Skin infections in dogs, known as pyoderma, are bacterial infections of the skin. The word literally means “pus in the skin”. It often has a trigger underneath, such as an allergy or parasites, which is why the headline message is simple: see your vet rather than waiting for it to clear by itself, because treating the infection without finding the trigger often means it comes back.
At a glance
- What it is: an infection of the skin, usually when skin bacteria (often Staphylococcus) overgrow.
- Who it affects: dogs of many breeds and crosses. In a UK study of 54,600 dogs at 73 practices (Summers et al., BMC Veterinary Research, 2014), 1.3% had a pyoderma diagnosis recorded.
- Urgency: soon. Book a vet appointment, and sooner if the skin is weeping blood or pus.
- Vet needed? Yes. Only a vet can diagnose it and decide on treatment.
Signs to look for
Animal Trust Vets, in its guidance on bacterial skin infections, lists these signs:
- itching or scratching
- red, inflamed skin
- pimples or pus-filled spots
- scabs or crusting
- hair loss
- licking or chewing at the affected area
- skin sores, or infections that keep coming back
Lots of skin problems look alike, so a rash or scabby patch isn’t proof of infection. That is a job for your vet. Our sick dog symptoms guide can help you decide how quickly to call.
Causes and risk factors
Pyoderma is often secondary, meaning something else has made the skin vulnerable first. The PDSA explains that bacteria and yeasts normally live on the skin without causing problems, but if the skin is damaged an infection can take hold, and it names parasites, allergies and hormone problems such as hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease among the causes of skin trouble. The MSD Veterinary Manual adds specific triggers: flea, atopic (environmental) and food allergies, an underactive thyroid or an overactive adrenal gland, demodex mites, skin folds and poor grooming.
That manual also explains the depth. Surface pyoderma includes hot spots and skin-fold infections, superficial pyoderma involves the upper layers of skin, and deep pyoderma is less common but more serious.
The UK study (Summers and colleagues, BMC Veterinary Research, 2014) names the most common breeds in the study population, but it doesn’t say any breed is more at risk, so we won’t either.
When to call your vet
The PDSA says to contact your vet if a skin problem doesn’t clear up in a few days, and to see a vet as soon as possible if you see blood or pus coming from the skin. If you need a practice, our vets guide is a good starting point.
- 1. Notice
Itching, red skin, scabs or pus-filled spots - 2. Speak to your vet
Book soon, and sooner if the skin is weeping blood or pus - 3. Vet examines
History, skin changes and skin samples under a microscope - 4. Options
Treatment options your vet may discuss: medicated shampoos, sprays, creams - 5. Ongoing care
Finish the course your vet gives and book the recheck
How vets diagnose it
Vets look at your dog’s history and the skin changes, then use tests such as looking at skin samples under a microscope (called cytology), which the MSD manual calls one of the most valuable tools, and sometimes growing the bacteria in a lab (a culture), which it says matters especially in recurrent cases. Vets also look for the underlying cause, which can include parasites such as demodex mites (see mange). Skin problems can also have other causes, such as ringworm, which is another reason not to guess.
What vets generally do about it
Treatment is decided by your vet and depends on how deep the infection is. The MSD manual says medicated shampoos, sprays and creams are used on their own in most cases of surface and superficial pyoderma, while antibiotics by mouth are kept for deep infections or cases that don’t respond to topical care. Finding and managing the underlying trigger matters too. Because some bacteria are resistant to antibiotics, the MSD manual says culture and susceptibility testing helps guide the choice of antibiotic.
Living with it and prevention
Once your vet has advised, the main job is following the plan. The MSD manual lists common reasons for recurrence: not finding the underlying trigger, courses that are too short, wrong antibiotic choice and not going back for a recheck. So finish the course your vet gives and book the recheck.
Since recurrence is so often down to an unfound trigger, managing causes such as allergies and parasites with your vet is the sensible route to fewer repeat infections. Repeat appointments and medicines add up, so it’s worth reading our guide to pet insurance. More conditions are in our dog illnesses A-Z.
Related conditions
Sources
- Animal Trust Vets: Bacterial skin infections in dogs
- PDSA: Skin problems in dogs, an overview
- MSD Veterinary Manual: Pyoderma in dogs and cats
- Summers JF, Hendricks A, Brodbelt DC. Prescribing practices of primary-care veterinary practitioners in dogs diagnosed with bacterial pyoderma. BMC Veterinary Research, 2014
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pyoderma in dogs?
Pyoderma is a bacterial infection of the skin, literally meaning pus in the skin. It usually involves skin bacteria such as Staphylococcus overgrowing, often because of an underlying problem like an allergy or parasites. Speak to your vet for a diagnosis.
Is a hot spot the same as pyoderma?
The MSD Veterinary Manual lists hot spots (acute moist dermatitis) as one type of surface pyoderma. Your vet can tell you what is going on with your dog’s skin.
Why does my dog keep getting skin infections?
Common reasons for recurrence include an underlying trigger that hasn’t been found, such as an allergy or hormonal disease, a course of treatment that was too short, and missed rechecks. Speak to your vet about looking for the cause.
How common is pyoderma in UK dogs?
In a study of 54,600 dogs seen at 73 UK practices (Summers et al., BMC Veterinary Research, 2014), 1.3% had a pyoderma diagnosis recorded. That figure comes from vet records, so it reflects diagnosed cases only.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice. If you are worried about your dog, speak to your vet. Written by Georgiana & Figo, who are dog owners, not vets. Have a look around Calmshops for everyday dog essentials.
