Pyoderma in Dogs: Symptoms and Treatment

Pyoderma is a common bacterial dog skin infection. It is usually secondary to a primary illness, such as Cushing’s disease, and can involve either one or multiple skin layers, from superficial to deep.

Symptoms like bumps, pustules, and itching can make dogs feel very uncomfortable and can be alarming for pet parents to see. Fortunately, pyoderma in dogs often responds well to treatment when the underlying cause is identified and managed, minimizing the risk of recurrence.

In this Q&A, we’re answering common questions about pyoderma, including what it looks like, how it’s diagnosed, and how it's treated.

Q1: What is pyoderma in dogs?

Pyoderma is a bacterial skin infection, with Staphylococcus most commonly involved. It is usually a secondary condition that occurs after a primary health condition affects the skin.

There are three types of pyoderma: surface, superficial, and deep. Surface pyoderma affects the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin. Superficial pyoderma in dogs affects the epidermis and hair follicles. Deep pyoderma affects the dermis and subcutis, the deeper skin layers.

Dogs with skin folds or allergies are more prone to developing pyoderma. Skin folds trap heat and moisture, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. Allergies make dogs itchy, leading to constant scratching that can break the skin surface and increase the risk of bacterial infection.

Q2: What are the symptoms of pyoderma in dogs?

Pyoderma causes a range of skin symptoms that can vary in severity, from mild irritation to widespread skin disease. Here are symptoms to look for:

• Pustules
• Redness
• Scales
• Hair loss
• Itching
• Excessive scratching and licking
• Scabs, crusty skin
• Bad odor
• Draining sores in severe cases
• Oily skin
• Skin discoloration or thickening in some cases

These symptoms are not specific to dog pyoderma, but they do signal a skin issue that needs veterinary attention.

Q3: What causes bacterial skin infection in dogs?

Various underlying causes contribute to bacterial skin infection in dogs:

• Allergies, such as food and environmental allergies
• Fleas, other external parasites
• Moisture trapped in skin folds
• Hormonal disorders (e.g., hypothyroidism)
• Weakened immune system
• Excessive scratching, skin trauma

Rather than being a diagnosis in itself, pyoderma signals an underlying condition that causes skin problems.

Q4: How is pyoderma diagnosed?

A veterinarian uses several diagnostic tools to diagnose pyoderma:

• Physical exam to look for visible signs of pyoderma
• Skin cytology to identify bacteria or yeast
• Skin scraping to rule out mites or parasites
• Bacterial culture & sensitivity testing to identify specific bacteria and determine the most appropriate antibiotic; usually used for recurrent or severe pyoderma
• Evaluation of allergies or hormonal disease

Identifying the underlying cause will help make treatment more effective and decrease the chances of recurrent pyoderma.

Q5: How is pyoderma treated in dogs?

Pyoderma in dogs is treated with antibiotics. The length of antibiotic treatment is typically 3 to 4 weeks but can extend to 10 to 12 weeks if the pyoderma is severe. It is critical to complete the full course of prescribed antibiotics, even if symptoms improve, to minimize the risk of bacterial resistance.

Other therapies complement antibiotic therapy:

• Medicated shampoos or topical treatments: Medicated shampoos are available through prescription or over the counter. Your veterinarian will recommend which medicated shampoo and topical treatments your dog will need.
• Anti-itch medications, such as steroids, if needed
• Allergy medications, such as antihistamines
• Treating the underlying cause (e.g., thyroid supplement for hypothyroidism)
• Keeping the skin clean and dry

Q6: How can owners help prevent recurring skin infections?

Pyoderma is no fun for dogs. Here are some strategies for lessening the risk of recurrent pyoderma:

• Maintain monthly flea prevention: Fleas can cause intense itching, leading to scratching that damages the skin and increases the risk of pyoderma. Flea prevention is essential year-round, not just when it’s warm outside.
• Bathe your dog according to your veterinarian’s recommendations: Dogs typically don’t need frequent baths. However, keeping your dog’s skin clean and dry can help reduce the risk of pyoderma.
• Dry skin folds and ears thoroughly after bathing and swimming: Bacteria love pockets of heat and moisture on the skin. Drying your dog thoroughly will help prevent bacteria from causing recurrent skin infections.
• Monitor for excessive licking and scratching: Excessive licking and scratching will repeatedly damage the protective skin layer, preventing full healing of the pyoderma.
• Manage allergies and chronic skin conditions early: The better you can manage allergies and chronic skin conditions, the less likely that pyoderma will keep coming back.
• Schedule veterinary visits if skin issues repeatedly return: If your dog’s skin won’t clear up, veterinary attention will be needed to identify the underlying cause and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

Although recurring pyoderma makes your dog uncomfortable, it can improve significantly once the underlying cause is identified and managed.

Treatment Is Often Successful

Pyoderma in dogs is a common bacterial skin infection characterized by itching and skin lesions like bumps and pustules. When the underlying condition is identified and managed, treatment for pyoderma is often successful and enduring. If you notice persistent skin lesions and itching in your dog, contact your vet to schedule an appointment.

With proper treatment and prevention, many dogs experience significant improvement in comfort and skin health.