Why does my dog keep getting bacterial skin infections?
Jenifer Williamson
2025-08-04 10:30:50
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Bacterial skin infection occurs when the skin's surface has been broken, the skin has become injured due to chronic exposure to moisture, the normal skin bacteria have been altered or changed, the blood flow to the skin has become impaired, or the immune system has been suppressed. Pyoderma is often secondary to allergic dermatitis and develops in the abrasions on the skin's surface that occur as a result of scratching. Fleas, ticks, yeast, or fungal skin infections, thyroid disease or hormonal imbalances, heredity, and some medications may increase the risk of your pet developing pyoderma. Certain breeds appear to be predisposed to the condition. Puppies often develop puppy pyoderma in thin-haired areas such as the groin and underarms. The skin folds allow the surface of the two adjacent areas to lie in close contact, creating a warm, humid environment. In the presence of moisture, the normal skin bacteria then multiply, creating an infection in the fold. It may develop between the mammary glands in females that have had multiple litters of pups. It may also occur secondary to obesity when adjacent skin folds upon itself.
Cara Breitenberg
2025-08-04 10:22:14
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Many bacteria and fungi live on the skin but are controlled by the immune system and do not cause issues under normal circumstances. But, if skin conditions change or the immune system becomes suppressed, bacterial and fungal infections can result. Immune deficiencies or an increase in the amount of oils produced on the skin are common causes of yeast infections. When it comes to staph infections, skin can become irritated when a dog excessively scratches, chews or licks. If your dog has an allergy to medications, food or environmental factors, or fleas, you may start to notice these behaviors. Some chronic debilitating diseases, allergies, fungal infections of the blood and other secondary infections may cause staph infections. Any age or breed of dog can be afflicted, but older dogs are more susceptible due to their weakened immune systems. Certain breeds may be genetically predisposed to yeast infections, such as the Lhasa Apso, Poodle, Dachshund, Shetland Sheepdog, West Highland White Terrier, Maltese Terrier, Cocker Spaniel, Basset hound, Australian Terrier, Silky Terrier, and Chihuahua.
Alba Champlin
2025-08-04 07:48:21
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Bacterial skin infections can have many causes, such as allergies. Some dogs are more vulnerable to develop bacterial skin infections than others. Skinfolds are particularly prone to skin infections, and dogs with heavy pendulous ears are very susceptible to infections. These infections happen because long, heavy ears can promote bacterial growth. However, any dog can develop a skin infection, so you should be on the lookout for warning signs. Symptoms of skin infections include redness, itching, hair loss, bumps, pustules, and spots. Dogs with many skin folds might need maintenance treatment to keep these areas from becoming too moist and could require special wipes or shampoos to keep them clean.
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