Pyoderma is a bacterial skin infection (bacterial dermatitis). Pyodermas in dogs are usually caused by Staphylococcus bacteria (Staphylococcal folliculitis or furunculosis). These bacteria usually will not cause disease on normal skin. However, other underlying skin diseases can alter the skin surface, making it more susceptible to infection. Pyoderma is common in dogs.

Causes of Pyoderma

Common underlying causes of pyoderma include allergies (food allergy, flea allergy, or atopy, a genetic tendency to develop certain allergies); parasites (demodectic or sarcoptic mange); seborrhea; and hormonal imbalances such as hypothyroidism and hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease). Some cases of pyoderma, especially on the chin and paws, also have furunculosis. Furunculosis occurs when hair follicles are broken and pushed beneath the skin surface, leading to skin irritation and inflammation. As pyoderma is usually secondary to an underlying problem, it is important to diagnose and treat other health conditions while treating the pyoderma.

Diagnosis of Pyoderma

Your veterinarian will examine your dog to look for signs of a skin infection. As both bacteria and yeast can cause skin infections in dogs, but are treated with different medications, your veterinarian may obtain skin samples from your dog and examine them under a microscope. If your dog has a yeast skin infection (Malassezia dermatitis), antibiotics will not help. For severe, deep bacterial skin infections (deep pyodermas, including furunculosis), your veterinarian may send a sample to a laboratory for a skin culture to determine the appropriate antibiotic.

Treatment of Pyoderma

Pyodermas are treated using antibacterial shampoos, sprays, or rinses. More severe pyodermas are treated with antibiotics. Deep skin infections with furunculosis require a longer course of antibiotic treatment. It is important to give the full dose of antibiotics for the entire time prescribed, even if your pet’s skin looks much better. Stopping the antibiotic before the prescription is finished may lead to further problems, such as antibiotic resistance or the need to restart treatment from the beginning.

It is equally important to keep your pet’s recheck appointment. Medications may need to be adjusted depending on your pet's progress. Again, diagnosis and treatment of the primary problem are the keys to preventing pyoderma.