Puppy impetigo or pyoderma is a common bacterial dog skin infection in young dogs. It shows small, pus-filled blisters in your dog’s skin that can burst leaving behind red, irritated skin. Puppies under one year old, between three and six months of age could experience this condition. It primarily targets the hairless regions of a puppy’s skin, such as the belly, groin, and armpits. However, canine impetigo is not as contagious as human impetigo.
What are the Symptoms of puppy impetigo?
Puppy impetigo comprises a variety of symptoms. Here are the most common signs of the condition:
- Small, red bumps
- Pustules
- Itching and discomfort
- Crusty or scaly skin
- Hair loss
- Unusual odor
- Behavioral changes (in rare instances)
If you suspect your dog to have any of these symptoms, take your dog immediately to a veterinarian for a definitive diagnosis. He will thoroughly examine your dog and may take a skin scrap or swab to do a microscopic analysis. It helps diagnose the presence of bacterial infection and rule out other possible conditions, such as mange or fungal infections. Sometimes your vet may recommend a culture and sensitivity test for identifying specific bacterial strains and finalize the most effective treatment. Impetigo could resolve on its own, yet accurate treatment ensures that your puppy receives the right treatment to recover soon.
Causes of puppy impetigo
The main cause of the dog skin infection -impetigo- is a bacterial infection, from Staphylococcus pseudintermedius or Staphylococcus aureus. Dogs have this bacteria naturally on the skin and mucous. Yet, it spreads when they breach the skin barrier, often through cuts, scrapes, or other disruptions. Puppies are eventually vulnerable to this condition as their immune system are still maturing and have not grown enough to fight against infections.
Additionally, if your puppy’s hygiene is poor and lacks adequate grooming, it can facilitate bacterial growth on the skin. Moreover, nutritional deficiencies can weaken a puppy’s immune system, making it easier for infections to take hold. There are puppies with underlying issues such as parasites or allergies. They are also at higher risk as these conditions compromise skin integrity and immune defenses.
How to treat puppy impetigo in dogs?
Puppy impetigo is generally a treatable condition. Here are some treatment options you can expect your veterinarian to recommend:
- Topical antibiotics: If the impetigo case is not severe in your dog, it can often be managed with topical treatments. You can apply antibacterial creams and ointments that contain neomycin, mupirocin, or polymyxin, directly to the lesions to combat the infection.
- Medicated shampoos:Â Medicated shampoos comprise antibacterial agents like chlorhexidine or ethyl lactate that can cleanse the skin and reduce bacterial load.
- Oral antibiotics:  If your dog is in severe condition, it may need oral antibiotics. Your vet may prescribe antibiotics like clindamycin, erythromycin, or cephalexin to be administered over six to eight weeks as a course. You must complete the entire course of medication regardless of whether symptoms improve early to prevent recurrence and resistance.
In addition to what your vet says, you can do several things at home to help your pup recover.
- You may clean the affected areas gently with warm water and mild antiseptic solutions as your vet recommends.
- Keep your pup away from irritants like harsh chemicals or rough surfaces.
- If your puppy licks or scratches the affected areas, the infection worsens. Hence use an e-collar if necessary to prevent your puppy from scratching or licking the lesions
- Give your pup a well-balanced diet that can boost your puppy’s immune system to fight off infections more effectively.
Most cases of impetigo in dog skin are mild and treatable. Yet, if the condition does not improve with initial treatment, it spreads rapidly. So, if your puppy shows signs of severe discomfort, consult your vet immediately. If the condition is persistent, it indicates that your dog has underlying health issues.