Our pets, especially dogs, are susceptible to a wide range of infections, including bacterial infections. The chance is greater when they spend lots of time outdoors. Pet owners should be aware of this issue as some bacterial infections can be fatal if there is no prompt treatment administered.
Ear can be one of the body parts that can be infected by bacteria. Let’s get to know more about ear infections in dog in how to treat yeast ear infections in dogs and causes of dogs ear infection.
Among all types of bacterial infections, there are some most common bacterial infections in dogs. Let’s have get a brief introduction to these 6 most common bacterial infections in dogs.
- Leptospirosis
The first common bacterial infection in dog is leptospirosis. Leptospirosis is defined as a bacterial infection caused by a bacterium, which is known as spirochetes. This bacterium can affect both humans and animals.
The causes of this bacterial infection commonly come from contaminated and stagnant water, or getting in contact with urine of the infected animals. Dogs may also get it through bites or mating from the infected dogs.
The symptoms of leptospirosis include lethargy, fever, vomiting, redness of the mucous membranes and depression as well. In the serious case, a dog may also develop kidney inflammation and as a result it can cause permanent damage to the kidney. Leptospirosis should be treated by an antibiotic such as doxycycline.
- Staphylococcal Infection (staph infection)
Staph infection is typically caused by the bacterium, called Staphylococcus sp. This bacterium is known as the most common type of bacterial skin infection seen in dogs. Besides infecting the skin, this bacteria can also affect the dog’s upper respiratory tract.
Staph infection can develop once a dog excessively licks, scratches or even chews a part of his body to the point that his skin becomes irritated. In some cases, staph infection may commonly occur in dogs who are infected by fleas or have allergies to certain food, medication or environment.
If your dog happens to have food allergies, then take a look at these best dog food for dogs with skin allergies.
The common symptoms include patchy fur loss with crusting or peeling of skin, red and inflamed skin, pain, excessive itching, chewing or licking, and some infections of the eyes, skin, ears and even respiratory system. The common treatment of staph infection includes oral antibiotic medication.
- Skin Infection
Skin infections are easily detected than the other types of bacterial infections because they mainly show external signs. Just mention the common symptoms of skin infections, such as itchiness, crusted or scabbed skin and pustules.
Despite the external signs, skin infections still need to be treated immediately as if they go unnoticed, they may become increasingly severe and your dog may start to lose hair or develop a dried discharge.
Besides bacterial infections on skin, dogs can also have some other skin problems such as elaborated in common skin problems on dogs.
- Kennel Cough
This type of bacterial infection affects the respiratory system. The name is originated from the way this disease spreads. Kennel cough is typically spread throughout groups of dogs kept in a kennel or animal shelter.
Old dogs should be separated as once dogs age, their body will be more immune to get infected by this disease. It is easily spread though sneezing or coughing.
Kennel cough may also one of the causes your dog suddenly seem tired-6 causes.
- Lyme Disease
Lyme disease may not be mainly discussed among pet owners, but still, it is one of the more significant bacterial infections your dog can suffer from. Ticks are the stems of this disease. This disease may lead to fever, lethargy, anorexia and other painful symptoms.
- Actinomucosis and Nocardiosis
You may not be familiar with these two types of bacterial infections. Actinomucosis is an infection caused by a bacterial named Actinomyces sp. and Nocardia sp. These bacteria are found mainly in soil. The infection occurs when the bacteria enter your dog’s skin through a wound or abscess.
This infection can be treated by using a beta-lactam penicillin-type antibiotic. If it is not treated immediately, the wound may make its way deeper into the chest or abdomen As a result, pus may be accumulated as well.
Bacterial infections mostly occur as the result of a weakened immune system. A poor diet, lack of exercise, stress, allergies and other underlying illnesses can also trigger bacterial infections. That’s why it is very important to keep your dogs healthy both mentally and physically.