You may have heard about staph infections in humans, but did you know that they can also affect dogs? associate veterinarian Danielle Lafave from Deepwood Veterinary Clinic and Dr Mobile veterinarian Elizabeth Carney, the creator of the website Your Pets Need This, explains why you shouldn’t be concerned if your dog develops the infection. It’s easier than you might think to treat and comfort your dog.
Just like humans, dogs constantly have bacteria on and in their bodies, including various types of staph (or Staphylococcus), which most frequently manifests as a skin infection. In fact, at least half of healthy dogs have one of the most prevalent canine staph species, which is a normal bacterial resident and has no negative effects. However, the bacterium can start to cause issues if a dog is hurt, ill, or has underlying allergies, says Dr. Lafave.
The staph bacteria has a chance to cause an infection when the skin’s surface is damaged or overly moist, circulation is impaired, or the immune system is depleted.
Skin infections can occur anywhere on a dog’s body, though they may initially be difficult to spot due to your dog’s furry coat. You’ll notice the infection more clearly as it worsens and your hair starts to fall out. In addition to areas of redness, the skin may be crusty or scaly, according to Dr Carney. Your dog may develop pustules and blisters, which will likely cause itching and discomfort there. Your groomer should be on the lookout for these abnormalities.
Staph can be treated in a variety of ways, but the majority of times antibiotics are necessary. Dr. Lafave emphasizes the significance of finishing any course of antibiotics, even if the infection appears to have already subsided. Staph infections are often inflamed and itchy. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), topical treatments like medicated shampoos and sprays can help treat the infection while also bringing your dog some relief. Depending on the results of testing, your veterinarian may advise using an anti-inflammatory drug, an antihistamine, or a steroid treatment to help.
You can assist in providing your dog with some relief from the itching at home while the medication takes effect. Cool water baths will often help soothe an itchy pet. Use a mild oatmeal shampoo, and stay away from hot water, which can exacerbate itching. In order to keep the skin cool and damp longer and to help retain healing moisture, some owners even put a damp T-shirt on their dog after a bath, according to Dr. Lafave.
Staph can spread from one dog to another and from humans to dogs, so it is contagious. However, studies show that it is not unheard of for staph infections to spread from pets to people. The greatest risk of infection is among those who have weakened immune systems, such as the very young and very old, as well as those who are receiving chemotherapy.
It’s impossible to completely prevent the risk of infection because the majority of common staph bacteria occur naturally in dogs, says Dr Lafave. However, you can minimize that risk. The best way to prevent any infection while providing care for your pet is to maintain good hygiene. Wash your hands right away after handling an infected area of your pet’s skin if you’re treating the condition at home, and change any bandages. To help prevent the spread of bacteria, you can also care for your dog while wearing disposable gloves.
Additionally, it’s critical to prevent your dog from coming into contact with other dogs who have open sores or skin infections. Visit your veterinarian right away if your dog has been bitten by another animal. Additionally, pay close attention to any scratches or abrasions for any signs of redness, swelling, or discharge. Make sure your dog never licks or gnaws on any wounds.
Your dog’s itching will go away with the right mix of at-home care and medical attention. Check out some Pet Health and Safety Advice for more information on keeping your dog healthy.
Dog owner Shahrzad Warkentin has an active rescue dog named Charlie. She has years of experience covering pet care and health as a freelance writer.
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Staph Infections in Dogs – Why Do They Get It?
Bacteria are constantly present inside and outside of your dog’s body. It’s the same with humans.
However, these bacteria are so microscopic, they cannot be seen. Additionally, some bacteria are beneficial to both humans and dogs.
Staphylococcal dermatitis is the name of the staph bacteria strain that affects dogs the most frequently. Your dog may have a topical skin infection or skin condition in which the skin is red, swollen, and even slightly warm to the touch. An injury or simple reaction to something in your dog’s environment could be the cause of the irritation.
This particular strain of bacteria is unharmful and pretty dormant when your dog has healthy skin. Only when there is irritation and injury does this bacterium become active. When that happens, infection results.
Your dog may also have an underlying allergy or illness, which is another cause of bacterial infections. How well your dog’s immune system is functioning has a significant impact on whether or not a staph infection can spread.
Signs & Symptoms of Canine Staph Infection
When a dog has a staph infection, skin lesions are frequently visible in them. Some of the lesions may have a circular appearance, be red, crusted around the edges, and have hair loss in the center.
Other lesions might just have a red spot with tiny pustules that resemble pimples. Because of your dog’s fur, lesions can occasionally be difficult to spot, and you might not notice them until the infection has somewhat advanced and his hair starts to fall out.
Other symptoms to look out for are:
Additionally, a staph infection may also cause loss of appetite and itching.
Fortunately, a staph infection itself is not contagious. But the staph bacteria can spread not only from humans to dogs but also from dogs to dogs. Staph doesn’t typically spread from pets to people, though it isn’t impossible.
Even so, it is best to be careful anyway. You don’t want to cause problems because people with very low immune systems can become infected.
The spread of the staph bacteria and the risk of infection can both be reduced with good hygiene. It’s crucial to do things like thoroughly wash your hands, especially after touching an infected area.
It is advisable to keep your dog segregated from other dogs and in a quarantine, especially if those dogs have any wounds or skin infections that could be a haven for the staph bacteria.
Rubber gloves should be worn whenever cleaning or treating a wound or infected area on your dog as this can help prevent the spread of the staph virus.
If your dog exhibits any of the warning signs and symptoms of a staph infection, you should take him to the veterinarian right away.
This is particularly true if he exhibits symptoms of confusion or weakness, such as a fever. Unfortunately, a dog with a staph infection cannot always have its wound heal on its own.
Typically, your veterinarian will conduct a thorough physical examination, record a thorough history, and ask about any current symptoms. A biochemistry profile, complete blood count, and urinalysis may be requested by your veterinarian.
Testing your dog’s skin for immune-related causes, allergies, or abnormal cell growth that is causing an infection will be among the additional diagnostic procedures.
In order to determine the best antibiotic course of treatment for your dog, your veterinarian occasionally decides a skin biopsy or skin swab is necessary.
Skin infections are almost always treated with an antibiotic ointment, occasionally in conjunction with an oral antibiotic. Other testing procedures may be used if the infection is not on the skin but is instead affecting a significant internal organ.
For instance, if a veterinarian suspects a staph infection of the spinal column, they may request x-rays, blood cultures, or a spinal tap. Necrotizing fasciitis, which affects the fascia tissue connecting and holding organs and muscles in place, is one of the rarest types of staph infections. This particular staph infection can spread quickly and lead to amputation of the affected limbs. Sadly, this type of infection often ends in death.
A staph infection of the fascia which can cause necrotizing fasciitis.
Although quite uncommon, this particular strain of staph infection can strike suddenly and spread quickly, making it a very serious condition indeed. Because it spreads so quickly and is so challenging to diagnose, this infection has the potential to cause systemic illness and even death.
The fascia, which joins muscle and bones together, is also affected by this infection, which is sometimes referred to as “the flesh-eating bacteria,” which affects everything from the skin down to fat and muscle.
Even when it doesn’t seem to be that bad, this type of staph infection is very painful. Therefore, consult your veterinarian right away for additional testing if your dog is in pain but you can’t see anything that seems especially serious.
FAQ
Is a staph infection on a dog contagious?
Staph can spread from one dog to another and from humans to dogs, so it is contagious. However, studies show that it is not unheard of for staph infections to spread from pets to people.
How serious is staph infection in dogs?
Pus at the wound site, redness and sensitivity of the surrounding skin, as well as crusting of the wound and surrounding skin, are typical indicators of a Staph infection. Serious Staph infections may develop into septicemia (blood poisoning) and cause death if untreated.
Can a human catch an infection from a dog?
Dogs transmit several viral and bacterial diseases to humans. Zoonotic diseases can be spread to people through contaminated saliva, aerosols, urine, feces, and direct contact with dogs.
Can you get staph from dog saliva?
The S virus is spread when a dog bites a person and breaks their skin. pseudintermedius, which can cause a severe staph infection in humans. Unfortunately, staph infections brought on by dog bites are frequently mistaken for S staph infections. aureus.