Although Staphylococcus bacteria live dormant on a dog's skin, the pathogens can penetrate a healthy dog's skin and cause skin infections like staph pyoderma. This includes instances where your dog has skin disorders, metabolic illnesses, or injuries.

Systemic infections are infections caused by fungi, viruses, or bacteria. These pathogens can be found in the eyes, nose, or lungs. When the pathogens enter a dog's system, they colonize either a part of the body or the entire system causing infections.

Antibiotic resistance is a big issue in human and veterinary medicine. Some of the skin infections can develop resistance to medication. The most common resistant strain is Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). As the name suggests, MRSA is methicillin-resistant and treatment requires other types of antibiotics.

Staph infections in dogs have become a recent concern in the vet world. There are alarming statistics that show an increasing prevalence of infections, especially regarding antibiotic resistance. Vets are keeping a particular eye on Staphylococcus pseudintermedius,a common pathogen responsible for many canine skin infections. Studies show that it's responsible for 92% of dermatitis in dogs and there has been a dramatic increase in methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus pseudintermedius when historically this species remained susceptible to antibiotics

Staphylococcal dermatitis is caused by various factors like:

In a healthy dog, Staphylococcus bacteria usually live harmless and dormant on a dog's skin. The skin is designed to be a barrier that prevents pathogens from penetrating the skin and causing infection. However, when your dog has skin injuries like cuts, abrasions, or other skin disorders, the pathogens penetrate the skin resulting in a Staph infection.

Dogs with weaker immune systems are more prone to skin lesions than other dogs. A dog's system can be weakened by illnesses, medication, poor diet, and stress.

Staph infection in dogs is zoonotic in nature, which means they can be transmitted from humans to dogs and vice versa. Exposure to other animals, contaminated surfaces, and unsanitary environments can increase the chances of skin infection.

Staph infection in dogs will probably cause your dog to lick, chew, or scratch a part of their body to the extent that the skin becomes irritated and inflamed.

The following symptoms are an indication of a Staph infection:

Look out for signs like swollen and reddish skin, skin irritation, scabs, hair loss, and pustules.

Signs like unusual irritability, excessive scratching and licking, and itching should be cause for alarm.

Symptoms of Staph infection in dogs can range from mild to severe. When the symptoms move from mild to severe with signs like lethargy, loss of appetite, and fever, take your dog to the vet immediately. They'll ask for your pet's medical history and conduct a complete physical examination.

While the vast majority of the bacteria that cause staph infections are harmless, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius can cause severe infections.

Proper treatment involves different stages as follows:

Depending on the type and duration of the symptoms, your vet will probably take a skin swab to determine whether it's a Staph infection or not. Very rarely, the vet may do a skin biopsy depending on severity. However, there are two main types of skin tests that vets usually conduct in these scenarios.

1. Skin cytology is a test where clear tape is put on the skin, and then removed. The tape is stained and observed under a microscope.

2. The other test is a culture and sensitivity test. Pathogens and allergy testing is done through a series of cultures and skin scrapes. Several antibiotics are tested on the cultures to see which one works.

The first route of medication for Staph infection in dogs is usually topical treatment which may include antibiotics. This may involve using antibacterial shampoo, ointment, and wipes. The use of topical agents reduces the risk of resistance developing to systemic antibiotics.

Medicated baths and shampoos help minimize the growth of pathogens and relieve symptoms. The other treatment option is oral antibiotics. This is especially used when the infection isn't responding well to topical methods.

When the infection isn't severe, you can use natural remedies to treat it. However, this approach should be used under your vet's guidance. For instance, diluted apple cider vinegar can be used on the skin to soothe the irritation.

If your dog has an underlying medical condition like cancer and is on treatment, they may be vulnerable to recurring infections. The medication they're on may compromise their immune systems and interfere with regular body functions. In such cases, you must manage the underlying conditions as best as you can as well as treat the infection.

As a dog owner, there are preventative measures you can take to protect your dog's skin and keep it healthy. They include:

To keep your dog's skin healthy and free from infections, they need regular grooming and a good hygiene routine. This is especially important if your dog has cuts, abrasions, or skin folds.

Routine check-ups will help with early detection of Staph infection in dogs before they become severe. Also, you get professional guidance on diet, grooming, exercise, and lifestyle suitable for your dog.

You can boost your dog's immune system with a healthy and balanced diet and regular exercise. Also, you can use approved holistic measures like the use of CBD oils and organic chews. If you don't know where to start with approved holistic measures, we recommend using  Happy-Furever™ CBD oil and chews.

Yes. Staph infection in dogs is zoonotic in nature, meaning that dogs can transmit the infection to humans. Good hygiene and early detection and treatment are essential in minimizing transmission. It's a good idea to wear gloves when grooming or treating your dog with a Staph infection.

Between three to six weeks, with treatment. In addition to using antibiotics, the use of antibacterial shampoo and medicated baths helps in controlling the spread of infection.

You can use natural home remedies like diluted apple cider vinegar and antiseptics to cleanse the skin. Also, consult your vet for expert advice.