Can dogs get rid of infections without antibiotics
Skin Infections in Dogs
What Are Skin Infections in Dogs?
Skin infections are conditions that are caused by infectious organisms such as bacteria, fungi, or parasites. All areas of skin can be affected, including inside the ears and nose, as well as the hair and nails.
The severity of the disease depends on the type of infection and can vary from very mild to painful and itchy. Some organisms that cause skin infections are transmissible (or contagious), which means the infection can be passed to another mammal through direct contact or the environment. There are also infections that are caused by organisms that normally live on the skin and are not considered contagious.
Types of Skin Infections in Dogs
Bacterial
Fungal
Parasitic
Viral
Symptoms of Skin Infections in Dogs
Redness
Bumps or raised areas of the skin
Itchiness (you may see your dog scratching, licking, and/or chewing the skin)
Scales or flakes
Crusts or scabs
Hair loss (alopecia)
Oozing or discharge (blood, pus, clear)
Skin color changes (darker or lighter)
Causes of Skin Infections in Dogs
There are many causes of skin infections in dogs. Some infections are primary infectionsan infection directly caused by an infectious organism. Other infections are secondary infections and occur because of an underlying disease process that triggers an infection.
Primary Infection
Scabies is an example of a primary parasitic skin infection. Dogs acquire scabies by direct contact with an infected animal. The scabies mite then causes the clinical signs associated with the disease. Ringworm is an example of a primary fungal infection and is acquired due to contact with infected individuals or an infected environment, including soil.
Secondary Infection
A common example of a secondary skin infection is one due to skin allergies. The allergies cause inflammation of the skin, which then provides an environment favorable to organism growth. Bacteria or fungi that normally live on the skin are then able to multiply, leading to a bacterial or fungal skin infection.
How Veterinarians Diagnose Skin Infections in Dogs
There are several basic skin tests that are useful in diagnosing a majority of skin infections. The most common ones are:
Skin scrapes: A dull scalpel blade is used to scrape the top layer of the skin; effective for finding skin parasites like demodex.
Skin cytology: A sample is collected by pressing a microscope slide directly to the skin lesion or via a needle and syringe and then looked at under the microscope for bacteria, fungi, or abnormal skin cells.
Tape preps: Clear tape is used to collect a sample of hair or skin to find bacteria, fungi, or parasites when viewed under the microscope.
Cotton swabs: A cotton swab is used to collect a sample, most often from inside the ear, to diagnose bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections.
Cultures: A sample of skin, hair, or discharge is collected onto a growth plate to look for bacterial or fungal growth over time. This test can also be used to learn which antimicrobial medication is best to treat the infection.
Treatment of Skin Infections in Dogs
The treatment of a skin infection depends on the type of infection, the location of the infection, and the condition of the dog. Bacterial skin infections are treated with oral (by mouth) antibiotics, and/or topical products such as medicated shampoos, conditioners, sprays, and ointments. Common products include:
Fungal infections are treated similarly, with antifungal medications, and parasites are treated with antiparasitic medications.
To help the skin heal and to prevent future infections, other treatments are used to support healthy skin. For example, when treating an ear infection, special ear cleaners are used in addition to the antimicrobial medication. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation is another treatment used to help resolve and prevent infections. Prevention is often the best medicine and regular bathing and grooming can be helpful for not only treating skin infections but also preventing them from occurring in the first place.
For secondary skin infections, it is important to treat the primary cause of the secondary infection. Skin allergies, for example, frequently require medications to reduce inflammation and allergic reactions. Treating a skin infection without treating the allergy will likely lead to another infection. Food allergies require special diets to reduce skin inflammation. If a food allergy is suspected, your vet will work with you to determine an appropriate food trial,to slowly remove certain ingredients and introduce possible allergies to determine the culprit.
Recovery and Management of Skin Infections in Dogs
The time it takes to treat a skin infection depends on the type of infection, the ability to treat primary causes of the infection, and the severity of disease. Sometimes the most difficult part of the treatment is sticking with treatments for as long as needed.
Some skin infections can be difficult to treat because of antimicrobial resistance. Antimicrobial resistance occurs over time, when microbes develop defenses against our medications, making those medications ineffective. In those cases, treatment can take longer and may require further testing.
Infections can resurface, especially if the primary cause of the infection has not been treated or resolved. Dogs with chronic conditions such as allergies or other diseases are more likely to have repeat infections.
Managing skin infections successfully can be complicated, time consuming, and expensive. Following your veterinarians recommendations closely and being patient during the treatment period is important for resolving the infection and preventing recurrence in your pup.
Featured Image: iStock.com/Sergeeva
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Rania GollaknerVeterinarian
Rania Gollakner received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2010 and a Master of Public Health in 2017. She practiced companion...
How To Treat A UTI In Female & Male Dogs: Signs & Symptoms, Treatment, Causes, Prevention & More
My dog recently experienced a bout with Urinary tract infection (UTIs). I had no idea that it was caused by bacteria that make their way into the bladder (and sometimes travel up to the kidneys). But wanted to share my experience and some tips. Especially if your dog is prone to UTIs, you probably feel helpless at times. What can you give a dog for a urinary tract infection? Is there a dog UTI treatment over the counter? How can you help prevent your dog from getting UTIs? Well answer these questions and more.
Dog UTI Treatment
Before you start treatment, youll want to verify that your dog has a urinary tract infection. You should take your dog to the vet to diagnose the UTI (unless your dog suffers from regular UTIs and you have a game plan that you have gone over with your dogs vet.)
Your vet will analyze your dogs urine via a sample. They may collect it using whats called cystocentesis, a syringe needle into your dogs bladder (often guided using an ultrasound). The vet may also take some X-rays or perform an ultrasound to get a closer look at your dogs urinary tract, especially the bladder. For treatment, your veterinarian will most likely prescribe medication, such as antibiotics, to treat the infection.
Dog UTI Symptoms
What are the signs of UTI in dogs? Common symptoms include:
- Needing to urinate more frequently
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Straining or crying out when urinating
- Urine thats bloody, cloudy, or both
- Licking the genital area
- Urine with a strong odor
- Fever
- Accidents in the house
As with any infection, your dog may show signs of pain, including lack of appetite, difficulty breathing, or lethargy.
Our Personal Experience With UTIs In Dogs
One day, my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Georgie suddenly started acting weird. He just stood in the doorway like a statue still for more than 10 minutes. I thought feeding him dinner would snap him out of it since he is highly food motivated, but he just hid in the corner of the bathroom. He wasnt showing any other symptoms (listed above). However, we took him to the vet just to be safe. They did an exam and checked his vitals, and they said he was a bit dehydrated, so they injected him with fluids and sent us home (and said to monitor him).
Shortly after getting home, he started panting heavily and wouldnt stop, so we called the vet, and they said to bring him back, and we did. They did further testing, including a cystocentesis urine sample and blood, and found bacteria present in his pee. They didnt see any other unusual results from his blood test or ultrasound and sent us home with an antibiotic to take for a few days (after injecting him with some medicine).
Thankfully Georgie started eating again the next morning and drinking again by that night (we mixed in some water with his food so he would get liquids and not get dehydrated again). His energy improved fully around day two, and he was back to his normal self by the end of his medicine 3 days later. Were not exactly sure how he got it. He played with a bunch of puppies and went to the dog park a few days before, but the vet said that the bacteria can only get into their system when fecal matter or bacteria on the skin comes into contact with the urethra (and is not contagious).
Video: What To Look For In A UTI In Dogs
Watch this video by Pets Best Insurance to learn what to look for in a UTI from a vet. He notes that only around 9% of dogs behaviors, like peeing in unexpected places, are UTI-related.
6 Dog UTI Home Remedies
There are many dog UTI home treatment options to help your dog feel more comfortable and recover. Below are six dog UTI home remedy options.
Please check with your vet before administering a dog UTI treatment at home.
- Add one teaspoon (for small dogs) or 1-2 tablespoons (for large dogs) of apple cider vinegar to your dogs water bowl. Repeat up to 2 times per day for up to 7 to 10 days, depending on how severe the UTI is. Be sure to have a second bowl of water without apple cider vinegar in case your dog doesnt like the taste.
- Have your dog soak in a hot bath (make sure its not too hot and the level isnt too deep) for 10 minutes to help relieve the muscles. Wash your dog with a mild soap and pay attention to the genital area. Dont leave soap on the area for too long, and be sure to rinse the area with clean, warm water. Do this every few days until the UTI is gone. Learn more about bathing your dog.
- Encourage your dog to drink more water by placing extra water bowls around the house. Change the water once or twice a day to make sure its fresh.
- Crush one 500mg Vitamin C tablet and sprinkle it over your dogs food. Do this once per day for 7 days.
- Give your dog 1-3 teaspoons of citrus juice. The juice should NOT be from concentrate and SHOULD be all-natural. Make sure there is no added sugar because it could aggravate your dogs UTI.
- Add about 2 teaspoons of chopped blueberries or cranberries to your dogs food. Do this twice per day for 7 to 10 days.
Can I Give My Dog Cranberry Juice?
We have heard time and time again that cranberry juice can help get rid of a UTI for humans. But what about dogs? Is cranberry juice for a dog UTI safe?
We recommend speaking to your dogs vet about this. Each dog is unique, and what works for one may be dangerous for another. We strongly urge you to speak with your dogs vet before administering any type of treatment.
Can I Give My Dog Cranberry Pills?
Please check with your dogs veterinarian before giving cranberry pills to your dog.
Pet Insurance Can Help You & Your Pup
If youd rather leave UTI treatment to the experts especially if youre worried about your dog developing a bladder or urinary tract ailment, youre not alone. Bladder/urinary tract disease is one of the top 10 most vet-treated conditions for dogs,1,2 and continued treatment can hit your finances.
You may want to consider signing up for pet insurance as a proactive measure to lower your financial risk for potential health threats during your dogs lifetime. Why? Pet insurance is one of the best things you can do for your dog not only for the health of your pup, but to save you from financial trouble should an accident, illness, or pet emergency arise.
Humans have health insurance, so our furry friends should too. That way youll never have to choose between an expensive treatment and your pets suffering or even his life. Pet insurance gives you peace of mind, so you can make better and less emotional decisions in the face of a crisis.
Read about the best pet insurance providers to learn more.
Does My Dog Have An Inherited Urinary Disease?
Some inherited diseases can cause chronic urinary problems in dogs and you can test your dog to see if hes at risk. EasyDNA has an at-home DNA test kit that you can give your dog, mail it in, and get results in just a few weeks. Diseases tested for include:
- Hyperuricosuria: a genetic disorder that involves elevated levels of uric acid in the urine, which can cause the formation of stones in their bladders and sometimes kidneys. This EasyDNA test is available for all dog breeds.
- Cystinuria: another autosomal recessive disorder that causes the kidneys to fail to reabsorb amino acids (cystine). This can lead to the formation of cystine crystals and stones in the urinary tract, leading to possible blockage of the urethra. This EasyDNA test is available for Labrador Retrievers and Newfoundlands.
3 Tips On How To Prevent UTI In Dogs (Infographic)
Below are three tips for preventing bladder infection in dogs.
- Make sure your dog is drinking plenty of fresh water
- Keep your dog well-groomed, especially around the genital area
- Encourage potty breaks for your dog; the longer urine sits in the bladder, the more opportunity there is for harmful bacteria to multiply and cause an infection
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are questions we frequently get asked by our readers regarding UTIs in dogs. Dont see yours? Ask us in the comments.
How Do Dogs Get A UTI?
The most common cause of a UTI in dogs is bacteria that enter the urethral opening and travels up the urethra and into the bladder, where it then multiplies and causes infection. This bacteria can come from feces or debris that enters the area. Bacteria is also more likely to develop if your dog has a weakened immune system.
Can Male Dogs Get A UTI?
Female dogs are more prone than male dogs to getting UTIs, but male dogs can still get them. Older female dogs, dogs with diabetes, and dogs who have bladder stones are most at risk. But other health problems, such as Cushings disease and chronic kidney disease, can also contribute to increased UTIs.
What Antibiotic Is Used To Treat UTI In Dogs?
Often, veterinarians will prescribe an antibiotic to help provide immediate relief to a dog with a UTI. Its common for vets to prescribe broad-spectrum antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, ampicillin, and potentiated sulfonamides. These antibiotics target a wide array of UTI-causing bacteria.
Your vet may decide to do a urine culture to determine the specific type of bacteria thats causing your dogs UTI. This will allow your vet to prescribe the antibiotic that most effectively targets that bacteria.
How Long Does A Dog UTI Last?
Antibiotic treatment typically lasts from 10 to 14 days, and dogs usually feel better within just a few days. In complicated cases, treatment could take up to four to six weeks for the UTI to entirely clear up. Veterinarians typically do one or more follow-up cultures to make sure the antibiotic is being effective.
Even if your dog feels better within a few days, give them the full course of treatment. Do not stop treatment early. Stopping the treatment early means that not all of the infection-causing bacteria will be killed. Also, the bacteria that are still lingering around increase the risk of future antibacterial resistance.
Can A Dog UTI Cure Itself?
Its very risky to leave a dog UTI untreated. UTIs can lead to serious and even life-threatening problems without treatment, including dysfunction of the lower urinary tract, prostate gland inflammation, blood poisoning, kidney infection, and kidney failure.
Are UTIs Contagious In Dogs?
No, UTIs are not contagious from pet to pet or from pets to humans.
Why Does My Dog Keep Getting UTIs?
Unfortunately, some dogs are more prone to recurrent UTIs. This could be due to an underlying health condition, like diabetes, bladder stones, or a weakened immune system. In some female dogs, chronic UTIs can occur if there are excessive skin folds around the vulva or vagina. These folds can trap moisture, creating a breeding ground for bacteria.
If your dog has had several UTIs in close succession, it could be that the infection never totally cleared up. Relapse UTIs usually occur because the infection didnt respond to the antibiotic (or a least it wasnt completely eliminated). Signs of a relapse infection can take anywhere from a week to a month or longer to appear.
Dog UTI Test
Did you know you can find out if your dog has a UTI without visiting the vet? Try one of these dog UTI tests to detect a urinary tract infection in dogs as well as other illnesses. It could save you time and money at the vets office, especially if your dog is prone to UTIs. If the test comes back positive, you can then call your vet to get advice on how to proceed with treatment.
Why Trust Canine Journal
Sadie Cornelius has more than two decades of dog care and ownership experience, specializing in the care and companionship of her beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Sadies dog suffers from food allergies, and her dogs have had a number of pet illnesses and issues, including anal gland problems, kennel cough, poisoning, cancer, heart murmurs, dental extractions, and more. Her pup is a VIP (very important pup) at the local Emergency Vet, having been half a dozen times over the course of two years with everything from a UTI to Kennel Cough to ruptured anal glands. Hes a handful, but its worth it!
Sources: [1] Nationwide Pet Insurance, [2] Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Tagged With: Reviewed By Dr. Pendergrass, DVM, Urinary
