Pyoderma is a skin infection (most often bacterial) that can affect all dogs. The literal term for it is 'pus in the skin’, and it can also be referred to as impetigo, especially in puppies.

There are various different types of pyodermas. However, the most common types in dogs are acute moist dermatitis, hot spots, or that which affects skin or lip-folds. The condition can occur in dogs due to several factors, including anatomy parasites, allergies, irritants like chemicals, underlying skin conditions, and hormonal imbalances.

It can affect all breeds of dogs, but it is particularly common in brachycephalic dogs, such as bulldogs, boxers, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, who are more susceptible to infections like facial and lip fold pyoderma.

Some breeds that are prone to allergies or have a weaker immune system can also be vulnerable to it. It often occurs when bacteria, like staphylococcus intermedius – which is regularly found on the skin - multiply excessively, which in turn can trigger pyoderma.

The presence of pyoderma can manifest itself in several ways, so it is important to be aware of them to ensure your four-legged friend receives the treatment they need – whether that be from a home remedy or veterinary assistance.

The condition is characterized by raised, red bumps that resemble pimples and are often located in areas where there is less fur, such as the belly, groin, armpits, and chin. Some of these bumps may even have yellowish or white pus-filled heads, a bit like the whiteheads humans get. Additionally, epidermal collarettes (circular areas of flaky or dry skin) sometimes come up around the bumps.

Some dogs afflicted with pyoderma do not experience pain or itchiness. However, for dogs where allergies are the underlying cause, they can feel very itchy. While those with hot spots might experience a bit of pain.

Additionally, in some cases, pyoderma stays localized and does not spread further around your canine’s body. However, in others, particularly those where flea-allergic dermatitis is present, it may well do. Moreover, in cases of folliculitis and furunculosis, it may even penetrate into the skin.

For this reason, it is not considered to be a serious or life-threatening condition and often clears up without any long-term effects. However, on occasion, proper treatment from a vet might be required. This is particularly true in the case of deep pyoderma or if a dog is in a bit of pain, very itchy, or the symptoms seem to be getting worse.

Overall, dogs who suffer from it tend to remain healthy and not experience a loss of appetite.

As mentioned, pyoderma can affect dogs of all breeds and ages. However, it tends to be more common in some breeds than others.

For instance, certain breeds that have more skin folds, such as pugs, bulldogs, and bloodhounds, are prone to allergies, like spaniels, Labrador retrievers, and poodles, or those that have thicker, longer, thicker hair coats, namely, sheepdogs, Afghan hounds, and Pomeranians, seem to be more predisposed to the condition. This includes:

• Species that have deep wrinkles around their face, including bulldogs, boxers, pugs and Pekingese

• Those, like Shar Peis, with loose skin folds

• Dogs with thick or long coats that retain water e.g., Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers

• Breeds who typically have deep lip folds, particularly around their mouth, such as Spaniels

If you are unsure whether your dog has pyoderma, it is worth taking them to a vet, who will form a diagnosis based on physically examining the affected areas. You should definitely do this if your dog is experiencing pain, is very itchy or if the symptoms appear to be getting worse.

Should the symptoms remain for an extended period of time or even get worse, they may need to take additional diagnostic tests to ascertain if there are any underlying issues.

This test will involve taking a skin swab for sensitivity and culture, which can help to identify which type of bacteria is perpetuating the infection. Once they have established this, they will be able to determine the most appropriate antibiotics to use for treatment.

On occasion, the vet may conduct a skin biopsy or hair pluck if they suspect your pooch might be suffering from another type of skin condition.

Depending on its severity and any underlying causes, pyoderma can sometimes clear up independently without the need for medicines.

However, there are some home treatments you can do to reduce the chances of the condition occurring in the first place and ensure it clears up quicker if it does arise.

These treatments tend to focus on making sure your dog is kept clean and supporting the health of their skin. They include the following:

Just like with humans, maintaining a good quality diet is an important way to improve your pup’s immune system, which will, in turn, reduce their likelihood of contracting the condition.

Therefore, it is important to give your dog a balanced diet. This might include organ meats to keep them fit and healthy and help them develop a robust skin barrier (although there are some risks to raw feeding). It may also incorporate EFA supplements, which can be beneficial to your canine.

It is vital to ensure your four-legged friend is regularly treated for ticks, mites and fleas. Doing this will reduce any kind of skin irritation these parasites might cause them.

Some dog parents use these natural solutions to prevent parasites. However, you should always seek advice from your vet about whether they are advisable for your breed and what they recommend are the best preventive measures to adopt. 

Regular cleaning of your dog’s skin folds and using medicated shampoos on a regular basis can help prevent the onset of pyoderma in dogs.

Pyoderma is not a serious condition, and in many cases, clears up pretty quickly if the underlying cause is quickly addressed.

However, if it is present in your four-legged friend, it can look unsightly and cause notable irritation for them, which can be concerning for dog mums and dads.

For this reason, it pays to become knowledgeable about what the condition is, how it could be prevented in the first place, and what home treatments you can adopt to quicken the process of making it disappear.

We hope the information in this guide has provided you with everything you need to know about pyoderma in dogs home treatment. However, should the condition remain after a few days or appear to get worse, make sure you take your pooch to your vet to get it checked over. It could be a sign of a deeper, underlying issue.

No. Dog pyoderma is typically not considered to be a serious condition, and usually, it clears up very quickly without causing your furry friend any long-lasting issues.

That said, in a small minority of cases, they might need proper veterinary treatment to clear the condition up.

Here are some answers to questions dog owners frequently ask about pyoderma in dogs home treatment.