How to treat dog skin infection naturally

Dog Skin InfectionRecognize and Treat The Symptoms

Dog Skin InfectionRecognize and Treat The Symptoms

A dog skin infection can either be bacterial or yeast related. Yeast infections are prevalent in warmer weather so are often misdiagnosed as allergies.

If your dog is bothered by itchy ears and paws and is scooting across your floors, then you're likely dealing with yeast. See here for more on how to treat yeast infections in dogs.

On the other hand, bacterial infections, also known as Pyoderma, are often secondary infections to allergies as they frequently occur when your dog breaks the skin from lots of scratching. They're also easier to treat and respond well to natural remedies.

But, of course, you need to know which one you're dealing with to start the right treatment plan. Take a few minutes to review the symptoms chart to get a clearer idea of what type of skin infection your dog may be suffering from.

You may be wondering how on earth your best pal contracted a skin infection, but it's not that uncommon for them. Especially if they fall into one of the most common categories below:

Common Causes of A Dog Skin Infection

You may be wondering how on earth your best pal contracted a skin infection, but it's not that uncommon for them. Especially if they fall into one of the most common categories below:

The most common causes for a dog skin infection are: Dogs that already suffer from allergies Dogs that scratch or lick at their skin a lot (usually because of allergies) Dogs that have floppy ears (especially the heavy, pendulum-type ears) Breeds that have lots of skin folds, such as a Shar-Pei, or a Bulldog

Skin infections in dogs are not solely restricted to these causes though, any dog can get one, so learning about the different types, causes, symptoms, and treatment, is always good to know.

You can usually tell which type of infection your dog is suffering from based on the visual symptoms (see above chart). This is, however, more difficult when the infected area is the ears as the visible signs are the same - shaking the head, scratching the ears, holding the head to one side, etc.

Having said that, if itchy ears are accompanied by lots of biting and licking of the paws, then a yeast infection is more likely the cause.

If your fur-baby is suffering from ear infections, she really will be suffering, it's painful. That's why ear infections should always be checked by your veterinarian, who can give quick relief.

You can find more information onDog Ear Problems.

For skin infections in dogs, your veterinarian will be able to determine the type of infection by taking a swab and analyzing this under a microscope. Once you know the kind, you can treat it accordingly.

Bacterial Infections

Bacterial infections are frequently a secondary condition to allergies caused by the dog itching and continually scratching. The more the dog scratches with allergies, the more chance there is of him breaking the skin, which can lead to a dog skin infection.

You can get a better idea of how allergies can affect canines by clicking on the relevant links below:

A skin infection that results in an angry red sore that spreads quickly is best treated as ahot spot. You can find more information on how to treat hot spots in dogs here.

If you have a dog that loves to play in muddy puddles or just enjoys swimming, then you may be no stranger to skin infections. Dogs that spend a lot of time being damp and dirty are pretty good candidates for bacterial or fungal skin infections.

Treatment for a Bacterial Infection

First, bathe your dog with a good quality medicated shampoo that contains an antibacterial agent. Look for one that has antibacterial, antiseptic, and antifungal properties that treats skin irritations in dogs.

Baths should be given twice a week for the first 2 weeks, then scale down to once a week for a month and finally just once a month.

Antibiotics and/or ear-drops may be prescribed by your veterinarian for a bacterial skin infection. But be warned, if you just treat the infection with antibiotics alone, and don't determine the root cause, it may come back time and time again.

Herbal Remedy for Bacterial Skin Infections in Dogs

For a skin infection that's NOT deep-rooted i.e. a superficial scrape, cut, or abrasion, natural remedies work well.

While studying natural remedies for dogs, I made careful notes of some holistic treatments recommended by Dr. Randy Kidd that you can try. See below:

Choose one or more of the following herbs and brew into a tea:

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) has antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. It's an excellent herb to choose as it also speeds up healing and encourages tissues growth. Calendula contains salicylic acid as a pain-relieving agent also found in Asprin.

Aloe (Aloe vera) the fresh juice of aloe is especially useful for wounds and burns including sunburn. Take the leaf of a raw aloe plant and squeeze the juice directly onto the wound.

Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis and Matricaria recutita) Chamomile speeds wound healing and work particularly well for inflamed cuts. It can also calm a dog's anxiety when applied topically.

Lavender (Lavandula spp.) aids in healing while easing aches and pains.

Mullein promotes healing and soothes inflamed areas.

Plantain (Plantago spp.) The leaf acts as a drawing agent when used as a poultice. Suitable for removing foreign bodies that may be deep in wounds.

St-John's-wort eases pain, speed healing of wounds, especially good with bruises, and mild burns.

Yarrow - Stops bleeding from oozing wounds and is an excellent healing herb.

Making the Tea

Ingredients:

Choose any of the above herbs:

• 8 tablespoons fresh herb or 4 teaspoons freshly dried bulk herb or 2 herbal tea bags
• 1 quart boiling water

Instructions:

1. Simmer or steep herbs for 10 - 20 minutes.
2. Strain out the herb material and allow the liquid to cool
3. Pour into spritzing bottle and chill in the refrigerator

To use:

Spritz directly onto the affected area several (3-5) times a day. The tea will keep for a few days in the refrigerator.

When To Seek Help

Keep your eye on a bacterial infection as occasionally it can become deep-rooted. In this case, you'll likely see oozing sores, hair loss, and even abscesses, which can all become extremely painful for your dog and a trip to your vets will be necessary.

Fungal/Yeast Infections

Have you noticed a pungent "yeasty" smell coming from your dog?..... Even after bathing her? If this is the case, then you are most likely dealing with a yeast (fungal) infection.

Moisture contributes significantly to fungal infections and dogs with floppy ears or folds of skin are more prone. Particularly in the warmer months. See here for more details on treating yeast infections in dogs.

Yeast Infection Treatment

Weekly baths with an antifungal shampoo. A gentle rinse will also help, especially in stopping the skin from drying out.

Your vet may prescribe medicated anti-fungal drops if your dogs' ears are affected.

An important note here, even If your dog's skin infection seems to ONLY affect her ears, you will still have to bathe with an antifungal shampoo. Otherwise, the problem usually comes right back as soon as the ear drops stop.

See here for the full protocol for treating yeast infections in dogs.

Natural Approach

If a natural approach interests you, then I would urge you to read the book "Heal Your Dog Naturally" by Sara Rooney a Canine Naturopath, Research Scientist, and Zoologist.

In her book, Sara describes how skin infections in dogs can be treated naturally and prevented from recurring. By purchasing this book, you'll also get a free bonus book just on treating canine skin conditions naturally.

Sara also claims you can forever resolve skin issues in dogs and save hundreds of dollars in vet visits. Her solutions are clinically-proven, safe, and effective ways to treat your dog naturally. If that's something you're interested in, then I would urge you to download her book and

give it a try.

If you're not happy, for whatever reason, she will give you a full refund, no questions asked. Oh, and if you do ask for a refund, you get to keep the 3 bonus books!

Try her book here...

Acne & Impetigo

Gota pimply puppy? No, I don't mean "spotty" like a Dalmatian - I mean atruly pimply puppy.

Well, if you do, your puppy maybe suffering from acne or impetigo.

That's right. Just like our youngsters, puppies can get acne and impetigo (Puppy Dermatitis).

Puppy dermatitis is a dog skin infection that targets puppies under one years old.

These are mild surface dog skin disorders with impetigo being present on the abdomen and groin area and acne showing on the face. Impetigo is characterized by pus-filled blisters on the affected areas and is usually the result of unsanitary conditions.

Acne is not the result of unsanitary conditions but can occur in any puppy. It usually appears on the lower lip and chin at about 3 months of age. It looks like purplish red spots and blackheads. These will frequently burst and drain pus.

Both impetigo and mild acne can be treated topically with bathing in a Benzoyl Peroxide shampoo (OxyDex or Pyoben) twice a week for a few weeks. A severe case of acne may require a trip to your vets who can prescribe an oral antibiotic to help clear this up. Acne usually clears up once the dog reaches sexual maturity.

As long as you stay consistent with the treatment, a dog skin infection is usually quite respondent to treatment and can heal fairly quickly.

You might like these

• Your dog can have a glossy, shiny coat even if he has dog dandruff (Seborrhea). This simple solution works immediately and lasts.

• Concerned about Dry Skin on Dogs? Learn how to soothe your pet's discomfort with our expert tips on diet changes and natural treatments.

• Restore your dog's skin and coat by using this three step approach that diagnoses the most common dog skin conditions. Once you know the cause, you can treat it and relieve the symptoms.

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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