Can aloe cure dog skin infection

Dog Skin Infections: How To Spot The Signs & When To Seek Treatment

Is your dogs irritated skin giving you cause for concern? Youre not alone. Dogs are extremely prone to skin problems. In fact, skin conditions are the second most common ailment that dog parents face when seeking veterinary care.¹ We have had personal experience with skin issues in dogs before, too.

If your dog is itching or licking incessantly, has crusty dog skin conditions, or has patches of skin that dont look normal, your dog could have a skin infection. Find out what to look out for when its time to see your vet and other need-to-know information about skin infections.

Primary Causes Of Dog Skin Infections

There are two main types of skin infections in dogs: yeast and bacteria infections. Both yeast and bacteria normally reside on your dogs skin, but when something irritates them, they can proliferate, causing an infection. Many things can cause yeast and/or bacteria to multiply, but here are some of the most common causes:

• Excessive licking, chewing, or scratching
• Allergies to environmental factors, like pollen, dust, dust mites, mold, etc.
• Food allergies

As a pet parent, it can be difficult to determine whether your dog is suffering from a bacterial or yeast skin infection because symptoms can often be very similar. But well break down each type to help give you a better idea of what your dog may be experiencing.

Also, its fairly common for dogs to have both a yeast and bacterial skin infection simultaneously. So, keep in mind that its wise to seek veterinary attention if you suspect a skin infection because treatment can differ depending on the infection type(s).

Yeast Skin Infections

Yeast dermatitis, also called Malassezia dermatitis, is caused by the fungusMalassezia pachydermatis. Its an extremely common cause of skin infections in dogs. Yeast infections arent contagious. Although yeast infections can appear anywhere on a dogs body, some areas are especially prone: ears, skin folds, paw pads, or other hot, humid areas of the body.

Dogs with atopic dermatitis (allergic dermatitis) are more susceptible, as are immunocompromised dogs. An immune deficiency makes it hard for a dogs body to fight off yeast infections, resulting in chronic and recurring infections. Dogs who are taking steroids or antibiotics can also be more prone to yeast infections.

Predisposed Breeds

Some breeds are also genetically predisposed to developing yeast or fungal skin infections, including:

• Australian Terriers
• Basset Hounds
• Bulldogs
• Chihuahuas
• Cocker Spaniels
• Dachshunds
• Lhasa Apsos
• Maltese Terriers
• Poodles
• Pugs
• Shetland Sheepdogs
• West Highland White Terriers

Chronic conditions like yeast infections and skin diseases that require frequent vet visits and medication can drain your bank account. But, if you have one of these breeds thats prone to this ailment, you might consider investing in pet insurance from an early age (before a condition presents and becomes pre-existing). It is a great way to manage this risk along with other health and accident situations you and your pet may find yourselves in. Learn more about Pet Insurance.

Symptoms

The most prominent symptoms are excessive itching and inflamed skin, but other common symptoms of skin conditions include:

• Itching and redness
• Smelly skin
• Crusty, flaky skin
• Thickened skin
• Sores
• Sticky or yellow/green discharge
• Greasy coat
• Hyperpigmentation (darkly pigmented skin)
• Recurring ear infections

Treatment

Treatment for dog yeast skin infections depends on the severity of the infection. Its important to consult your vet so you can get a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Oral Treatment

In more severe or chronic cases of skin yeast infections, your vet may prescribe oral anti-fungal medications, including ketoconazole, itraconazole, and fluconazole.

Topical Treatment

You can use home remedies to treat cases of yeast infections that arent severe (just make sure you get a vets diagnosis first). Medicated shampoos are the best way to treat skin yeast infections. However, some dogs with especially oily or greasy skin may require an initial shampoo with Davis Benzoyl Peroxide Shampoo (or another pet shampoo containing benzoyl peroxide or selenium sulfide), which can help eliminate the excessive oil.

After you cut down the oil and grease, use an anti-fungal shampoo containing chlorhexidine, miconazole, or ketoconazole. We recommend KetoChlor Medicated Shampoo for dogs and cats.

• Make sure the anti-fungal shampoo stays on your dogs skin for at least 10 minutes.
• Dry your dog thoroughly after bathing with a clean towel.
• Repeat every three to five days until theres no sign of infection (this can take anywhere from 2 to 12 weeks).

Bacterial Skin Infections

A bacterial skin infection in dogs, also referred to as pyoderma or bacterial dermatitis, can occur in any breed or age, but older dogs are more susceptible due to a weaker immune system. Dogs with hypothyroidism are also more susceptible.The most common dog bacterial skin infection is a staph infection.

Symptoms

As we said above, some of the symptoms of bacterial skin infections are very similar to yeast infections. But there are some differences.

• Excessive scratching, licking, or chewing
• Red and inflamed skin
• Papules or pustules (pus-filled lesions on the skin that resemble human pimples)
• Dry or flaky patches of skin
• Patchy fur loss or bald patches
• Circular crusts that look like ringworm

Our Personal Experience With Bacterial Skin Issues On Dogs

One winter, my dogs skin became very red and itchy. A trip to the vet led us to discover it was a staph infection caused by skin allergies. Her dry skin was flaking off, and she had a bump on her belly that looked like a zit, which the vet said were both signs of a staph infection. She was prescribed an antibiotic and steroid, which helped immediately. Our vet said staph infections are the number one condition she sees during the winter months.

Kimberly Alt, rescue dog mom & Canine Journal pet insurance expert

Treatment

Dog skin infection treatments are similar for bacteria as they are for yeast.

Oral Treatment

In many cases, veterinarians prescribe an oral antibiotic to treat skin bacterial infections. Amoxicillin,cephalexin, andclindamycin are common prescriptions for this type of infection. It may be necessary for your vet to do a skin culture and antibiotic sensitivity test to make sure he prescribes the most effective antibiotic.

Thetypical treatment time is a minimum of three to four weeks, but in recurrent or chronic cases of infection, oral treatment can last as long as 12 weeks.

Topical Treatment

Although most cases require oral antibiotics, your vet may recommend a topical treatment if your dogs infection is mild. This can include antibacterial shampoosandsprays that you apply once or twice a week for three to four weeks.

You can also use these topical treatments in addition to antibiotics to help your dog recover from his infection more quickly.Its also important that your dog has clean, dry, and padded bedding.

Are Allergies The Culprit?

If your dog is frequently itchy or has recurring skin infections, allergies could be the reason. As we mentioned above, its important to consult your vet to properly diagnosis any skin allergiesyour dog is having. But you can also learn more about which foods and environmental factors could be causing your dog problems by giving him anat-home dog allergy test kit.

10 Home Remedies For Dog Skin Irritation

There are some home remedies you can try to alleviate symptoms and support your dogs skin health. Keep in mind that these remedies are not substitutes for professional veterinary care, especially if the infection is severe or doesnt improve with home treatment. Always consult with your veterinarian before trying any home remedies. Here are some suggestions:

1. Regular Baths: Keeping your dog sanitary is important for managing skin infections. Use a mild, veterinary-approved shampoo that wont irritate the skin further. Be sure to rinse thoroughly to remove all shampoo residue.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties. Dilute it with water (one part vinegar to one part water) and use it as a rinse after bathing your dog. Do not apply it to open wounds or raw skin as it may sting.
3. Coconut Oil: Coconut oil has moisturizing and antibacterial properties too. Apply a thin layer of organic, virgin coconut oil to affected areas to soothe the skin and potentially help fight off infections.
4. Oatmeal Baths: Oatmeal can help soothe itchy and irritated skin. Grind plain, uncooked oatmeal into a fine powder and add it to your dogs bathwater. Alternatively, you can use colloidal oatmeal products specifically formulated for dogs.
5. Honey: Raw, unpasteurized honey has natural antimicrobial properties. Apply a thin layer of honey to affected areas (avoiding the dogs eyes and mouth) and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes before gently rinsing it off.
6. Probiotics: Probiotic supplements or plain, unsweetened yogurt containing live cultures can help support your dogs immune system and promote healthy skin from the inside out.
7. Herbal Soaks: Some herbs, such as calendula, chamomile, and lavender, have soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. You can brew these herbs into a tea, let it cool, and use it as a skin rinse for your dog.
8. Aloe Vera: Aloe vera gel, especially when pure and free of additives like alcohol, can help soothe irritated skin. Apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel to the affected areas.
9. Keep the Area Clean & Dry: Moisture can exacerbate skin infections, so if your dog has long fur, consider trimming it to improve airflow.
10. Proper Diet: A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and a strong immune system. Ensure your dog is receiving high-quality, nutritionally complete food.

Remember, while these home remedies may offer some relief for mild skin infections, they are not a substitute for professional veterinary care. If your dogs skin infection is severe, persistent, or worsening, its essential to consult with a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.

How Can I Soothe My Dogs Skin Irritation?

If your dogs skin is itchy and painful, you may want to consider using a CBD topical product to alleviate his symptoms (with your vets okay). CBD topical treatments are all-natural and could help soothe your dogs skin without interfering with prescription meds. Weve reviewed the best CBD oil companies, many of which carry topical CBD skin ointments or creams that can help soothe irritated skin until it clears up.

Why Trust Canine Journal?

Sally has over 20 years of experience in human health sciences communications, including 10 years as an expert on pet health conditions and treatment. Shes also spent over a decade researching pet insurance as part of an expert team at Canine Journal. As dedicated canine professionals and long-time dog owners, we test and research the best pet products, not only for our own pups but for all of our readers.

Sources: [1] Healthy Paws

Tagged With: Allergies, Skin

Skin Infections in Dogs [With 10 Pictures]: Itching, Redness, and How You Can Help Break the Cycle of Discomfort

This article was updated on January 7th, 2024

One of the most frequent questions I get asked as a veterinarian is my dog has this rash. Is it an infection? What can I do at home to make him feel better until his appointment with you? To understand how to make your dogs skin feel better, we must first understand why the skin is infected.In this article, we will review the signs and symptoms of skin infections in dogs, the most common types of skin infections, and what you can do at home and with your vet to help your dog.

Signs and symptoms of skin infections in dogs

• Itchiness
• hair loss (alopecia)
• Crusting and flaking of the skin
• redness or rash (erythema)
• discharge or oozing
• pimples (often called pustules)
• musty smell (especially with yeast infections in the ears)

Common types of skin infections in dogs

We can break down skin infections in dogs into bacterial and fungal causes. In more severe cases, your dog may have both!

Staphylococcus species typically cause bacterial skin infections. Bacterial infections often cause:

• Redness,
• Pustules,
• Discharge
• You may also notice your dog itching, chewing, or excessively licking.

In the picture below, a bacterial infection caused redness (erythema), crusts, scaly flakes, and mild hair loss:

In the picture below, a bacterial infection also caused redness (erythema) and a moderate amount of scales or flakes of skin:

Treatment of bacterial infections: Infections in the skins most superficial or outer layers may be treated with topical antibiotic creams, ointments, or sprays. Bacteria that have penetrated deeper layers of the skin may need oral antibiotics to reach those tissues.

When a fungus is involved, there is frequently a musty or stale smell and the skin and fur can feel greasy. Other signs of a fungal skin infection can include:

• fur loss,
• skin thickening,
• mild to moderate itching.

While there are multiple types of fungal infections, the one that worries most pet owners is ringworm (caused by Microsporum species) see our article: Pictures of Ringworm in Dogs. Ringworm causes hair loss and scaly patches of skin, but it is not always in a ring presentation. This surprises many people since the infection has a more characteristic round or ring appearance on people.

Let your veterinarian know if any person in the home has recent skin issues, especially with a ring or round appearance. Remember, your vet cannot diagnose skin issues in people, but knowing this might help their diagnosis or suspicion of ringworm.

Treatment of ringworm: A combination of topical ointments and oral antifungals is used to treat ringworm. Depending on the location and size of the fungal infection, your veterinarian may also recommend an antifungal shampoo.Treatment for ringworm is not a quick fix; it is common for treatment to last 4-6 weeks at least.

Environmental control of ringworm spores is critical to the success of clearing the infection as well. The hair your pet sheds will contain ringworm spores that then contaminate the environment, so frequent vacuuming and decontamination are essential.View more pictures of fungal infections in dogs.

Yeast infections are another form of fungal infection. Malassezia is one of the most frequently seen skin infections, especially in ears, skin folds, and paw pads. Yeast has a distinct musty or sour smell. In chronic cases, yeast infections often cause skin thickening.View more pictures of yeast skin infections.

Heres a list of signs that a dog may have a yeast skin infection:

Treatment of yeast skin infections: depending on the severity, these infections can be treated with oral or topical medications.

5 At-Home Remedies That Can Help (While Waiting for Your Vet)

It can be hard not to feel useless when your dog is uncomfortable or constantly itching. You want to find some sort of relief for them, and fast!Even if you cant get antibiotics from your vet without an exam, there are some steps you can take at home to help:

1. A cool water bath or wash cloth: A cool water bath can often provide temporary relief and be quite soothing to the skin. Ensure the water isnt too warm since that can have the opposite effect and be painful on the inflamed or infected skin. You can also try cool washcloth compresses over the affected areas if that is easier and if your dog will tolerate it.

2. An oatmeal-based shampoo can also temporarily soothe the skin. Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that are beneficial to skin health. Most pet stores will have a variety of oatmeal shampoos just remember not to bathe too frequently since that can dry out the skin and make a bad situation worse. Most vets recommend not washing your dog more than 2-3 times per month.

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3. A mild antibacterial soap like Dial: In areas that seem moist or have discharge, a mild antibacterial soap can be beneficial in keeping infection at bay until your dogs appointment. Again, cool water, soap, and a washcloth can work wonders on mildly inflamed skin.

4. Keeping the area clean and dry: One of the most important and often forgotten steps- is keeping the infected area clean and dry. As vets, we appreciate this is not easy with a dog. We recognize you cant tell them to keep their feet clean, not roll in the mud, and not lick their wounds. But small things like wiping paws with a fragrance-free baby wipe when your dog comes in if he has an infected foot are essential steps in the treatment process.

5. A cone: Probably the least-liked suggestion (by dog and owner), but one that can have the biggest bang for your buck, is the cone or E-collar. This is critical if the infected skin is in an area that your dog can quickly lick or chew.

The cone prevents licking and further trauma to the surrounding skin. By breaking the cycle of licking, the skin is allowed to dry and heal.Below is an example cone available on Amazon:

SaleBENCMATE Protective Inflatable Collar...

• COMFORTABLE FOR YOUR PET - While wearing the BENCMATE Collar, the inflatable function and the soft outside material will let your dog wear it comfortably and it does not block your pets vision, they can eat, drink, sleep and play at ease while staying protected.

How do you know if your dog has a skin infection?

It is hard to know sometimes just by looking at the skin. Even your vet cant always just look at the skin and determine why it is infected without running some tests first.

Remember that there are multiple potential culprits for your dogs infection bacterial and fungal. Your vet needs to perform diagnostic tests to determine the cause since each has different treatments.

The treatment for a bacterial infection often does not affect fungal infections and vice versa.Your veterinarian may perform a variety of diagnostic tests, including:

• Acetate tape preparation: A strip of tape is applied to the skin and removed to look at the superficial layers of skin and the presence of bacteria and yeast. This is a relatively quick and inexpensive test that is usually done in-house.
• Slide preparation: This test is beneficial if the wound or infection is moist or has significant discharge. A microscope slide is gently pressed to the area of infection, allowed to dry, and then stained to examine under the microscope.
• Fungal culture: This test specifically looks for fungal infections like ringworm. A small hair sample is plucked from the infected area and placed on a petri dish. The petri dish will grow if the fungus responsible for ringworm is present. Preliminary results are often available within a few days but can take up to 2 weeks.

Veterinarian treatment

Skin conditions are common in day-to-day veterinary practice, and your veterinarian will have a variety of treatments to help your dog.

Depending on the extent of the infection, your veterinarian may want to clip or shave the surrounding hair first. This helps the vet see the size of a skin infection that can sometimes be hard to see beneath the hair, especially in long or thick-coated breeds. It also reduces humidity around the area and allows the skin to dry, keeping bacteria and dirt away. Clipping the surrounding hair will enable treatments and ointments to penetrate the wound more effectively.

The treatment will depend on whether the skin infection is caused by bacteria, a fungus, or yeast. If your dog has any underlying medical conditions that predispose him to skin disease, that will also need to be addressed. Some common conditions include Cushings disease, thyroid disease, and allergies.

Your dog may just need a topical medication, an oral medication (like a pill or liquid), or a combination of oral and topical treatments. Topical medications are absorbed through the skin and rely on the natural oils of the skin to disperse. Oral medications spread throughout the body and are often necessary for larger, more widespread infections.

Costs of treating a dogs skin infections

The cost for treating your dogs skin infection will vary considerably on the extent of the infection and cause. Some costs to anticipate include:

• Office visit and exam: $50-100
• Acetate tape impression: $20-40
• Fungal culture: $20-60, depending if done in-house or sent to an outside laboratory
• Ecollar: $15-30 depending on size
• Shampoo: $15-30
• Antibiotics: $10-100s, depending on antibiotic type, duration of treatment, and size of the dog
• Followup visits and additional treatments

Other Skin Conditions that Look Like Skin Infections

It is important to consult with your veterinarian to confirm a correct diagnosis. We have listed below several skin conditions that look like infections:

Hot spots: technically known as acute moist dermatitis, hot spots are red, inflamed areas of skin that can seem to appear overnight. These spots may occur anywhere on a dog but are most common behind and under the ear, legs, and on the hips. The area will be moist and typically have some purulent oozing. View more pictures of hot spots on dogs.

Allergic reactions: Allergies can manifest as skin lesions in dogs. For example, due to environmental allergies, the dogs immune system can overreact to an airborne or contact allergen in their environment. This overreaction produces skin inflammation in the form of itchiness, redness, and heat, as shown on the picture below. View more pictures of dog skin allergy and rashes, with vet explanations.

To learn more, view our page listing the most common skin problems in dogs, or read our FAQ about skin infections below:

FAQ

Will my pet insurance cover treatment for skin infections?

It depends on your insurance plan. Some plans are wellness-only, meaning they cover routine checkups, vaccinations, and some flea and tick prevention. Other insurance plans are accident-only, so they may cover some bloodwork, medications, and diagnostic testing. Accident and Illness plans will likely be the most comprehensive and most likely to cover conditions like skin infections and chronic illness. Check with your insurance provider about your dogs insurance plan and coverage.

How fast do dogs recover from skin infections?

According to Healthy Paws Pet Insurances 2019 study of their insurance claims, almost 1 in 5 vet visits were for skin issues. This was the second most common ailment, only outranked by stomach issues. The good news is if properly diagnosed, most common skin infections are cleared within three weeks of treatment.

However, things may get a bit more complicated when resistant bacteria or underlying diseases complicate treatment. Dogs with chronic allergies, for example, often battle secondary skin infections constantly. The treatment goals differ a bit since the allergy must be controlled to maintain healthy skin and prevent subsequent infections.

Key Tip: Always finish all the medications prescribed for your dogs skin infection unless told otherwise by your veterinarian. While you may see improvement in the skin within a few days, there are often still bacteria present.

Is there any kind of food that can help?

A critical component in maintaining skin health is a well-balanced diet. Vitamins, as well as fats like omega-3s, play an essential role in skin health. Most commercial diets are already balanced in fats and protein. If your dog has ongoing skin issues, though, it is best to consult your veterinarian about any dietary supplements or specific diets that may be beneficial.

How do dogs get skin infections?

Under normal circumstances, your dogs immune system will usually control the bacteria commonly found on the skin. Still, there are times when bacterial growth is out of hand, and the body cant keep up.

Anytime the skin is compromised, the dog is more at risk for infection. This compromise includes any physical trauma to the skin that disrupts the skin barrier itching and scratching due to allergies break down the layers of the skin and make clearing infections more difficult.

Dogs with certain diseases like Cushings disease or diabetes are also more likely to develop skin infections since they already have a weakened immune system that is less prepared to fight off invaders.

How do skin infections happen?

Did you know it is normal to find some bacteria on the skin? Your dog has many bacteria on his skin that live in harmony with his immune system, even helping to protect him from more harmful bacteria. The skin also has other mechanisms that help prevent less desirable bacteria from taking over and causing infection: skin cells are routinely shed along with superficial bacteria; oils in the skin prevent bacteria from penetrating deeper layers; specialized cells in the skin that are part of the immune system also help ward off infections.When these protective mechanisms break down from allergies, licking and chewing, or immune compromise the skin is overrun with harmful bacteria.

Can I get antibiotics for my dog without seeing a vet?

Typically your veterinarian will want to see your dog and look at his skin before prescribing an antibiotic. The reason is that there are so many causes of skin infections, and not all of them are bacterial and may not respond to antibiotics; instead, they may require additional testing and medications.

Additionally, your vet may want to send a sample for culture to determine the exact bacteria and its susceptible antibiotics. In that case, it is best to get this sample before starting any antibiotics.

What dog breeds are more prone to skin infections?

Any dog can develop a skin infection, but some breeds are more predisposed than others. English and American bulldogs, German shepherds, labradors, and Pitbulls are all breeds that are more prone to skin issues. Any dog with prominent skin folds is more at risk for skin fold infections. Pitbulls tend to have chronic allergies, making secondary bacterial and yeast infections common. Labs, spaniels, and shepherds are known to get recurrent ear infections.

Are skin infections in dogs contagious for humans or other pets?

Certain infections like Staph and ringworm are contagious and can spread from pet to owner. Just like with immunocompromised pets, humans that have weaker immune systems are much more at risk of catching a bacterial infection from their pets.

Good hygiene becomes especially important when your pet has an infection. Frequent decontamination of your house, concentrating on areas where your dog sleeps and spends the most time, is critical in controlling infection spread and handwashing anytime you pet your dog.

A note about ringworm: Keep in mind that in pets, even bacterial infections can have a circular or ring-like appearance, so it may not be ringworm. It is always best to have your veterinarian examine any concerning skin issues in your dog especially if anyone in the house also has skin concerns. Make sure to advise your human doctor that your dog is being treated for ringworm if you are also experiencing skin issues.

• Dr. Sarah Graves has been a veterinarian since 2014, most recently working as a veterinarian for the Banfield Pet Hospital network. She graduated from the prestigious Royal Veterinary College at the University of London with a Doctor's degree in veterinary medicine (2014) and earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Virginia (2009). Her goal is to bring accurate and accessible information to dog owners, to avoid often-inaccurate Internet content.

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Disclaimer: This website's content is not a substitute for veterinary care. Always consult with your veterinarian for healthcare decisions. Read More.