Antibiotic treatment should last for at least 3 weeks and preferably for 4 weeks.
All signs (except for hair regrowth and resolution of increased pigmentation) should be gone for at least 7 days before antibiotics are discontinued.
Longterm, recurrent, or deep pyodermas typically require 8 to 12 weeks or longer to heal completely.
Improvement may not be evident for at least 14 to 21 days, and recovery may not be as rapid as expected.
Even though your dog may seem better after only a few days or a week, it is still very important for you to continue the prescribed treatment program for the full length of time.
The bacteria causing pyoderma can still be present and ready to multiply again if the complete course of medication is not given.
Pyoderma that occurs in otherwise healthy animals usually resolves completely with appropriate antibiotics.
Baths should be given 2 to 3 times per week during the first 2 weeks of treatment and then 1 to 2 times per week until the infection clears.
Dogs with deep pyoderma may require daily baths with medicated shampoos diluted to one-half or one-quarter strength.