Should I bathe my dog if he has a 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

Should I Bathe My Dog to Stop His Itching? (A Vet Explains)

Your dog is itchinga lot, and you want to help ease his misery. Will it help to bathe him?

When Id get a call from clients asking if they could give their dog a bath to help ease itchiness, I would tell them its usually a good idea. Then Id recommend a checkup to help figure out the cause of the skin irritation. During the appointment, I would discuss the what, how, and when of bathing.

In this article, well discuss why its usually helpful to bathe dogs to stop itching and what you can use. After that, well go over how and how often to give your pup a bath when he has itchy skin.

Because many itch dogs have skin sensitivities, well discuss what types of shampoos are best for your pal. Well also tell you about some other things you can do to relieve your pups itching and when its time to call your vet about your furbabys itchiness.

Lets get going.

Is It a Good Idea to Bathe My Dog to Stop His Itching?

Its often helpful to bathe your dog when hes itching, but you should try to find out whats irritating him first. Knowing the underlying trigger can help you choose the best solution for your pooch. When you use the right kind of shampoo, it can moisturize the skin and remove dead skin, bacteria, and other irritants.

However, there are times when bathing your itchy pooch is counterproductive. Sometimes, using the wrong product or bathing your pooch too frequently can increase itching instead of relieving the symptoms. Thats why you should always use a gentle shampoo with ingredients that soothe and protect the skin.

Bathing your itchy dog usually helps to relieve the symptoms. Before you start the bathwater, its best to figure out the cause of the itching so that you can pick the best solution. Otherwise, you may not get the results youre looking for.

What can I bathe my dog with to stop itching?

There are a variety of things you can use to bathe your itchy dog. Some products are natural while others are available for purchase.

• Colloidal oatmeal bath When your pooch has dry, itchy skin you can use colloidal oatmeal to bathe your dog. Grind about 1 cup of oatmeal to a fine powder and mix it with a tub of warm bath water.
• Baking soda solution You can also add a few tablespoons of baking soda to your dogs bathwater to help soothe itching.
• Natural, gentle shampoo Shampoo formulas with natural ingredients can help to relieve itchy skin. Its best to look for products that include oatmeal, dog-safe essential oils, or other substances that soothe and moisturize irritated skin.
• Medicated shampoo If the itching is severe or wont respond to regular shampoos or home remedies, you may want to try a medicated shampoo with active ingredients. Other products may include ingredients to combat fungal or bacterial infections.
• Flea and tick shampoo Sometimes, itching in your dog is due to skin parasites like fleas or ticks. In this case, you want to choose a product thats gentle on the skin but also includes ingredients designed to kill the bugs.

If your pooch is itching all the time, there are various bathing options you can try to soothe his skin. Homemade remedies include colloidal oatmeal and baking soda. You can also use commercial products that are gentle and natural or medicated to address the cause of the itching.

How to bathe my dog to stop itching?

Once you find the cause of your pals itching and choose a shampoo or home remedy, how do you use it to help soothe Fidos skin? Lets look at what you should do to prevent undesired effects.

First, only bathe your pooch as often as needed. Overbathing can wash away the skins protective oils and increase dryness. If youre using an over-the-counter product, choose a gentle formula designed to be anti-itch or hypoallergenic. Dont select human products or formulas that arent pH balanced for canine skin.

Once you select a product, bathe your pooch gently. Massage the product into his coat, but dont scrub too hard because that can be irritating to the skin. After lathering your pooch, rinse his coat thoroughly to remove all shampoo residue then apply a hypo-allergenic conditioner to protect the skin and coat.

Finish by drying your pup thoroughly, but dont use hot air. Pat dry with a towel and dry the fur with fans or a hair dryer set on low. Moisture can increase itchiness.

To prevent increasing your dogs itching, dont over-bathe your pooch. You should select a product hypoallergenic product thats pH-balanced for dog skin. Its important to use a gentle bathing technique and rinse the fur thoroughly after shampooing. Also, make sure you dry your pooch completely, but dont use hot air.

How often should I bathe my itchy dog?

The answer to this question is not a one-size-fits-all frequency. How often you should bathe your pooch depends on your dogs breed, activity level, and health condition. But in many cases bathing once a month is a good starting target.

However, bathing too often can have negative effects because the water and shampoo can remove protective oils from the skin. Rather than automatically bathing your pup on a schedule, watch for signs that its time to run another bath. One rule of thumb for bathing your pooch is if you can smell a doggy odor. In the case of an itchy dog, you should also take action if you notice scratching or red, irritated skin.

How often you should bathe your itchy dog depends on his breed, activity level, and signs that he needs another bath. Over bathing can cause dry, itchy skin to get worse rather than better. Watch for undesirable doggy odor, scratching, and red irritated skin.

Should I use a special Shampoo?

You should use a hypoallergenic shampoo that contains ingredients to soothe your dogs skin. Ideally, your product will be free of harsh or synthetic ingredients that often contribute to skin irritation. There are several varieties of anti-itch formulas on the market.

There are different varieties of anti-itch shampoos that you can select depending on your pups needs. For dogs with the occasional itch, try gentle formulas with natural ingredients that include substances like oatmeal or coconut oil. If your pooch has more severe itching and skin issues, look for a medicated shampoo with active ingredients to soothe the irritation or address issues like bacterial infections. Dogs with fleas or ticks need anti-parasitic shampoos.

The type of shampoo you use will depend on your pups needs, but it should have natural ingredients and be gentle on the skin. Special medicated shampoos may be called for if your pup has skin issues, infections, or parasites.

What else can I do to relieve my dogs itching?

Besides using homemade or commercial shampoo, there are a variety of other things you can do to relieve your dogs itching. Some options include substances that you can apply to your pooch, and other options are lifestyle-oriented.

Topical remedies

In addition to using an anti-itch shampoo or bathing your dog with oatmeal or baking soda, you can use other topical remedies to help reduce itching.

• Coconut oil Virgin coconut oil has anti-inflammatory effects and helps to soothe and moisturize dry skin. You can rub some coconut oil onto your dogs coat and gently brush it in to get to the skin. After about 10 minutes, rinse off any excess oil.
• Apple cider vinegar You can make a 50/50 solution of apple cider vinegar and water to spray on your pooch to soothe itchy skin. As an acid, vinegar is antibacterial and antiseptic so it can help fight skin infections.
• Aloe vera Aloe vera promotes skin healing and includes anti-inflammatory substances. You can use commercial aloe vera gel or use some from a plant leaf. Rub the gel into the irritated part of your dogs skin.

Lifestyle solutions

• Give skin-supporting supplements Supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and digestive enzymes can help boost your pups immunity and support skin health.
• Check the environment Investigate your dogs environment and any recent changes to see if something is triggering a skin reaction. Did you recently change cleaning products or laundry detergent?
• Feed a hypoallergenic diet Your dog may have a food sensitivity to one or more ingredients in his diet. Talk to your veterinarian about evaluating Fido for food allergies.

Summary: Some of the other things you can do to help relieve itching in your dog include topical applications of a vinegar and water solution, aloe vera, or virgin coconut oil. You can also try lifestyle changes such as feeding supplements, checking the environment for triggers, or

When Should I See a Vet?

Sometimes using anti-itch shampoo and trying other measures doesnt help your pooch. So, when do you know its time to call the vet? You should contact your furbabys doctor whenever:

You Notice Hives, Redness, or Swelling

When you see hives, swollen areas around the face, ears, or other parts of your pups body, or if the skin is reddened, it may mean your pup is having an allergic reaction to something. Some allergies can be life-threatening, so you should call your veterinarian immediately and seek medical attention.

There Are Abnormal Skin Changes

If your dogs skin is getting thicker, changing texture, or turning black, there may be an infection. Talk to your veterinarian and schedule an appointment. He can take skin scrapings, run tests to diagnose the problem, and develop a treatment plan.

You Cant Stop Your Dogs Itching

When youve tried everything you can but your dog is still scratching continuously, you should contact your vet. There may be allergies or other underlying conditions that need attention. Your pups doctor can examine your pooch, take blood samples, and run other diagnostics to get to the bottom of things.

Any time that you observe signs that your dog is having an allergic reaction, you should contact your veterinarian immediately. You should also call the doctor if there are abnormal changes in your dogs skin or if nothing you tried was able to stop your dogs itching.

Final Woof

Its usually a good idea to bathe your dog if hes itching. You just have to make sure you use a gentle, natural product thats non-allergenic, and dont over bathe your pooch. When you bathe your pup, gently work the formula into your dogs fur without irritating his skin, then rinse thoroughly. The type of product you use will depend on the reason your pup is itching.

There are other things you can try to help relieve your dogs itching. Some are topical applications and others involve your pals diet or environment. If shampooing and other interventions dont help or your pup shows signs of an allergic reaction or skin infection, you should contact your vet.