- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Pyoderma is a bacterial skin infection that occurs secondary to another underlying disease in dogs. Pyoderma is one of the most common canine skin disorders and can affect dogs of all ages. You may also hear it referred to as impetigo, especially with puppies. The name’s literal meaning is pus (“pyo”) in the skin (“derma”)—though pus may not be visible to the naked eye, says Dr. Andrea Cannon, a board-certified veterinary dermatologist.
Affected dogs may have red skin, scaling, papules or pustules (similar to pimples in humans), crusting, itching, hair loss, and sometimes a musty odor (especially if skin between the toes or skin folds is affected).
Fortunately, the prognosis for pyoderma is good and can be treated successfully with topical treatments, medicated shampoos, and/or oral antibiotics. Pyoderma is rarely fatal and generally can’t spread to humans. Nevertheless, Dr. Cannon advises caution and frequent hand-washing for immunocompromised pet parents.
We consulted three veterinary dermatologists to learn how to spot pyoderma in dogs. We’ll also discuss how vets diagnose and treat the condition and what pet parents can do to prevent recurrences.
What Are the Symptoms of Pyoderma?
Dr. Jackie Diamond, a board-certified veterinary dermatologist at Mountain Star Veterinary Specialists, explains that pyoderma is classified into three types based on the level of skin affected.
Surface pyoderma refers to an infection of the skin’s outer surface or epidermis. Symptoms of surface pyoderma include:
- Redness
- Scaling
- Itching
- Hot spots
- Collarettes— flat, red, circular lesions with scale along the margins
Superficial pyoderma goes a bit deeper and involves the epidermis and hair follicles. Superficial pyoderma may present with:
- Redness
- Pustules
- Crusting
- Bald patches or hair loss
- Welts around hairs
Deep pyoderma refers to infection of the deeper layers of skin or dermis. Dr. Diamond says this often leads to ruptured hair follicles, resulting in free hair shafts being trapped under the skin and causing a reaction. Deep pyoderma can present with:
- Redness
- Pustules
- Crusting
- Hair loss
- Draining tracts (opening holes in the skin)
- Swelling
- Boils
- Blisters
- Yellow, green, pink-ish, reddish-brown discharge
- Odor
- Pain/discomfort
- Lick granulomas: lesions caused by excessive licking
- Lesions on the chin, muzzle, elbows, and between the toes
Additionally, pyoderma symptoms can appear differently in short-haired dogs compared to long-haired dogs. In short-haired breeds, inflammation of the hair follicles can cause the hair to stick up, which resembles hives. Additionally, short-haired dogs may experience patchy hair loss or have a moth-eaten appearance. Long-haired dogs, on the other hand, may present with a dull coat at first.
Usually, pyoderma is not life-threatening. While Dr. Cannon acknowledges it can be fatal if bacteria spread to the bloodstream, this is rare. Even so, pyoderma is still considered “urgent” and warrants a visit to the veterinarian. Affected dogs may experience uncomfortable itching and even pain. Your vet can make your dog more comfortable while setting them on the path to recovery.
What Causes Pyoderma in Dogs?
The majority of pyodermas are caused by Staphylococcus pseudintermedius: a bacteria that is always present on a dog’s skin. Normally, this bacteria is not problematic. However, if the skin is damaged or the immune system is weakened, bacteria can get into the body, multiply, and cause infection.
“Almost all pyodermas have an underlying cause,” says Dr. Cannon, adding that allergic dermatitis is the most common culprit. She tells us several breeds tend to face a higher risk for allergic dermatitis. These include:
- Labradors
- Golden Retrievers
- Soft-coated Wheaton Terriers
- West Highland White Terriers
- Jack Russel Terriers
- Bulldogs
- Boston Terriers
- Boxers
- Pit Bulls
- Shar Peis
- Shih Tzus
- Weimaraners
- Mixed-breed dogs
Dr. Cannon says German Shepherds are unique in that they are prone to deep pyodermas with or without signs of allergic dermatitis.
Along with allergic dermatitis, other pyoderma causes include:
- Parasites
- Excessive skin folds that hold a lot of moisture (i.e., Bulldogs & Shar Peis)
- Skin trauma
- Immunosuppressant medication
- Conditions that cause immunosuppression, such as cancer
How Do Vets Diagnose Pyoderma?
Pyoderma is diagnosed with cytology (the examination of skin cells with a microscope) since skin infections vary in appearance and pus isn’t always visible.
“Typically, a glass slide is rubbed over the affected skin, then the slide is stained and examined with a microscope,” says Dr. Megan Frazer, a board-certified veterinary dermatologist at Animal Dermatology Group. Alternatively, clear acetate tape can be used to obtain skin cells.
Cytology is a relatively simple and inexpensive diagnostic test. If cost is a concern, many pet insurance policies will cover this type of testing.
Alternatively, Dr. Frazer says some veterinarians may recommend a bacterial culture. They send a swab to a lab to analyze the bacteria and determine the best antibiotic. This is especially useful in dogs with chronic or recurrent pyoderma.
How Do You Treat Pyoderma?
Fortunately, pyoderma is a treatable condition. If you spot signs, seek prompt veterinary care to get the condition under control and prevent it from progressing.
Veterinary treatment
Dr. Diamond says treatment for pyoderma will depend on the type and severity of the infection. Surface pyoderma involves clipping the hair from the affected area and using medicated topical therapies like shampoos, wipes, mousse, sprays, creams, or ointments. These will contain antimicrobial properties like chlorhexidine, aluminum acetate solutions, and acetic/boric acid.
Depending on its extent and severity, superficial pyoderma may require oral antibiotics alongside topical treatments.
“[Deep pyodermas] often require prolonged systemic or oral antibiotic therapies as well as topical therapies to speed resolution,” Dr. Diamond says. Some cases may benefit from a short course of oral steroids to alleviate inflammation. Chronic or recurrent cases of pyoderma may also require a longer course of antibiotics, from 8 to 12 weeks.
At-home remedies
Grooming will take priority at home. If your dog has medium to long hair, consider taking them to a professional groomer to remove excess hair that can trap debris and bacteria.
Bathing your dog regularly with medicated shampoo helps remove bacteria and makes your dog more comfortable by minimizing itching and odor. Dr. Frazer says shampoos with Chlorhexidine (2% or higher) are the most effective. Be sure to leave the shampoo on your dog’s coat for 10 minutes to kill the bacteria.
Initially, you’ll want to bathe your dog two to three times per week. Deep pyoderma may require daily baths with shampoo diluted to ½ to ¼ strength. Some dogs will also benefit from a leave-on antibiotic conditioner. If your dog’s paws are infected, soak them in an Epsom salt bath.
During this time, keeping your dog’s bedding clean and dry is crucial. An Elizabethan collar may be necessary to keep your pup from scratching or licking their skin.
Remember, patience is key during recovery. You may not see improvements for two to three weeks, and treatment for deep pyoderma can last months. Always make sure to finish the course of antibiotics prescribed by your veterinarian, even if the condition appears to be improving.
How Do You Prevent Pyoderma?
The best prevention advice? Work closely with a vet to identify pyoderma’s cause and prevent relapse. If you can manage the underlying issue, you reduce the risk of pyoderma becoming a recurrent problem for your dog.
You can also avoid flare-ups by keeping your dog clean, dry, and well-groomed. Dr. Diamond says dogs prone to pyoderma can minimize the chance of relapse with weekly bathing with medicated shampoo. “Rinsing with cool water helps with itch and inflammation and decreases the likelihood of drying out the skin and coat.”
For the most part, pyoderma isn’t contagious to other dogs or humans. However, Dr. Diamond recommends separating infected dogs from dogs with open wounds or recovering from surgery. She adds, “In general, good hand hygiene by the owner is also recommended to prevent spread.”
Finally, if your dog is experiencing recurrent pyodermas, Dr. Cannon recommends they be evaluated by a board-certified veterinary dermatologist, who can create a tailored treatment plan.