How do I know if my dog's skin is infected?

Symptoms of skin infections include redness, itching, hair loss, bumps, pustules, and spots. 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. You can implement a routine where you inspect your dog for any visual signs of infection frequently. If you suspect your pet has a skin infection, talk to your vet for a diagnosis and treatment plan. It’s important to check common areas like the paws, groins and armpits. Skinfolds are particularly prone to skin infections, and dogs with heavy pendulous ears are very susceptible to infections.

Redness, inflammation and odor may also be a problem, not to mention recurring health concerns when it comes to yeast dermatitis or staph infection. The most common clinical signs of yeast dermatitis include: Thickened skin or “elephant skin” Flaky, crusty or scaly skin Redness and itchiness Musty odor Recurrent or chronic ear infections (otitis externa) Hyperpigmentation. The most common clinical signs of staph infection are: Excessive itching, licking or chewing Eye, ears, skin or respiratory system infections Patchy fur with peeling, crusty skin, or moist skin Inflamed or red skin Pain Pus-filled lesions on the skin. If your dog has an allergy to medications, food or environmental factors, or fleas, you may start to notice these behaviors. Any age or breed of dog can be afflicted, but older dogs are more susceptible due to their weakened immune systems. Skin tests may also be done to find out whether the inflammation is caused by immune-related issues or an allergic reaction. A skin biopsy may be required, during which your veterinarian will swab the skin to determine which antibiotic should be used to treat the condition.