Most Common Bacterial Infections in Dogs Dogs have been known for centuries for their innumerable abilities and contributions. Studies have shown that bringing home a dog can change one’s life for the better. There is no better natural antidepressant remedy than a dog. Yes, it is true that dogs are a great addition in anyone’s life but there are rules and guidelines that should be implemented especially for the well being of the dog. From healthcare to food, dogs have a different need than us humans.

1. Skin Infection In Dogs – An Important
Yet Neglected Condition

2. Most Common Bacterial Infections in Dogs
Dogs have been known for centuries for their innumerable abilities and
contributions. Studies have shown that bringing home a dog can change
one’s life for the better. There is no better natural antidepressant
remedy than a dog.
Yes, it is true that dogs are a great addition in anyone’s life but there are
rules and guidelines that should be implemented especially for the well
being of the dog. From healthcare to food, dogs have a different need
than us humans.
It is not simply possible to feed them anything we eat or treat them as
we treat ourselves. For eg. dogs cannot eat cakes and chocolates nor can
regular bath soap and shampoo we use can be used on them. There are
many types of dog health issues. One of the most important health
concerns many pet owners face is Skin infection in dogs. Sadly enough in
may cases, owners only detect the issue when the situation is in a much
worse condition than one would have anticipated.

3. What can cause skin infection in dogs?

4. Like humans dogs also suffer from numerous kinds of dermatological
issues that are caused due to multiple reasons. The most common
etiological factors that can cause skin infection in dogs include-
•Allergic reaction to pollens and environmental allergens
•Certain types of food
•Change in the weather conditions
•Humidity
•Microbial Infection caused by viruses, bacteria, and fungus
•Ticks, mites, and fleas
•Hormonal conditions
•Underlying systemic condition like renal and hepatic disorders
•Nutritional deficiency
•Autoimmune condition

5. What are the various kinds of skin
infections that can occur in dogs?
Some of the most common skin conditions that are often left unseen or
are neglected as simple skin itching includes
a. Atopic or Allergic Dermatitis – This is one of the most common allergic reactions seen in a
dog. Caused due to allergic reaction to pollens, dust, and mites, the signs and symptoms include
severe reddish patches caused by constant scratching around the eyes, muzzles, ears, and feet.

6. b. Alabama Rot or CRGV – This is one of the most fatal conditions with a morbidity rate of over
25% due to renal failure. Caused due to E. Coli Bacteria, the initial symptoms include red color
lesion and patches all over the limbs, chest, and abdomen area. However many times these
lesions are mistaken as simple skin rash and no further treatment is carried out causing death.

7. c. Folliculitis – A very common yet hidden skin, Folliculitis presents itself in the form of scabs
and sores on the skin. Folliculitis is often seen with Mange, Allergic reactions, and injuries.
Though easy to detect in short hair breeds, it often goes unseen in long or double coat breeds.
They are painful and repeat scratching on the scabs can result in microbial infections.

8. d. Lick granuloma or Acral granuloma – is caused due to constant licking of a specific area. A
psychological issue caused due to certain underlying cause, Lick granuloma presents itself as
fiery red ulcerated patches around the limbs.
e. Dry skin and hypopigmentation – Generally caused due to deficiency of vitamin and minerals,
this condition presents itself as flaky and cracked skin. Reduced skin keratinization causes these
cracks and skin shedding. If left untreated these areas become the primary area for microbial
breeding.
f. Seborrhea – A common condition caused due to hormonal changes or any other underlying
situation, it presents itself as dandruff and greasy skin condition. If left untreated it can cause a
multitude of other issues.

9. g. Ringworm – Contrary to its name, the disease is not caused due to any worm. Highly
contagious in nature this fungal infection presents itself as small patches of alopecia or hair loss
with inflammation or scabs and rash-like conditions. It is commonly seen in and around the
paws, ears, muzzle, abdomen, and back.
h. Sarcoptic Mange – Also known as canine scabies, it is caused due to parasitic mites. Severe
itching, red sores, scabs, and severe hair loss are some of the main signs of this skin condition.
Numerous balding patches can also be seen in severe conditions which are another type of
mange called Demodectic Mange.

10. i. Fleas and Ticks related skin condition – These are external parasitic insects that live on the
surface of the host to suck the blood for nutrition. Severe itching, scabs wounds, lesions, and
anemia are the initial symptoms of the disease. Intense licking and weight loss are the
predominant signs of Flea and tick infection.
j. Dermal Changes – Change in the skin texture to rough and dry flaky condition or color
changes around the limbic joint area can be caused due to metabolic discrepancy. Dogs are
known to scavenge through any kind of food. There are many dangerous foods for dogs that can
cause severe hormonal imbalance and metabolic disorders in a dog which leads to dermal
changes.
How should skin infections in dogs be treated?
Most skin conditionals and dermal ailments in dogs are treatable once the underlying cause is
detected. Some of the most common treatment methods used for treatment include
•Antibacterial treatment – systemic and topical
•Antifungal treatment- systemic and topical
•Hormonal therapy
•Nutritional Supplementation
•Anthelmintic treatment
•Topical application of medicinal oils, ointments, and gels
•Chlorhexidine bath
•Dietary modification

11. Preventive measures to keep Canine skin
infections at bay
Skin infection in dogs can be prevented. Simple rules, when implemented strictly, can prevent
the rise of this kind of issue in dogs.

12. Along with maintaining a very hygienic and clean environment, dogs should be fed a well-
balanced diet. Make sure their diet doesn’t contain any allergic food ingredients to them. This
improves its internal immunity to a great deal and promotes a better overall systemic
development.
•Optimal humidity prevents drying of skin while well-ventilated living space prevents the
proliferation and growth of unwanted microbial elements.
•Regular bath and cleaning of the limbs with antibacterial dog products keep fleas and mites at
bay.
•Supplementing their regular diet with additional vitamins and mineral capsules helps in
boosting their immunity further.
It is important to know that these voiceless innocent beings cannot tell us their problems or
issues when we do feed or do something wrong. That’s why it is important to always be very
attentive towards even the smallest change in their mannerism and habits to know if anything is
troubling them.
Remember that a happy and healthy dog will always be active and boisterous while a sick one
will prefer whining, sleeping, or just being distant.