Can humans catch pyoderma

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated November 18, 2024

Contributions sourced from

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.

Featured Image: iStock.com/momcilog

References

Gortel K. Recognizing Pyoderma. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice. 2013;43(1):1-18. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2012.09.004

Poli G. MiniVET Guide: Companion Animal Medicine. Gerardo Poli; 2016.

Gortel K. Recognizing Pyoderma. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice. 2013;43(1):1-18. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2012.09.004

Poli G. MiniVET Guide: Companion Animal Medicine. Gerardo Poli; 2016.

WRITTEN BY

Stephanie Gaddam, DVM, MPH

Veterinarian

Dr. Stephanie Gaddam graduated from the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2018. She worked in small animal...

Pyoderma In Dogs: What You Should Know

Jan 10, 2024

Pyoderma is a bacterial skin infection in dogs.

The most common signs of pyoderma in dogs are red bumps or pimples on the skin of your dog.

Often, pyoderma is caused by an underlying medical condition such as environmental or food allergies.

The treatment for pyoderma in dogs includes oral antibiotics and topical antibacterial shampoos. In addition, the underlying cause of the pyoderma should be addressed.

What Is Pyoderma In Dogs?

Pyoderma is an extremely common skin condition diagnosed by veterinarians. It is a bacterial skin infection that creates rashes and lesions on your dogs skin. Many times, there is an underlying reason your dog has developed pyoderma. There are multiple forms of pyoderma in dogs.

Superficial Pyoderma

This is one of the most common types of pyoderma seen in dogs. Superficial means that the bacterial infection is only on the outer layers of the skin. Because it is more superficial, it may take less time to treat than deep pyoderma.

Deep Pyoderma

Deep pyoderma in dogs occurs when the bacterial infection is occurring within multiple layers of the skin. Deep pyoderma infections may take longer to treat because the infection is occurring deep within the layers of the skin. Pyoderma gangrenosum is an extremely rare form of pyoderma that has been reported in dogs. There have only been a few reports of this condition in dogs.

Puppy Pyoderma

Puppy pyoderma, as the name suggests, is a bacterial skin infection that occurs in puppies. This is typically a superficial skin infection that results in red bumps and pimples on your puppys belly.

What causes dog pyoderma?

Merck Veterinary Manual reports that Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is the most common bacterial organism causing pyoderma in dogs. This bacteria lives and grows on the skin normally, but infection occurs when this bacteria overgrows. This can be common in moist and warm areas of the skin such as armpits, lip folds, or facial folds.

Often, there is an underlying cause for bacterial overgrowth. The most common predisposing factors for pyoderma in dogs are:

What Are Signs Of Pyoderma In Dogs?

Pyoderma dogs have skin lesions that can vary in appearance. Sometimes a dog with pyoderma has itchy bumps filled with clear liquid. Other times, these bumps are red and dont itch. According to veterinarians at VCA specialty hospital, the most common symptoms of pyoderma in dogs include:

Pustules (pimples)
Papules (red bumps)
Epidermal collarettes (circular crusts)
Dry and flaky skin
Hair loss
Itching
Patchy hair loss
Redness of the skin

How Do You Diagnose Pyoderma In Dogs?

The first step in diagnosing dog pyoderma is to visit your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will perform a physical exam on your dog and can often diagnose pyoderma on visual inspection of your dogs skin. Your veterinarian may wish to perform skin tests to look for bacteria and yeast under the microscope. In addition, they may perform a skin scrape to look for evidence of mites. Veterinarians may wish to perform a culture of the skin if the bacterial infection is recurring or if it does not resolve with antibiotic therapy.

Is Pyoderma In Dogs Contagious To Humans?

Typically, most forms of pyoderma in dogs are not contagious to humans. That being said, there have been reports of humans developing skin infections from dogs. The highest risk of getting infected occurs if you are immunocompromised. If you are concerned, I recommend speaking with your veterinarian and medical doctor.

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Helps alleviate allergy symptoms such as itching and paw licking while bolstering your dog's immune response to allergens.
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Collagen supports skin hydration, elasticity, coat thickness, and shine, while biotin promotes keratin production to maintain a healthy skin and shiny coat.

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Essential fatty acid supplements designed to help your dog achieve a healthy and shiny coat
Salmon oil maintains sheen and luster and can offer your dog support for healthy skin elasticity
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Beneficial for dogs with allergies, helping to improve their coat appearance and feel
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How Do You Treat Pyoderma In Dogs?

The superficial pyoderma dog treatment usually consists of an oral antibiotic and a topical antibacterial shampoo. It is important to follow your veterinarians instructions on the duration of antibiotic therapy. The rule of thumb is to give oral antibiotics for 7 to 10 days past the resolution of clinical signs. This usually means that you will be giving oral antibiotics for 3 to 6 weeks on average for a superficial infection. Deep infections may take 8 to 12 weeks to heal.

The most common antibiotics used to treat pyoderma in dogs include:

If the infection returns after your dog stops antibiotics, your veterinarian may wish to do additional tests or treatments to determine the underlying cause of the infection. Often, recurrent skin infections are caused by some type of allergy. Dogs with allergies may also be extremely itchy and have recurrent ear infections.

If your veterinarian suspects your dogs pyoderma is caused by allergies, your dog may need to be placed on a long-term allergy medication like Cytopoint or Apoquel. In addition, fatty acid supplements may be helpful in reducing the itchiness that your dog is experiencing from allergies.

Best Dog Food for Pyoderma

If your veterinarian suspects a food allergy as the underlying cause for the pyoderma, they may recommend a food trial with a low allergen dog food. The most common dog allergies are to proteins including chicken and beef. Contrary to popular belief, grains are not common causes of allergies in dogs. Prescription veterinary diets contain low levels of allergens or a unique protein. The pet foods I use most often for food trials in dogs include:

Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein
Hills Prescription Diet d/d
Hills Prescription Diet z/d

Will pyoderma go away on its own?

Unfortunately, pyoderma will not usually go away on its own. The body can not fight off bacterial infections like pyoderma without some assistance from antibiotics. If you suspect your dog has pyoderma, I recommend taking your dog to a veterinarian. Your veterinarian will likely prescribe oral antibiotics to treat the bacterial skin infection.

When should I visit the vet?

Anytime your dog is experiencing a new or unusual symptom, you should visit your veterinarian. If your dog has any skin lesions or is itchy, it would be a good idea to visit your veterinarian. Skin infections will often heal faster if they are treated promptly. If a skin infection is left untreated, it will often get worse.