Moist Pyoderma in Dogs

Dogs are prone to moist pyoderma.

Hot spots, or moist pyoderma, can arise unexpectedly and quickly on your dog's skin. It is marked by red and painful spots on your dog's skin, which can erupt into open wounds if not treated quickly. Canine pyoderma is caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus intermedius. This condition can be treated by a variety of antibiotics, such as cephalosporins. Most dogs are exposed to this bacteria at birth from the mother, and may succumb to infection by an overload of the immune system or a weakness in the skin. Moist pyoderma may also indicate a local infection in a gland or body orifice near the acute skin infection.

Moist Skin

Moist skin is a likely cause of pyoderma in dogs, therefore the name "moist" pyoderma. An excessively wet dog may promote pyoderma after the dog is exposed to water and is not dried properly afterward. Pyoderma is apt to occur in long-haired dogs and on or around the ears where hair tends to be longest. Make sure that you dry your dog properly after swimming or bathing, and you may gently blot water out of your dog's ears with cotton balls.

Broken Skin

Broken skin is also more prone to pyoderma infection. Examine your dog's skin for any eczema, rashes or scratches. Make sure that any open sores on your dog's coat are treated properly by your veterinarian, and that they are dressed according to medical recommendations, so your dog does not lick its wounds. Pyoderma-causing bacteria live in your dog's mouth and may make your dog's skin wounds worse.

Dirty Skin

Dirty skin may also lead to pyoderma infection. Although it is not recommended to bathe your dog every day, dirt, other microbes and natural skin oils may bring on infection by providing a substrate on which bad bacteria can grow. Regular bathing every other week or so, especially in warm weather, can reduce colonies of bacteria on your dog's skin, and can help to keep him healthy for the long term.

Skin Folds

Dog breeds with loose skin may be better candidates for pyoderma than more tight-fitting skinned dogs. Ask your veterinarian how to care for your dog if it has many folds, such as in a bulldog or pug-type breed. Protecting the skin of your dog is an important responsibility of the dog owner. Some antibiotic-resistant strains of pyoderma may make treating a full blown pyoderma infection difficult, particularly with the antibiotic methicillin.

Oral Hygeine

Proper dental care can keep bacterial counts down in the dog's mouth. Your veterinarian can instruct you on proper oral hygiene, and special rawhide chew bones as well as canine herbal supplements may also keep the bacterial counts down in your dog's mouth.

Avoid Ticks and Fleas

Flea or tick bites may cause a microscopic tear in your dog's flesh, leading to pyoderma. Consult your veterinarian on how to prevent parasites from irritating your dog's skin and use regular skin inspections and medications and supplements that can ward off infestation.

References

• Veterinarian News: Canine superficial pyoderma
• Ncbi: Evaluation of methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus intermedius isolated from dogs
• Pet Diseases: Treatment for Hot Spots & Skin Infections

Resources

• Vet Info: Canine Pyoderma
• Best Friends Vet: Staph Pyoderma