Itching, rashes, patchy hair loss, scabs or crusting on the skin can all be signs of infection – and it's important to get veterinary treatment fast to avoid the condition worsening.
Red or inflamed skin. Pus-filled lesions on the skin. Excessive licking, itching or chewing. Patchy fur with peeling, moist or crusty skin.
Oral infections are actually the most common dog disease and tend to become an issue in dogs after the age of three.
We recommend 4% chlorhexidine, 2% benzoyl peroxide, or sodium hypochlorite (bleach) shampoos to treat bacterial skin infections. Treatments should be repeated initially 2-3 times weekly. Antibacterial conditioning sprays can be used be sprayed on the skin between bathing days.
Our pets are exposed to bacteria daily and most of the time their immune system is able to fight it off without showing any signs of sickness. Bacterial disease occurs when a dog's immune system is weakened and the bacteria is able to replicate and spread in the dog's body.
If we are ordering dog blood work, it will most likely be in the form of a Complete Blood Count, or else a Blood Chemistry (serum) test. The Complete Blood Count, or CBC, shows a veterinarian your dog's hydration status, anemia, infection, blood clotting ability and immune system response.
In most cases, your dog will heal just fine without any medical intervention. However, if the wound does not seem to be healing properly, you should take your dog to the vet. One of the ways to check fast and quickly if you have to go see the vet urgently is to use vet chat online.
Just like humans, infections in dogs can be caused by a range of germs including bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. Many infections will require treatment with an appropriate medicine. If in doubt your veterinary surgeon should always be consulted.
When a dog is dying, they often lose control over their bladder and bowels as their organs begin to shut down. This can lead to your dog peeing or experiencing a bowel movement wherever they are lying. Even if your dog is very well-trained, they may not have the energy to get up to relieve themselves.
Bacterial culture and identification lab tests will help your veterinarian to treat your pet more quickly and effectively. TRUTH: Viral infections do not respond to antibiotics. Just like in people, most “colds” are not caused by bacteria and will get better without antibiotics within 10 days.
Most Common Bacterial Infections in Dogs
Dogs typically contract this infection from contaminated, stagnant water, or from coming in contact with urine from other animals infected with the bacteria. Dogs also may get it through bites or from mating with other infected dogs.
The most common symptoms of a fever in dogs are: Red or glassy-looking eyes. Warm ears and/or nose. Shivering.
Take your dog to the vet for an infection that gets worse over time. Ongoing diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting are reasons to see a vet. Visit a vet if you suspect heatstroke, hypothermia, or poisoning.
When doctors suspect a bacterial infection, they often take a sample of the patient's blood, urine, or mucus and send it to a lab. There, the bacteria in the sample are allowed reproduce until there are enough of them to identify.
“Depending on the illness, the owner may be exhibiting symptoms that are easy for the dog to detect. Sneezing, a runny nose (that the owner is blowing frequently), or gastrointestinal issues are other signs for the dog that the owner is not well.”
Infections can lead to inflammation on the skin, near joints, or inside your dog's mouth. If there is swelling of the mouth, you should also pay attention to any color changes. Pale gums are commonly an important sign that something serious may be happening and you should get your pet to the vet as quickly as possible.
Although many commercial antibiotics require a veterinarian's prescription, natural options are always available without a vet prescription.
If you wait too long, infection can spread and your veterinarian will probably need to prescribe antibiotics to prevent the infection from spreading even further. If you have any doubts as to the severity of your pet's injury, play it safe and make an appointment with your veterinarian.
If your dog is sick once and is otherwise alert, active, and showing no other symptoms, there's likely to be nothing to worry about. If your dog is lethargic, persistently vomiting, has diarrhoea, loses his appetite, or displays any other symptoms, don't delay – get him to your local vet, fast.