Do I need to take my dog to the vet for a skin infection?
Lula Stokes
2025-08-18 09:37:54
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It’s always best to book an appointment with your vet if you notice something wrong with your dog’s skin, waiting can lead to more serious problems developing. Skin conditions can be very uncomfortable and often very painful, especially if they are severe or go on for a long time. Contact your vet if your pet has a skin problem that doesn’t clear up in a few days. If you see blood or pus coming from their skin it is important to see a vet as soon as possible. You know your dog best, if they don’t have the symptoms listed above but you are still concerned it’s always best to contact your vet. Bacterial infections often cause red, circular patches on the skin that sometimes smell pungent. Hot spots are patches of red, infected skin, they appear very quickly, look wet and often weep. If the skin is damaged an infection can take hold.
Jaylen Murazik
2025-08-07 21:49:22
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If your dog has an allergy to medications, food or environmental factors, or fleas, you may start to notice excessive scratching, chewing or licking, which can irritate the skin and lead to infections. Any age or breed of dog can be afflicted, but older dogs are more susceptible due to their weakened immune systems. Is your dog showing signs of a bacterial or fungal skin infection? Contact our Greensboro vets right away to schedule an appointment for testing. Our vets are experienced in diagnosing a number of conditions and illnesses. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet. Yeast dermatitis infections can be treated with oral or topical treatments, or a combination of both based on the severity of your dog’s condition. Staph infections are typically treated with oral antibiotics. Antibacterial shampoo or topical ointments can be used for these types of skin conditions. Depending on the severity of the infection, treatment may take several weeks to have an effect.
Veronica Reinger
2025-07-31 19:49:59
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If you suspect your pet has a skin infection, talk to your vet for a diagnosis and treatment plan. Your vet may be able to diagnose by looking; however, a conclusive diagnosis requires the examination of hair, discharge, and skin cultures. Some of the tests and procedures your vet may conduct include: Skin scrapes and hair plucks. Swab of the skin or pus to look under the microscope and culture for bacterial growth. Looking down the ear with an otoscope to evaluate the ear canal. If your dog is diagnosed with a bacterial skin infection, your vet will direct you to keep the affected areas as clean as feasible. Your vet can direct you on the appropriate frequency of bathing for your pet and the type of dog shampoo to use.
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