“If a dog has MRSA, a person is the most likely source,” Hoet explained. “If someone in the house has MRSA,
it can be transmitted to a pet through kissing, licking, bathing, or other direct contact with infected sites such as wounds
.”
Why does my dog keep getting staph infections?
In dogs and cats, Staph infections are usually secondary infections. What this means is that something must be compromising the pet’s skin’s ability to fight off infection to allow a Staph infection to occur. The most common reason for recurring or chronic Staph infections in dogs is
allergic skin disease
.
What are the first signs of MRSA in dogs?
- Fever.
- Discharge from a wound (even a wound that looks small can be severely infected, as the infection can go deep rather than wide)
- Skin lesion(s)
- Skin swelling.
- Slow to heal wound(s)
Why do dogs get staph infections?
A staph infection can develop
whenever a dog excessively licks, scratches, or chews a part of his body to the point that the skin becomes irritated
. For this reason, staph infections commonly occur in dogs who have fleas or t have allergies to certain foods, medications, or environmental factors.
Can MRSA be cured in dogs?
MRSA infections don’t get better when treated with antibiotics
(or they’ll improve but never really heal, and will continue to be present). The only way to diagnose MRSA is through a skin culture. This can be done simply by swabbing the skin surface or with a skin biopsy.
How would a dog get MRSA?
In dogs and cats, MRSA is most often associated with skin, wound or surgical site infections, otitis, or urinary tract infections. MRSA in dogs and cats is
generally acquired from people
. The strains found in pets closely match those found in people in that geographic region.
What does a dog with MRSA look like?
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.
How do I know if my dog has a staph infection?
- Excessive itching, licking or chewing.
- Eye, ear, skin or respiratory system infections.
- Patchy fur with peeling, crusty skin, or moist skin.
- Inflamed or red skin.
- Pain.
- Pus-filled sores on the skin.
How do you get rid of a staph infection on a dog?
Treatment of Staph Infections in Dogs
The primary treatment for Staph infections is antibiotics
. In the case of skin infection, an antibiotic cream will most likely be prescribed, and possibly oral antibiotics to prevent the infection from spreading internally.
What is the best antibiotic for dogs with skin infection?
This type of infection may impact a dog’s skin or upper respiratory tract, and can be treated using oral antibiotics such as
cephalexin, erythromycin or clindamycin
. Antibiotic ointments and shampoos can also work.
Why does my dog’s abscess keep coming back?
Common Causes of Abscesses in Dogs
Previous infections such as superficial pyoderma or dermatophytosis (ringworm) can also lead to abscess formation in dogs
. Several species of bacteria can penetrate the skin and cause infection and eventual abscess formation.
How did my dog get a bacterial skin infection?
How did my dog get pyoderma? Bacterial skin infection occurs when the skin’s surface has been broken, the skin has become injured due to chronic exposure to moisture, the normal skin bacteria have been altered or changed, the blood flow to the skin has become impaired, or the immune system has been suppressed.
Why does my dog keep getting folliculitis?
Folliculitis in dogs is
most commonly caused by bacteria, but other culprits include parasitism, fungal infections, systemic disease, immune system disorders, endocrine issues, and local trauma
. Your dog’s folliculitis may be caused by the following conditions: Canine acne. Skin-fold pyoderma.
How serious is MRSA in dogs?
MRSA can be
very deadly
, and many dogs do not recover. Treatment is more effective when it begins early, so if you see the signs of a staph infection in your dog, get to your vet for a proper diagnosis.
How do you get rid of MRSA in your home?
To kill MRSA on surfaces,
use a disinfectant such as Lysol or a solution of bleach
. Use enough solution to completely wet the surface and allow it to air dry. This will sufficiently reduce the amount of germs.
What are the signs and symptoms of MRSA?
- red.
- swollen.
- painful.
- warm to the touch.
- full of pus or other drainage.
- accompanied by a fever.
How do you get rid of bacterial skin infections in dogs?
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.
