Dog Staph Skin Infection
- Staph bacteria are a commonly found on the skin of dogs, cats and humans. Staph bacteria multiply when given an opportunity to attach to the skin. For example, an open would is a great place for bacteria to enter the body and spread, causing a staph infection on the skin. Also, staph infections can form on the outside skin of a dog's ear and spread, causing an infection inside the ear. This kind of infection is common in floppy eared dogs and often is reoccurring.
- Scratching is the most common cause of staph infections in dogs. Itching and scratching cause a situation where the skin is irritated and the bacteria can invade the area and spread. Common causes of itching are food allergies, allergies, inhalants and fleas. In rare cases, dogs may have an allergic reaction to a staph infection that's called hypersensitivity. This condition causes skin lesions that can become painful and fill with fluid. In addition, this condition is likely to become a reoccurring problem and can be stressful to the dog and its owner.
- Staph infections are not contagious. Every human, dog and cat have an amount of staph bacteria in their skin.
- Oral antibiotics often are given for up to six weeks to treat a standard staph skin infection. Vets may recommend topical creams, shampoos, ointments and sprays to provide some relief to the dog's skin and to try to kill the staph infection.
- In cases involving staph hypersensitivity, dogs may be treated with long-term treatment of antibiotics and immune stimulants to stop the staph bacteria from multiplying. A vet may suggest giving daily injections to your dog. Your vet can teach you how to give the injection in just a few minutes. If you are not comfortable, most veterinary staff will administer the injections for you on a regular basis. The allergy injections are not 100 percent effective all the time in dogs. Most veterinarians expect 75 percent of dogs to respond well to the treatment.