Should I bathe my dog if he has a skin infection?

If your pet has a skin infection, then contact your vet for advice as other treatments may be required. For more serious injuries, always see your vet for treatment. Do not use salt water around or in the eyes or ears as it may cause irritation. We would only advise salt water bathing if your vet has instructed you do to this at home. This is because your pet might need more intensive treatment to prevent pain and infection. If your pet has a deep wound or a skin infection, then contact your vet for advice as other treatments may be required.

If your dog is diagnosed with a bacterial skin infection, we will direct you to keep the affected areas as clean as possible. One of the most critical aspects of skin infection treatment is routine bathing which is beneficial because it: Helps clean the skin, removing scaling and dirt that contains bacteria. Can reduce any foul odours stemming from an infection. May reduce itching and scratching. We can direct you on the appropriate frequency of bathing for your pet and the type of dog shampoo to use. Bathing too frequently can irritate your dog’s skin, so the right balance is critical.

Mild skin infections may be treated solely with an antibacterial shampoo, while more severe infections often require a combination of antibacterial shampoo and oral antibiotics. Bacterial skin infection is one of the reasons why your veterinarian might prescribe a medicated shampoo for your dog. Medicated shampoo should be applied to a clean, wet coat, so start by thoroughly rinsing your dog with lukewarm water. If your dog is visibly dirty, bathe her with an over-the-counter shampoo to remove dirt and debris. Unlike cleansing shampoos, medicated shampoos do not typically contain soaps or detergents and may not thoroughly clean dirty dogs. Ask your veterinarian if you have concerns about using an over-the-counter shampoo with your dog’s skin condition. It is important not to leave residual shampoo on the skin. When the timer goes off, it is time to rinse. Ensure you rinse all the shampoo from all areas of your dog’s body. This process will take several minutes. The frequency of medicated baths depends on the specific skin condition the baths address. In many cases, medicated baths are recommended on a weekly basis. Typically, skin conditions should improve within the first few weeks of using a medicated shampoo. Your veterinarian can give you a better idea of what to expect with your dog’s particular skin condition. You may notice that your dog’s skin is a bit red immediately after a bath. This typically does not indicate a reaction to the shampoo; instead, it reflects an increase in skin circulation that often occurs after bathing. However, if your dog’s skin appears to be consistently worsening with bathing, please contact your veterinarian.

If so, your dog may have a yeast infection. Yeast on your dog's skin can overpopulate, causing an infection characterized by inflammation, a rash, discharge, and a noticeable odor. Moisture is one of the main causes of yeast infections in dogs, and lake water is a common culprit. You can also bathe your dog to treat yeast infections and relieve symptoms. If your dog has an invasive infection or one that covers a large part of their body, seek veterinary attention as soon as possible. Oral and topical medications may be required for more severe infections.