How To Treat A Dog Skin Infection
Introduction
Skin infections are a common complaint of dog owners. If you’ve noticed your pup spending a bit too much time licking and scratching herself, she may be suffering from a skin infection. The good news is that many of these infections can be treated with antibiotics and some simple at-home care. Some skin conditions can even be prevented altogether, so being aware of the causes and warning signs will help keep your pooch’s precious coat healthy. In this article, we’ll review what to do if your dog has an infection on her skin or in her ears, plus how to prevent future problems. By the end, you’ll know how to handle dog skin infection like a pro!
Get a diagnosis from your vet.
- Get a diagnosis from your vet.
If you notice any skin conditions on your dog, it is important to see a veterinarian as soon as possible. Your vet will be able to diagnose whether or not the infection is bacterial or fungal and then treat accordingly.
Keep your dog clean.
One of the best things you can do for your dog is keep them clean. Bathing your dog on a regular basis helps to keep their skin healthy and looking good, it also prevents dirt from building up on their coat. Dirty dogs are more likely to get sick, so make sure that you wash their bedding at least once a week in hot water with detergent. Wash all toys and accessories frequently as well, especially if they are used outdoors or around other animals like cats!
If your dog is itching from an infection then there’s no need to worry; anti-itch shampoos will help relieve this uncomfortable feeling while also soothing any existing infections that may be present already. Talk with your veterinarian about which products they recommend using because some antiseptics can cause irritation if applied incorrectly or too often; however these are usually safe when used correctly by following instructions carefully every time before applying them again later on (like with sunscreen).
Wash your dog’s bedding and toys in hot water and detergent.
If your dog is currently being treated for a skin infection, it’s important to wash their bedding and toys in hot water with detergent. If that’s not an option, you can put the items in a plastic bag and put them in the freezer. The extreme cold will kill the bacteria and fungi on their belongings.
You’ll also want to make sure that if any of their toys have been affected by these diseases, they’re properly cleaned before giving them back to your dog.
Make sure your dog doesn’t scratch herself.
To help you treat your dog’s skin infection, you need to make sure she doesn’t scratch herself. If possible, keep her nails trimmed and give her toys to chew on. It’s also important for you to bathe your dog regularly and use an anti-itch shampoo or cream if she is itchy from the infection. You can also use a medicated spray or shampoo, but these products may not be as effective as other treatments.
Use an anti-itch shampoo to relieve itching.
Use an anti-itch shampoo to relieve itching. Shampoos with hydrocortisone are incredibly effective at relieving itching, and can be used as often as every other day. If you choose to use these shampoos, make sure that your dog is not allergic to the ingredients in them (you should also avoid medicated shampoos for dogs who are allergic to specific ingredients such as fragrance).
For best results, use a medicated shampoo once or twice each week until your pet’s skin heals completely.
Ask your vet about using an antiseptic to prevent the infection from spreading.
You should also ask your vet about using an antiseptic to prevent the infection from spreading. Antiseptics are substances that kill bacteria and other microorganisms, and can be used to prevent infections from getting worse, or from spreading. For example, if your dog has a skin infection on its paw pads, you’ll want to use an antibiotic ointment (which is not an antiseptic) on those paws after they’ve been cleaned with soap and warm water. If you don’t clean the paws first, then applying an antiseptic would not work very well because there would still be bacteria living in the unwashed skin cells on top of those infected paw pads!
Give your dog regular doses of antibiotics (if instructed by the vet).
If your dog has been diagnosed with a skin infection, the vet will likely recommend that you administer antibiotics to treat the infection. Be sure to follow all instructions regarding dosage and frequency of administration exactly. Your vet may also advise you on how long to continue giving your dog antibiotics before they are no longer necessary.
To administer pills or liquid medications:
- The easiest way to give your dog pills is by using a pill pocket or treat (you can buy these at any pet store). Simply open it up and slide in the pill, then offer it to your dog as a reward for good behavior (or simply hand-feed it). If this method doesn’t work for your particular canine companion, try wrapping up his medication in cheese or peanut butter. Some dogs will eat anything if they’ve got enough incentive—and there’s nothing like cheesy goodness to get their attention! Keep in mind that not all dogs like peanut butter; be sure to try different flavors until you find one he likes best! It might take some trial and error before finding the method that works best for him/her…but once you know what does work well for them (or maybe even better!) than go ahead and stick with that method so everyone knows what’s coming next time around!
Dog skin infection is scary, but with help, you can get it under control.
A dog skin infection is scary, but with help, you can get it under control.
It’s important to get a diagnosis from your veterinarian. If you notice any changes in your dog’s behavior or appearance, or if they start scratching excessively, take them to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Keeping your pet clean is also an essential part of keeping the infection from spreading to other areas of their body (and yours). Wash their paws and belly daily with warm water and gentle shampoo that doesn’t contain harsh chemicals. Avoid using human products; dogs’ skin is much more sensitive than ours!
If you suspect that this might be an allergy related issue for your pup, try using an anti-itch shampoo like Tea Tree Oil Shampoo by Burt’s Bees instead of soap or body wash when bathing him so he doesn’t spread bacteria from his infected area to other parts of his body (or yours).
Conclusion
One of the most important things that you can do is to seek professional medical treatment as soon as possible. Your veterinarian will be able to provide you with a diagnosis and create a treatment plan that works for your dog. Remember, early intervention is key!