Canine impetigo is a common problem in young prepubescent dogs that have been kept in
poor, unhygienic conditions
. It is a non-follicular subcorneal pustular condition caused by coagulase-positive staphylococci.
What does impetigo look like on a dog?
A dog with impetigo may have any combination of
pustules (small, pus-filled bumps)
, papules (small, red, raised bumps), and epidermal collarettes (circular lesions with crusting around the edges). You may also notice your dog scratching the affected areas of the skin. Your dog may also start to exhibit hair loss.
What can be mistaken for impetigo?
Impetigo can be confused with other skin infections, including cellulitis (a deeper infection) and even
ringworm
. Causes of common childhood skin disorders include: Impetigo. Ringworm.
What does a skin infection look like on a dog?
Red or inflamed skin
.
Pus-filled lesions on the skin
.
Excessive licking, itching or chewing
.
Patchy fur with peeling, moist or crusty skin
.
Why does my dog have blisters on her belly?
Impetigo
. Another type of bacterial infection, impetigo is most common in puppies. It causes pus-filled blisters that may break and crust over. The blisters usually develop on the hairless portion of the abdomen.
Is impetigo caused by poor hygiene?
Individuals with
poor hygiene
, diabetes or a weakened immune system are also more vulnerable to contracting an impetigo infection. Adults are at higher risk than children for complications of impetigo. Complications are rare but include cellulitis, kidney problems and scarring.
What is the best cream for impetigo?
If you have impetigo in only a small area of your skin, topical antibiotics are the preferred treatment. Options include
mupirocin cream or ointment
(Bactroban or Centany) and retapamulin ointment (Altabax).
Can dog impetigo spread to humans?
Canine impetigo is non-contagious
, unlike impetigo in humans. The condition is relatively benign providing that underlying factors are eliminated with prompt treatment of the lesions.
What does MRSA look like on a dog?
At its start, an MRSA infection usually looks
like a simple rash
. Once the infection grows, you may notice scaling, crusting, pus and hair loss in the affected area. If the infection starts to spread through the body, your dog will start to lose organ, bone or blood function.
What can I put on my dog’s irritated skin?
Chamomile, calendula, and green tea
have properties that soothe and cool irritated skin. These soaks are best for dogs who have hot, itchy patches of skin that are at risk of getting rubbed raw.
How do you treat impetigo in dogs at home?
What is the management?
Chlorhexidine or benzoyl peroxide applied twice daily
will usually clear the condition. Excellent benzoyl peroxide shampoos are available to treat this condition. In severe cases, your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics, to be given orally or topically ie applied to the skin.
What can I put on my dogs blisters?
For now, just keep the blisters clean with water. Do not use peroxide; it will slow the healing.
Apply Neosporin twice a day
until the sores heal. If you need a pain medication, you should call your vet to see if they will just send home a non-steroidal pain medication as the sores heal.
Does impetigo stay in your body forever?
Impetigo will go away within a few weeks on its own
. (6) A doctor might prescribe an antibiotic for 7 to 10 days, though you will likely see a response within 72 hours, Oza says.
How can I get rid of impetigo fast?
Impetigo is treated with prescription mupirocin antibiotic ointment or cream applied directly to the sores two to three times
a day for five to 10 days
. Before applying the medicine, soak the area in warm water or apply a wet cloth compress for a few minutes.
How long is impetigo contagious for?
How long is a person considered infectious? A person with impetigo is probably no longer infectious after
24 hours
of adequate antibiotic treatment.
