Will a skin infection heal on its own dog

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

What are the signs that cellulitis is healing?

When someone has cellulitis, they may notice a reduction in symptoms. Signs that cellulitis is healing include reduced skin discoloration, less pain, decreased heat, and more.

In addition, an area that a doctor has marked on the skin to monitor the spread of infection may decrease in size.

Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection affecting over 14 million people in the United States annually. A break in the skin can cause bacteria to enter deeper skin tissues, resulting in inflammation.

The main sign of cellulitis is discolored skin that is swollen, warm, painful, or tender to the touch. A persons skin may also develop blisters or appear pitted, similar to an orange peel. Additionally, some people may develop a fever and chills.

Doctors treat cellulitis with antibiotics, which they administer orally or intravenously, depending on the severity of the infection.

This article explores signs that cellulitis is healing, explaining what someone should look for. In addition, it discusses recovery timelines, tips for recovery, and when someone should speak with a doctor.

A person with cellulitis may notice that their symptoms reduce or start to get better as they heal. Therefore, signs that the condition is healing may include the following:

• less skin discoloration
• less pain
• reduced swelling
• decreased heat

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise that when someone has cellulitis, the affected area of skin may look pitted like an orange peel or develop blisters. As the condition starts to heal, the skin may return to its typical appearance without blisters.

Additionally, experts explain that doctors diagnose cellulitis according to the presence of spreading inflammation in the deep tissues within the skin. Healthcare professionals may highlight the affected area of a persons skin with a marker to monitor the spread of any infection.

As cellulitis starts to heal, a person may notice that the inflammation stops spreading and that the area the doctor has marked out begins to reduce in size.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) notes that most people with cellulitis take oral antibiotics for 714 days and should see an improvement in their symptoms within 2448 hours. However, if the infection is severe, individuals may need to stay in the hospital for a week or more to receive antibiotics intravenously.

The AAD highlights the following recovery tips for someone at home:

• Care for the wound by covering the skin and changing dressings as a healthcare professional advises.
• Take time to rest and allow the body to heal to prevent complications.
• Elevate the body part with cellulitis, if possible, to reduce swelling.
• Make sure healthcare professionals are aware of other skin conditions that may have caused the cellulitis, such as athletes foot, and follow any treatment instructions for those conditions.

If someone experiences inflammation and other symptoms of cellulitis on their skin, they need to consult a doctor who can establish the exact cause. Cellulitis can result from anything that causes a break in the skin or makes the body more susceptible to bacteria, including:

Cellulitis most commonly results from infection with group A Streptococcus, a type of bacteria. The CDC explains that doctors typically diagnose the condition by looking at the skin during a physical examination, so they do not usually require blood or other laboratory tests.

A person with cellulitis needs antibiotics to treat the condition. People with cellulitis typically receive oral antibiotics, but doctors may administer them intravenously if the infection is severe. A person should take the whole course of antibiotics as a healthcare professional advises.

Cellulitis complications

The CDC also notes that sometimes people experience complications from cellulitis, although this is uncommon. Serious infections resulting from cellulitis include:

• bacteremia, a type of blood infection
• osteomyelitis, an infection and inflammation of the bone
• endocarditis, a rare condition that involves inflammation of the heart lining, heart muscles, and heart valves
• thrombophlebitis, the inflammation of a vein due to a blood clot
• septic arthritis, which involves a sudden, severe infection of a joint

Additionally, health experts advise that someone with cellulitis may develop sepsis or necrotizing fasciitis a rare bacterial infection in rare instances. As such, these individuals require urgent admission to the hospital and a doctors assessment.

The AAD notes that anyone with cellulitis has a higher risk of getting it again, so someone should look out for signs and contact their doctor if they notice them.

Experts estimate that cellulitis has an 820% recurrence rate. They suggest that doctors consider antimicrobial therapy for individuals who experience three to four episodes of cellulitis per year and that they address predisposing factors. This involves doctors administering antibiotics to prevent infection before it occurs.

People can speak with a doctor if they think their cellulitis may be worsening or if they experience a recurrence of the infection.

Cellulitis causes various skin symptoms, including swelling, redness or discoloration, and pain. Doctors may mark out an area of skin that has developed cellulitis to monitor a persons recovery.

As cellulitis heals, the spread of infection in the skin ceases, and a person may notice the area of inflammation reducing in size. They may also experience less pain or tenderness and decreased redness in the area.

People with cellulitis usually require oral antibiotics and may start to notice an improvement in symptoms in 12 days. However, the condition can lead to more severe complications, such as sepsis, infection, and inflammation in other body areas, such as the heart or bones.

If a doctor suspects the infection has spread, they may require a person to stay in the hospital to assess them and administer intravenous antibiotics.

People can speak with a doctor for further information about cellulitis on an individual basis.