and lead to inflammation (dermatitis). Because Pyoderma can spread from dog to human environments with careless handling or in kennels without good sanitation practices in place, proper hygiene must always be practiced at home or kennels where dogs reside.
Antibiotics are commonly prescribed to treat pyoderma; however, due to bacterial resistance being prevalent it’s best to visit your veterinarian as soon as possible to diagnose and treat its cause. Impression cytology may help in identifying bacteria which in turn helps determine which antibiotic will provide optimal relief.
Yeast Infections
Malassezia pachydermatis, commonly known as Malassezia yeast infections are caused by a fungus known as Malassezia pachydermatis that resides on most dogs’ skin and gut. Under normal circumstances it’s kept under control by their immune systems, but certain triggers may activate this opportunistic organism to overpopulate its surroundings resulting in itchy, flaky, sour-smelling skin known as yeast dermatitis – often in armpits, feet or areas with skin folds.
If your dog exhibits symptoms of yeast infections like sour odor, redness and itchy skin in certain areas, their vet can diagnose this by conducting an exam and collecting samples from affected areas to examine under a microscope. They may use cotton swabs or impression smears (where tape and microscope slides are pressed onto skin to collect samples for examination), which will then be stained to show where yeast colonies exist.
Surgery
Skin infections account for 20% to 70% of cases seen at veterinary hospitals and can often be caused by Staphylococcus bacteria, with superficial and deep forms being distinguished by whether they affect only superficial layers or deeper layers. Affected dogs typically exhibit purulent discharge and scabs; itchy dogs may lick or bite at them to increase severity of infection. Certain breeds like Shar Peis, Bulldogs, or those with excessive folds such as pugs are particularly prone to this condition.
To identify an infection, several skin smears must first be collected and evaluated under a microscope for signs of bacterial growth. Hair may also be extracted for analysis to assess if there are parasites, mites or genetic disease invading. Bloodwork and urine analysis may be required in order to ascertain if an infection may be an indicator of something more serious such as compromised immunity.
