Dog Skin Infections: Common Causes, Signs, and Treatment Options

As concerned pet parents, skin infections are the number one reason you and your pets have sleepless nights. With the constant scratching, licking, and biting, your pets are signaling that there is a skin irritation or infection that needs to be addressed.

Skin infections happen to be the most common reason we find pet owners visiting us at BCS Pune Veterinary Hospital. Skin conditions can be due to various factors, from bacteria and hormonal imbalances to allergies and underlying medical conditions. They can cause severe discomfort and may lead to complications if not addressed in the early stages. Quick action can keep your fur baby safe from harm, discomfort, and pain.

What Are Skin Infections in Dogs?

Early signs like red or bald patches on your dog’s skin are the first signs of an infection. These patches can be caused by parasites, bacteria, or fungi, or even autoimmune conditions. The root cause of a skin infection can only be determined through medical checkups conducted at your local vet.

Your dog’s skin is a vital organ to moderate their body temperature, and any irritation can disturb the overall function, leaving them restless and uneasy. Hence, it is crucial to get skin abnormalities checked immediately. This will also avoid any irritation caused by scratching or licking and prevent the infection from spreading.

Common Causes of Dog Skin Infections

In India, due to the extremely humid climatic conditions, several patients complain about skin conditions, infections, and scaling. However, we can prevent the spread of any contagious diseases or infections on the dog’s skin if the dogs are brought to us earlier. Hence, at BCS Pune Hospital, we instruct all our clients and pet parents to follow routine checks to contain the infection and provide quick and effective treatment before it spreads. Here’s what you can look out for when checking your dog before bringing them to us.

At no cost, you should not self-medicate or diagnose, as your vet can determine and treat these conditions with specialised medical equipment for the right type of bacteria, fungi, or allergen that may have affected your pet.

Symptoms of Skin Infections

In BCS Pune Vet Hospital, we’ve noticed that no matter how clean you may keep your pet or how careful you are during your walks, there are always parasites and bacteria that come in contact with your pet. You can use the symptom list below to help your doctor determine what skin condition your dog may have.

• Itching and Scratching: If you notice your pet scratching or pawing their face or belly constantly, especially during the night, it could be the onset of a skin infection.
• Redness and Inflammation: If you notice bright patches that are hot to the touch, it could be skin inflammation. This could worsen quickly; immediate action is required.
• Hair Loss (Alopecia): If sudden bald spots develop on your pet’s body or thinning of fur when you rub their body, this could be the beginning of alopecia.
• Odour and Discharge: If your pet’s skin has a foul smell, yellow crusts, or weepy sores, this could indicate an autoimmune condition. Vet care is urgently required.
• Scaling and Flaking: If your pet has dry, dandruff-like skin or you notice paws have thickened or become scaly, then it’s time for a vet visit to get your pet tested for skin infection.
• Lumps or Hot Spots: If your pet’s skin becomes extremely wet from excessive licking, it could indicate a skin infection on the rise.

Early spots appear localised in pedigrees vs. widespread on strays, and act swiftly.

How Skin Infections Are Diagnosed

At BCS Pune Veterinary Hospital, our team conducts a thorough diagnosis with the help of a complete examination. We also check the history of illnesses and allergies. For parasites, we conduct a skin scrape test. To check if there is a bacterial infestation, swabs are tested under the microscope. Fungal cultures confirm if there is a presence of ringworm. And biopsies are performed to probe deep issues for tumours, while allergy tests pinpoint triggers.

Just like in humans, we cannot pinpoint the cause of a rash; it could be either an allergic reaction to food, an autoimmune condition, or a sunburn. Only a dermatologist would advise the best course of action to ease the discomfort with the right medication and lotions; similarly, avoid self-diagnosis, as the symptoms you notice could mean a lot of things for your dog, too.

Treatment Options for Skin Infections

It is tempting to use over-the-counter (OTC) pet products like shampoos, powders, and sprays in an attempt to give your pet quick relief. However, it is best to buy vet-recommended pet products for your dog’s skin. This is to avoid unnecessary reactions and the spread of the infection. Avoid home remedies too, as some kitchen essentials and human drugs could prove to be toxic to dogs.

Skin infections take a while to show improvement, so you need to be patient. In a week or so, you will see positive results. It takes a minimum of 3 – 6 weeks for your pet to fully recover. Keep your pet hydrated, ensure the food is nutritious, and their surroundings are clean, cool, and quiet for a quick recovery.

Home Care and Hygiene Tips

When it comes to home care and hygiene practices for your pet, there should be no compromises. Follow a routine for bathing, fur brushing, and bed cleaning. Ensure the products are safe and pet-friendly to use regularly. Taking these small steps helps keep your pet safe and healthy in the long run.

• Baths: Bathe your dog regularly with medicated and gentle shampoos that are approved by your vet. Dry thoroughly to avoid damp spots, and sunbathe ideally for 15 – 20 mins thereafter.
• Brushing: After every walk, brush your pet to remove dried leaves, debris, or insects that may have found their way to your pet’s body. Check hot spots like armpits, inner thighs, and the groin area for rashes or tick bites. For long-furred dogs, do a complete rubdown to ensure they are completely dry.
• Hypoallergenic wipes: After walks, instead of wet wipes for humans or children, use hypoallergenic wipes in hot and humid climates or after mucky walks.
• Moisturiser: Apply vet-approved unscented oils if your pet has dry skin. Do not use human products, as the ingredients could be toxic for your pets.
• Bedding: Regularly vacuuming and cleaning of your dog’s bed and surrounding areas helps to keep unwanted bugs, ticks, and pathogens away. Fumigation of the house also helps keep bugs away.

Preventing Skin Infections in Dogs

Here are a few approaches to keep your dog’s skin healthy and protected.

• Grooming: Keep your pet well-groomed at all times; this is key to maintaining healthy and infection-free skin.
• Diet: Follow a balanced diet, and supplement your pet’s diet with essential fatty acids and omega to help improve their skin health.
• Environment: Keep your dog’s surroundings and living space clean. This helps your pet stay free from allergens and prevents skin infections from recurring. Check your garden spaces and pets’ bedding are clean, dry, and pathogen-free, especially during the monsoons.
• Check-ups: Maintain a calendar for regular vet visits; this helps to detect and treat potential skin issues.

When to Seek Veterinary Help

As devoted dog parents, your dog’s health is your topmost priority. If you notice your dog itching or licking excessively, red bumps or patches forming, or excessive shedding of fur, it’s time for you to seek help from your trusted vet. Applying home remedies or using human medication or lotions can delay the healing process and sometimes can be dangerous to your pet’s health. Don’t wait for rashes or skin infections to heal on their own – you never know if there could be an underlying condition or something more serious than you expect. Contact your local vet and seek their opinion sooner rather than later.