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Dog pyoderma

Pyoderma is a bacterial infection of the skin. The bacteria involved, especially staphylococci, normally live on the dog's skin without causing damage. They only become a problem when the skin is weakened: allergy, parasites, humidity, skin...

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Definition Signs Causes Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Complications When to see a vet Prognosis FAQ Sources Affected species

What is it?

Pyoderma is a bacterial infection of the skin. The bacteria involved, especially staphylococci, normally live on the dog's skin without causing damage.

They only become a problem when the skin is weakened: allergy, parasites, humidity, skin folds, hormonal disease, injury.

In other words, pyoderma is almost always a consequence. Treating the infection without looking into what caused it is like seeing it come back.

Commonly observed signs

These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.

Related signs — each one links to its page:

Scabs and skin lesions Itching Hair loss Pain Nodules under the skin Skin redness Strong skin odour

Red spots, pustules, round crusts surrounded by a collar of peeling skin.

Hairless areas with a rounded shape, especially on the stomach, sides and back.

Variable itching, sometimes discreet, sometimes intense.

Unusual odor from the skin.

In deep forms: swelling, nodules under the skin, oozing areas, clear pain when touched, sometimes depression and fever.

The folds of the skin (lips, face, tail, groin) are preferred areas in the breeds concerned.

When to consult without delay

This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.

Causes and risk factors

An excessive multiplication of bacteria normally present on the skin, favored by a disruption of its balance.

The most common underlying causes are allergies (atopy, flea allergy, food allergy), parasites, persistent humidity and friction.

Hormonal diseases such as hypothyroidism or excess cortisol promote lingering infections.

A drop in immune defenses, whatever the origin, plays the same role.

Breeds with marked skin folds: bulldogs, pugs, Shar-Pei, or dogs with loose skin.

Dogs with allergies, dogs with dense hair that is poorly dried after bathing or swimming.

Humidity and heat, which macerate the skin.

Tight collars, chafing harnesses, damp bedding.

Aggressive grooming, too close clipping followed by scratching.

Diagnosis and care

Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.

The veterinarian examines the entire body, including the folds and spaces between the fingers.

A skin sample observed under a microscope confirms the presence of bacteria and searches for associated yeast.

In the event of a deep, recurrent infection or one that does not respond to treatment, culture with antibiogram is indicated: it allows the truly active antibiotic to be chosen and resistance to be avoided.

A blood or hormonal test is suggested when recurrences raise suspicion of a general illness.

Finding the underlying cause is an integral part of treatment, not an optional extra.

Treatment

Limited superficial forms are often treated locally: prescribed shampoos and antiseptic solutions, applied at a precise pace.

Extensive or deep forms require general antibiotics, for a duration set by the veterinarian.

Duration is decisive: treatment stopped as soon as the skin appears clean is the primary cause of relapse and promotes resistant bacteria.

Long-haired areas are sometimes clipped to allow treatments to reach the skin.

Most importantly, the underlying cause must be treated in parallel, otherwise the infection will return.

Do not apply any human ointment or antiseptic from the cupboard to damaged skin without veterinary advice.

Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.

Prevention

Dry the dog thoroughly after a bath, swimming or rain, paying particular attention to the folds and paws.

Regularly clean the skin folds of the breeds concerned, with a suitable product recommended by the veterinarian.

Maintain continued pest protection and control existing allergies.

Check that the bedding remains clean and dry.

Have any wound, even a small one, examined promptly rather than waiting for it to become infected.

Possible complications

Extension in depth, with formation of abscesses and fistulous tracts.

Permanent scars and areas without hair regrowth.

Repeated recurrences until the underlying cause is identified.

Selection of bacteria resistant to antibiotics when treatments are repeated, too short or improvised.

When to see a veterinarian

Pimples, scabs or hairless areas appear and spread.

The skin smells, oozes, or becomes painful to the touch.

Swellings or lumps appear under the skin.

Your dog is down, feverish, or refuses to be handled.

Pyoderma that has already been treated returns after stopping treatment: you have to look for the cause, not just treat it.

Prognosis

Good for superficial shapes properly processed to the end.

Deep forms require long treatments and monitoring, but are cured in the majority of cases.

The long-term prognosis depends entirely on control of the underlying cause: it is this which decides whether or not there will be recurrences.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get this infection from my dog?

The risk is considered very low for a healthy person. It is still prudent to wash your hands after treatment, especially for fragile or immunocompromised people.

Why does the treatment take so long?

Because the skin appears healed long before the infection actually is. Stopping too soon leads to relapse and promotes resistant bacteria. The duration is set by the veterinarian, it is not negotiable.

My dog gets pyoderma every three months, is this normal?

No. Regular recurrences indicate an untreated underlying cause: allergy, parasites, hormonal disease. This is what we should look for, rather than repeating the same treatments.

Can a store-bought shampoo be enough?

Ordinary shampoo has no antiseptic action and can even irritate damaged skin. Only prescribed products, used at the right pace and left in contact for the necessary time, have an effect.