Warning Signs that Indicate Your Dog Has a Skin Infection

No matter how clean you keep your pets, there might be certain days when you find your dogs with some of itching that might be the result of a skin infection. Bacterial and fungal infections mostly appearing on the skin can have your dog feeling itchy, flaky, crusty and moist. Redness, inflammation and odor may also be an issue and not to mention recurring health concerns when it comes to infections such as yeast dermatitis or staph infections. 

Skin problems are fairly common in dogs and can indicate possible underlying health issues. In this post, we have curated some important details and advice about skin infections as suggested by some of the most experienced vets from top pets hospital Newport Beach. This can be helpful in understanding what to do if your dog’s licking, scratching or other symptoms of skin diseases are making it uncomfortable for him.

Causes of Skin Infection in Dogs

Many bacteria and fungi live on the skin of our pets but are controlled by the immune system and often do not cause issues under normal conditions. A pet doctor in Newport Beach suggested that the problem arises when skin conditions change or the immune system becomes suppressed, then the chances of bacterial and fungal infections can result. Immune deficiencies are caused by an increase in the number of oils produced on the skin and thus produce yeast infections.

• Staph Infections

Vets at an animal hospital in Newport Beach, when talking about staph infections, they state that the skin can generally become irritated when a dog excessively scratches, chews or licks the skin. If your dog has an allergy to certain medications, food or environmental factors, or some kind of fleas then you may start to notice these behaviors.

• Allergies related to Food and the environment

Dogs also catch allergies in the same way as humans. The allergic reactions tend to occur due to particular ingredients in their food or the environment in general. Allergy-causing agents like pollen grains and dust exist in the air and can cause an itching sensation in your dog’s skin. When the itching starts, your dogs will continuously scratch their skin that might eventually lead to sores and scabs. You can also find some lumps in their nostrils and ears. When you notice any of the signs, immediately seek your vet right away.

• Mange

Mites are the organisms that cause mange disease in dogs. Mange usually causes extreme itchiness, which leads to wounds, sores, hair loss and scabs. There are two types of mange known as Sarcoptic and Demodectic mange. Sarcoptic mange is known to be contagious and requires immediate treatment. Hence, if you have more than one pet then you must keep them apart until you treat the infected dog to prevent the others from getting infected.

What are the Symptoms of Skin Infection in Dogs?

The common symptoms of a skin infection may vary from the type of infection your dog has. The experts at one of the Irvine animal hospitals have stated some symptoms of different skin infections.

• Fungal Infection or Yeast Dermatitis.

The most common clinical signs of yeast dermatitis infection include:

1. Thickened skin is also known as elephant skin.
2. Flaky and crusty skin.
3. Redness and itchiness in the infected area.
4. Foul odor.
5. Chronic ear infections.
6. Hyperpigmentation.

• Staph Infection

The most common clinical signs and symptoms of a staph infection include:

1. Excessive itching, licking and chewing.
2. Infection in eyes, ears, skin or respiratory system.
3. Patchy fur with peeling and crusty skin.
4. Inflamed skin.
5. Chronic Pain.
6. Pus-filled lesions.

Treatment Process to Help Your Dog

The major advantage is that almost all of the infections are treatable such as Yeast dermatitis infections can be treated with the help of oral or topical treatments which are based on the severity of your dog’s condition. These medications are highly effective but they must be given for a prolonged period up to a period of certain months. These drugs can have side effects on the liver that will require close monitoring with the help of routine blood tests. 

Staph infections can be treated with the help of oral antibiotics. Antibacterial shampoo or topical ointments can also be used for these types of skin infections. Well, it all depends on the severity of the infection and thus treatment may take several weeks to have its effect. Staph infections can be passed between dogs and further from dogs to humans, thus extra care should be taken while handling and treating your dog.

Bottom Line:

While yeast infections are not so malign, they will often come and go unless the underlying skin condition or allergy is addressed and treated. Certain breeds may be genetically vulnerable to yeast infections such as Lhasa Apso, Poodle, Dachshund, Shetland Sheepdog, West Highland White Terrier, Maltese Terrier, Cocker Spaniel, Basset hound, Australian Terrier, Silky Terrier, and Chihuahua. So kindly handle them with care with proper vet visits and preventive measures.