Everything you need to know about identifying and treating a staph infection in your pooch.
The most common type of staph infection is staph dermatitis (also called staph pyoderma or superficial pyoderma). The genus of bacteria that causes it, Staphylococcus, normally reside on the skin of both people and dogs without causing issues. But when a dog’s skin becomes irritated or damaged, like with a cut, wound, or scrape, the bacteria enters the body and multiplies, causing a skin infection.
Signs of a staph infection often include pus at the wound site, along with redness, sensitivity, and crusting of the surrounding skin. If left untreated, serious staph infections may progress to septicemia (blood poisoning) and death.
The bacteria that cause staph are widespread and mostly harmless. However, a select few, such as Staphylococcus aureus, may cause infection in nearly any part of your dog’s body, like the heart, brain, spinal cord, urinary system, or reproductive organs. These diseases usually present with symptoms of fever and weakness, but are ultimately quite rare.
👉 If you suspect your pup has a staph infection, it’s time to head to your local vet’s office.
Dog’s skin with dermatitis, which puts this dog at risk of developing a staph infection
Although skin infections are the most common type of staph infection in dogs, there are also several other forms. The following list of staph infections in dogs is ordered from most to least common:
The most common type of staph infection, staph dermatitis causes a dog’s skin to become red and inflamed. This occurs when the skin’s barrier is broken because of irritation or injury, allowing bacteria to penetrate and create an infection.
This frustrating condition occurs because the underlying cause cannot be identified or eliminated. Any time the immune system is weakened, such as with an allergic reaction, a staph infection can flare up again.
People commonly think of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) when they hear the term, “methicillin-resistant staph infection.” However, MRSP is the strain that typically infects dogs. These bacterial strains can have genes that make them resistant to common antimicrobials. They can also develop because of the repeated use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, such as cefpodoxime.
The most common cause of bladder inflammation in dogs is a bacterial infection. E. coli, Staphylococcus, or Proteus species are a few culprits.
A staph infection, in association with a traumatic accident or surgical implant, can also cause inflammation of the bone or bone marrow.
A staph infection can also cause metritis in your dog’s uterus, though it’s more commonly caused by E. coli.
Various strains of bacteria can cause inflammation of the intervertebral disc and adjacent vertebrae.
Encephalitis refers to inflammation of the brain. It can also include inflammation of the spinal cord and surrounding membranes. German Shorthaired Pointers, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terriers are predisposed to encephalitis.
Canine necrotizing fasciitis is a rare infection of the deepest layer of the skin. The progression of this disease is extremely rapid and can turn into septic shock in a matter of hours.
Several signs indicate your dog has a staph infection. These symptoms can vary but may include:
Anything that compromises the skin’s barriers or allows natural bacteria to overwhelm the skin’s defenses can lead to a staph infection in dogs. Such circumstances include:
Treatment ultimately depends on the cause, so it’s important to work with your vet to get to the root of your dog’s itching and scratching. A few of the most typical underlying causes and their treatments include:
Allergies are a frustrating condition for pet owners and veterinarians alike. Lifelong management consists of a multimodal treatment plan that can include steroids, immunotherapy, medicated shampoos and ointments, skin supplements, prescription medication to stop their itching, and more.
👉 Long-term steroid use for allergy treatment can have negative side effects, like weakening your dog’s immune system. You should always discuss these and other treatment options with your vet to determine what might work best for your pup!
Parasites in your dog’s environment, like mange mites, fleas, and ticks, can cause stph infections. Year-round flea and tick prevention is critical and comes in many easy-to-administer formulations.
Stress and anxiety can cause your pup to lick and chew at their skin. Calming medications and supplements and frequent physical and mental stimulation can help ease your pup’s anxiety.
Regular laundering of your dog’s bedding and collar reduces the risk of bacterial contamination. Routine baths also help keep your dog’s natural bacteria colonies under control and prevent itchy overgrowth.
Topical or oral antibacterial or antifungal treatments work well to combat these infections, though treatment may take weeks.
A high-quality diet and management of chronic diseases can help your older dog fight off bacterial overgrowth that can cause itchy staph infections.
If your dog has hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease, lifelong medication can keep their condition in check. Without proper treatment, your dog may develop skin issues that can lead to a staph infection.
Diagnosis of a staph infection can require a variety of diagnostic and skin tests to determine the source of the problem. To start, your veterinarian will perform a complete physical exam of your dog. Then, they may request any of the following tests:
Identifying the bacterial source of the infection will help your vet accurately diagnose your dog and provide proper treatment.
Your vet’s recommendations for treatment may include:
Mild infections can require 1 to 2 weeks of therapy while deep infections can take 4 to 8 weeks of treatment to cure. Your dog’s vet must find and treat the underlying cause of the infection for it to go away.
Treatment can take time to take effect, so your pooch might be itchy and uncomfortable until then. In the meantime, you can help keep your dog comfortable with cool water baths and anti-itch shampoo. You can also add omega-3 fatty acids to your dog’s diet, which can greatly improve skin health and reduce inflammation in dogs with allergies.
It’s also important to speak with your dog’s vet to determine the best way to manage and treat any seasonal or food-related allergies your pup may have. You might also want to ask your vet if your pooch could benefit from an allergy supplement.
Preventing staph infections in your dog can be accomplished by preventing their itching in the first place. Sounds easy, right? Not always. However, there are a few ways you can prevent your pup from damaging their skin:
Topical and oral antibiotics will take care of a staph infection in your dog, but your pet’s vet must find and treat the underlying cause of the infection in order to prevent recurrence.
Look out for the common signs. Superficial staph infections can cause skin inflammation, crusty, scaly skin, hair loss, itching, sensitivity, or a rash. It can also lead to an abscess. Internal staph infections can cause a loss of appetite, high fever, rigidity, muscle spasms, or shock. In some cases, your dog might bleed from the nose or mouth. Also keep an eye out for blood on bruises and in your dog’s stools.
Transmission of staph infections from dogs to people is rare. However, in some instances dogs can transmit the infection to immunosuppressed individuals, so proper hygiene is a must.
Not very. While dogs can pass bacteria to other dogs and people, infection only occurs if the skin is damaged or there is an underlying medical condition.
Extremely serious. If left untreated, staph infections in dogs can lead to septicemia, canine toxic shock syndrome, organ failure, and death.
