Impetigo Disease and Treatment in Dogs

Impetigo is a common skin disease in dogs. It is particularly common in prepubertal dogs, i.e., those living in unhygienic conditions. Also called puppy pyoderma, impetigo is a type of skin infection most commonly seen in puppies and adolescent dogs. In this article, we will discuss the symptoms of impetigo in dogs, its treatment, and ways to protect dogs from this health problem.

What is Puppy Pyoderma or Impetigo?

Pyoderma can be described as a clinical term used for any type of skin infection. Pyoderma is defined as the discharge of pus from the skin. Impetigo, on the other hand, is commonly caused by the overgrowth and multiplication of Staphylococcus bacteria on the dog's skin; however, it is possible for different bacterial strains to cause this health problem. Although impetigo is often seen due to unhygienic living conditions, it is not accurate to say that all dogs with this health problem have an unkempt living environment. Impetigo is not contagious; no transmission is expected when dogs come into contact with another dog that has impetigo.

What Causes Impetigo in Dogs?

The exact cause of impetigo in dogs is not fully understood. However, it is possible to mention some situations that may cause impetigo to occur in dogs, creating a risk factor. The risk of impetigo in dogs increases in cases such as immune or endocrine system problems, or skin damage. In addition, external parasite problems, insect bites, ringworm, scabies, food allergies, and damaged skin also increase the risk of impetigo. Some breeds are predisposed to impetigo. Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Bulldogs, and Boxers may be susceptible to impetigo due to their wrinkled skin structure. Although impetigo is generally a disease of puppyhood and adolescence, in some cases it continues into adulthood.

What are the Symptoms of Impetigo in Dogs?

The first visible sign of impetigo is the appearance of lesions on the skin that resemble pimples. These lesions resemble red bumps and contain a white substance called pus. Lesions commonly appear in the armpits, chin, and areas with sparse fur. Lesions may be seen in the groin area and the hairless ventral abdominal region. Hair loss may occur in the area where the lesions are located. The dog may scratch the area where the lesions appear much more frequently than normal. In addition to these symptoms, lethargy and loss of appetite may also be seen if impetigo worsens. How is Impetigo Diagnosed in Dogs? Lesions on the skin are the most common symptom; when these lesions are seen, a veterinarian should be consulted immediately. It is important to evaluate the dog's living conditions and listen to its medical history. If the dog was rescued from a shelter or the street, impetigo may have occurred due to its past living conditions. Afterwards, a physical examination is performed; this examination is important for differentiating between follicular and non-follicular types of lesions. Non-follicular lesions are sought for the diagnosis of impetigo. Cytological examination may require draining one of the pus-filled vesicles, or pustules. Examining the drained pus can identify the bacteria causing the problem. Diagnosis can usually be made through history and physical examination; if the diagnosis is uncertain, cytological examination is considered. In rare cases where these are insufficient, histopathological examination, culture, and sensitivity tests may also be performed. In the diagnosis of impetigo in dogs, it is also important to evaluate underlying conditions that increase the risk. Endocrine or immune system problems must be considered depending on the dog's history. In dogs living in a hygienic environment and with completed vaccinations, finding the underlying cause of impetigo should be prioritized. How is Impetigo Treated in Dogs? Impetigo in dogs is a health problem that can be treated quite easily. In some cases, it's even possible for the dog to recover on its own. In severe cases of impetigo requiring treatment, antibiotic therapy is commonly preferred. In moderate cases of impetigo, topical applications may also be preferred.

Hair loss may occur in the area where the lesions are located. The dog may scratch the affected area much more frequently than usual. In addition to these symptoms, lethargy and loss of appetite may also occur if impetigo worsens.

How is impetigo diagnosed in dogs?

Skin lesions are the most common symptom; a veterinarian should be consulted immediately if these lesions are observed. It is important to assess the dog's living conditions and listen to its medical history. If the dog was rescued from a shelter or the street, impetigo may have occurred due to its past living conditions. A physical examination is then performed, which is important for differentiating between follicular and non-follicular lesions. Non-follicular lesions are sought for impetigo diagnosis. Cytological examination may require draining one of the pus-filled vesicles (pustules). Examination of the drained pus can identify the bacteria causing the problem. Diagnosis can usually be made through history and physical examination; if the diagnosis is uncertain, cytological examination is considered. In rare cases where these are insufficient, histopathological examination, culture, and sensitivity tests may also be performed.

In diagnosing impetigo in dogs, it is also important to evaluate underlying conditions and factors that increase the risk. Endocrine or immune system problems must be considered depending on the dog's history. In dogs living in a hygienic environment and with completed vaccinations, identifying the underlying cause of impetigo should be prioritized.

How to Treat Impetigo in Dogs?

Impetigo in dogs is a relatively easily treatable health problem. In some cases, it may even resolve on its own. In severe cases requiring treatment, antibiotic therapy is commonly preferred. In moderate cases of impetigo, topical applications may also be used.

Ways to Protect Dogs from Impetigo

As mentioned at the beginning of our article, the exact cause of impetigo is not fully known. Therefore, recommendations for protecting dogs from impetigo are based on generalizations. First of all, it is important to ensure that dogs have regular veterinary check-ups and that they do not have any problems related to the immune or endocrine system. The dog should be vaccinated regularly to protect it from parasites such as fleas. Even if the dog lives in a home environment, the items it uses should be cleaned regularly. Items such as the dog's bed, blankets, and pillows should be cleaned regularly with unscented detergents. Disinfecting the dog's toys at certain intervals is also important for protection against impetigo.