Can dog pyoderma spread to humans

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated November 30, 2024

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Pyoderma in Dogs: Here's Everything You Need to Know

Here's everything you need to know about this noisome skin infection, including the types of pyorderma in dogs, causes, treatments, costs, and pmore.

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Pro Tip: Pet insurance may cover the cost of skin disorders in dogs, including pyoderma, so long as it's not considered a pre-existing condition at the time of enrollment. Thats why it's so important to protect your dog with insurance coverage early on, before an unexpected injury or illness arises.

What is pyoderma in dogs?

Pyoderma in dogs is a very common skin infection affecting hair follicles and the surrounding skin. There are three different categories of dog pyoderma based on the depth of infection within the follicle and the degree of skin involvement.

Types of pyoderma in dogs

Bacterial pyoderma in dogs is caused by a superficial infection of the epidermis, the skins outermost layer. This type of pyoderma includes impetigo (also called puppy pyoderma) and superficial bacterial folliculitis.
With surface pyoderma, bacteria grow on the surface of the skin causing an inflammatory reaction. This type of pyoderma in dogs includes hot spots, fold pyoderma (also known as intertrigo), and mucocutaneous pyoderma, which often affects German Shepherds.
Deep pyoderma refers to dog skin infections far within the hair follicle. Examples include muzzle folliculitis, furunculosis (also known as canine acne), and pressure-point pyoderma.

Pyoderma skin infections in dogs can also be primary or secondary.

Primary pyoderma refers to a skin infection that results from transient or non-recurrent damage to the skin. It usually doesnt recur after adequate treatment.
Secondary pyoderma is more common and usually results from a persistent or recurrent problem that decreases the skin's resistance to infection. Typically, the infection responds only temporarily to therapy and will continue recurring until the underlying problem is identified and remedied.

What causes pyoderma in dogs?

The most common cause of pyoderma in dogs is a bacterial infection from the species Staphylococcus intermedius, commonly known as a staph infection. Other potential pyoderma causes can include:

Dog pyoderma can also occur in skin thats injured, exposed to excess moisture, contains altered bacteria, or experiences impaired blood flow. The condition is also more common in dogs with weakened immune systems due to immunosuppressive medications or disease, as well as those with genetics disorders and hormonal imbalances.

Certain dog breeds such as Pugs, French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Basset Hounds, and Shar-Peis are more prone to skin infection due to their deep skin folds that provide a warm, moist environment for bacteria like yeast to breed. In young puppies, impetigo usually occurs in areas with thin hair like the underarms or groin.

What are the symptoms of pyoderma?

The most common symptom of pyoderma in dogs is the presence of pustules that look like red, raised, pus-filled bumps. Other common clinical signs include:

Itchiness
Dandruff
Scaling or flaking skin
Hair loss
Redness
Excessive licking of the affected area
Bad-smelling skin
Discharge the lesion
Fever and inflammation
Coat sticking up, especially in short-haired breeds

Keep an eye out for these symptoms and be sure to get in touch with your veterinarian if you begin to notice any.

Is pyoderma in dogs contagious to humans? Other dogs?

In most cases, dog skin infections aren't transmissable, but some underlying causes of pyoderma in dogs are contagious to humans and other dogs. For instance, if your dogs pyoderma is caused by scabies (a highly contagious skin parasite known as the Sarcoptes scabiei mite), it can be contagious to humans. If your pup's pyoderma is caused by ticks or fleas, these can easily be transferred to other dogs, although the condition itself isn't contagious.

Because there are many possible causes of pyoderma in dogs, its best to talk to your vet to determine whether your dog's pyoderma is contagious and what protective measures you should take until it clears up.

How is pyoderma diagnosed?

A diagnosis of pyoderma is often made on the basis of the dogs symptoms and medical history. Additional tests might be necessary, including:

Skin culture
Antibiotic sensitivity tests
Fungal cultures
Skin cytology
Allergy testing
Blood tests to determine if your dog has an endocrine disease

While the symptoms of pyoderma are usually easy to notice, they can sometimes be mistaken for other skin conditions or infections. Thats why if you think your pet might have pyoderma, the best thing to do is get an accurate diagnosis from your veterinarian and prevent potentially more serious issues in the future.

How is dog pyoderma treated?

The treatment for pyoderma will depend on the cause. In general, treatment is done on an outpatient basis and involves cleaning the infection, prescribing topical medications to apply at home, and oral antibiotics. Studies have found that topical therapy with 4% chlorhexidine digluconate products (solution and shampoo) is as effective as systemic therapy with amoxicillin-clavulanic acid in dogs with superficial pyoderma.

If theres yeast in the infection, the dog will likely be prescribed antifungal medications. Some dogs will need medications to alleviate the itching, flea preventatives, medicated shampoos, or other treatments,

The consequences of not treating pyoderma in dogs can cause extreme discomfort. If the skin infection is caused by flea infestation, it can lead to fatal anemia without intervention. Underlying endocrine conditions that cause pyoderma may also be fatal if they go undiagnosed and uncontrolled.

How much does it cost to treat pyoderma in dogs?

Mild cases of pyoderma in dogs cost between an average of $200 and $400 to treat and diagnose. Keep in mind that pyoderma treatment costs will depend on the severity of the infection, its underlying cause, and the diagnostic tests required.

Pro Tip: Some pet insurance providers can cover the cost of medications prescribed to treatment illnesses such as skin infections in dogs. This includes antibiotics and nutraceuticals which are often recommended for dogs with pyoderma.

What is the prognosis?

Early identification and timely treatment of pyoderma will result in overall better outcomes for your four-legged friend.

Most cases resolve with a course of adequate medication and topical therapy prescribed by a veterinarian. Recurrent or chronic cases might require additional testing to determine if theres an underlying condition that needs to be addressed. Regular bathing with properly medicated shampoos can help minimize recurrences.

Pyoderma prevention in dogs

To prevent pyoderma in dogs with skin folds, clean those areas on a daily basis with a medicated wipe or clean, damp cloth.

For dogs with allergies, managing the allergies can significantly reduce the occurrence of skin infections. Consult your vet to determine the best way to keep your pets allergy under control, whether it is by using medications, different prescription tick and flea preventative, diet change, a medicated shampoo, etc.

If your dog has recurrent or chronic pyoderma, keeping the underlying cause under control is crucial.

Pyoderma in Dogs

What Is Pyoderma in Dogs?

Pyoderma is the medical term for a bacterial skin infection and it is one of the most common diseases in dogs. Dogs are at increased risk for pyoderma due to many features of their skin. For example, a dogs skin has a thinner outer barrier and possesses a higher pH than many other species, making it easier for normal bacteria living on the skin to overgrow and for other bacteria to invade.

Damage to the normal skin barrier also predisposes dogs to pyoderma. This is often seen with pets who scratch and lick their skin. Any area of the skin can be infected depending on the type of pyoderma affecting your dog.

Types of Pyoderma in Dogs

Surface pyodermaaffects the outer skin layer (epidermis). You may see pink, irritated skin, and hair loss. Surface pyoderma includes:

Pyotraumatic dermatitis (hot spots): This develops rapidly and is very itchy.
Intertrigo: Infection of skin folds, a common condition in short-muzzled breeds, such as English Bulldogs.
Bacterial overgrowth syndrome (BOGS): The dogs skin is greasy, itchy, and smells. It is most seen on the underside of the body.

Superficial pyoderma affects the epidermis and part of the hair follicles. You may see redness, circular crusts, bumps, and hair loss. Superficial pyoderma includes:

Impetigo (puppy pyoderma): This is an infection that is usually due to a puppys developing immune system and affects areas with little hair, like the belly.
Affected puppies are usually healthy overall and in mild cases may only need a topical treatment. Adult dogs that are immunocompromised can also develop impetigo.
Superficial bacterial folliculitis (SBF) and superficial spreading pyoderma: A dogs coat may have a moth-eaten appearance due to widespread hair loss. This happens in all breeds, but Shetland Sheepdogs, Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, and Collies may experience especially severe redness and irritation.
Mucocutaneous pyoderma: This type of pyoderma leads to the overproduction of mucus in the skin. The lips, nose, skin around the eyes, vulva, prepuce, and the area around the anus are most commonly affected. German Shepherds, Bichon Friss, and poodles may be predisposed.

Deep pyoderma affects lower skin layers (dermis, subcutis): This can occur if superficial pyoderma goes untreated or skin follicles rupture. You may see swelling, purple-looking areas, or draining tracts of infection in addition to redness, crusting, and hair loss. Deep pyoderma includes:

Furunculosis: This condition is commonly seen between a dogs toes, but it can occur elsewhere. In rare cases, a condition called post-grooming furunculosis can occur 24 to 48 hours after bathing or intense brushing, causing pain and fever.
Acne: This is more common among young dogs, and involves inflammation of hair follicles (usually around the chin and mouth) that may become infected with bacteria.
German Shepherd deep pyoderma: The outer thighs, groin, and trunk are likely to be affected.
Lick granuloma: Your dog may develop a skin lesion from licking the top surface of its lower legs. This may stem from a bacterial infection or another issue.
Callus pyoderma: This condition presents itself as dark, thickened skin over pressure points that are infected.

Symptoms of Pyoderma in Dogs

Dogs with pyoderma may have red and itchy skin. You may also see circular crusts, flakiness, areas of hair loss, and pimple-like lesions. If your dog has been scratching or biting its skin, your pet may have visible sores and pus.

If your dog has suffered from itchy skin for several weeks or more, you may see the skin get darker and thicker. Dogs with deep pyoderma may have swelling and draining tracts of infection, and experience low energy, loss of appetite, trembling, or other signs of pain.

Causes of Pyoderma in Dogs

Pyoderma usually occurs secondary to another illness or disease process. It may occur as a complication of:

Allergies to fleas, environmental allergens, or a food ingredient
A parasitic skin infection, like Sarcoptes or Demodex mites
An endocrine disease, such as hypothyroidism or Cushings disease
Immune disorders or immunosuppression

A bacterial infection may need to be cleared before additional testing for the underlying cause can be completed. The most common bacterial infection that causes pyoderma is Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, which is responsible for more than 90 percent of cases. This type of bacteria normally inhabits the skin, but it can increase in number and cause problems when the skin barrier is damaged or unhealthy.

Other causes include Staphylococcus schleiferi, Staphylococcus aureus (which in rare cases can spread to humans), as well as invaders like E. coli, Pseudomonas, Actinomyces, Nocardia, and others.

How Veterinarians Diagnose Pyoderma in Dogs

In order to diagnose your dog with pyoderma, your veterinarian will need to start with a physical exam. Based on the presence of certain lesionssuch as pustules (bumps that look like pimples) the veterinarian may be comfortable diagnosing your pet based on what he or she determines from the physical exam. Diagnostic testing is usually necessary, and may include:

Treatment of Pyoderma in Dogs

Use of an Elizabethan collar (or e-cone) is recommended if your pet is licking or biting its skin. This will prevent reinfection and allow the skin to heal.

Medications your veterinarian may recommend include:

Antibiotics: Commonly used oral antibiotics include cephalexin, Simplicef, Clavamox, and clindamycin.
- Cefovecin (brand name, Convenia)is an injectable antibiotic that is administered by a veterinarian and lasts for two weeks. Other antibiotics may be required if your pet has a resistant infection, or a deep infection with rod-shaped bacteria.
Anti-itch medication: Options include Apoquel, Cytopoint, and an anti-inflammatory dose of steroids. Your veterinarian will determine whether these medications are safe options for your pet.

If you do not notice an improvement (lesions drying up, reduced itchiness, etc.) after a few days of treatment, please call your veterinarian. Culture and sensitivity may be needed to determine which antibiotic will be effective.

Treatment of Pyoderma in Dogs

Topicals your veterinarian may recommend include:

Medicated shampoo: This shampoo may contain antibacterial and antifungal ingredients, such as chlorhexidine, ketoconazole, and/or miconazole. Benzoyl peroxide is an antibacterial ingredient often used in cases of acne. If your pet has recurrent infections, your veterinarian may recommend long-term use of a medicated shampoo.
Medicated spray, mousse, or ointment: You may be instructed to spray or rub an antimicrobial product on your pet when they are dry. If your pet has recurrent infections, your veterinarian may recommend long-term use of one of these products.
Clip and clean: For dogs with hot spots and other localized skin issues, the veterinary staff will clip the hair surrounding the affected area to prevent bacteria in the hair from causing a reinfection, and to allow air exposure. Then they will use a gentle antiseptic wash, such as 2 percent or 4 percent chlorhexidine solution to clean the area.
Epsom salt foot soaks: Soaking affected paws in Epsom salt solution (two tablespoons per liter of warm water) may be recommended if your pet has inflammation and infection of its paws.

Recovery and Management of Pyoderma in Dogs

Re-check appointments with your veterinarian will ensure that your dogs infection has completely cleared before its antibiotic treatment has ended. Treatment may need to be continued for 7 to 14 days past when their skin appears normal, so please do not stop the antibiotics before a full course of treatment has been completed. Ending antibiotic treatment too early can contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance.

Infection often needs to be cleared before your veterinarian can begin investigating the underlying cause of the pyoderma. It is important to determine the underlying cause, whether it be allergies, Cushings disease, hypothyroidism, or another illness, so your dog doesnt experience frequent relapses of pyoderma.

Length of Treatment for Pyoderma in Dogs

The length of treatment will vary depending on the type and severity of your pets pyoderma. Many cases of superficial pyoderma require treatments lasting three to four weeks. Deep pyoderma may require treatment that lasts for months. Do not stop treatment without the direct recommendation of your pets veterinarian.

Pyoderma in Dogs FAQs

Is pyoderma in dogs contagious to humans?

It is rare for humans to catch pyoderma from their dogs, though it is possible (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus). Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, the most common cause of canine pyoderma, does not lead to disease in humans.

Is pyoderma in dogs considered a serious condition?

Pyoderma is typically easily treated on an outpatient basis with good outcomes. However, deep pyoderma can be more serious and in rare and extreme cases, require hospitalization.

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