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Last Updated on June 22, 2023 by Thee Puppypreneur
WHAT IS PYODERMA IN DOGS
Pyoderma is characterized by pus in the skin. There are 3 different kinds of pyoderma. Surface, superficial and deep pyoderma and your veterinarian can diagnose which kind you have. Usually, pyoderma is present as a symptom because of another reason.
For example, if your furbaby has an allergy to fleas or a certain food or an autoimmune disease like hypothyroidism then pyoderma can manifest as a symptom because of the other underlying condition.
WHAT CAUSES PYODERMA IN DOGS
- Genetics
- Skin Folds
- Diseases (hypothyroidism)
- Allergies (food or flea related)
- Parasites (mange)
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF PYODERMA IN DOGS
- Moist or Sticky areas
- Redness
- Itching
- Pustules
- Scabs
- Hair loss
There are several places on the body where dogs can get pyoderma.
For example, some I have experienced on my fur kids due to food allergies and hypothyroidism are; hair loss under the armpits from constantly scratching, which in turn caused pyoderma because skin rubbing against skin created friction and a warm moist environment. Although there were no scabs when I looked there was no hair, with a large amount of light green pus.
Then there were some pustules which are little pimples filled with pus on the belly where the skin folds together.
Then the face by the lips there are little, tiny folds but not like bulldog face folds which are deep wrinkly folds. This face scratching opened the skin, plus drooling and feeding moist wet food which stuck to the lips and crevices and caused pyoderma, and these had little crust and blood then pustules.
HOW IS PYODERMA IN DOGS DIAGNOSED
- Skin scrapings
- Swabs for culture
- CBC
- Serum Chemistry Profile
HOW IS PYODERMA IN DOGS TREATED
Depending on the underlying reason and the severity of the pyoderma will depend on how it is treated. This can be a combination of antibiotics or topical creams. Finding the underlying cause with your veterinarian is key.
WHAT ALTERNATIVE OR NATURAL REMEDIES ARE THERE TO PYODERMA IN DOGS
I personally use a variety of different tools listed below but your situation could be different as your pyoderma could be bacterial or fungal or even parasitic such as in the case of mange mites, so it is best to discuss your treatment options with your veterinarian before starting anything new in your furbaby’s life.
which has ketoconazole. I used this in conjunction with the other bottle below. So, two baths a week alternating between the two shampoos.
I also use this one on a regular basis even without pyoderma, which is all natural and contains ingredients like aloe vera to help soothe the skin itching and inflammation. Aloe vera has also been found to be more effective then gentamicin with staphylococcal pyoderma. 1The therapeutic efficacy of Aloe vera gel ointment on staphylococcal pyoderma in dogs (veterinaryworld.org)
Apple Cider Vinager with mother tincture
I use this with a cotton pad and dilute this 50/50 water and ACV to wipe the area first as this has been proven to possess strong antibacterial activity. 2Gopal, J., Anthonydhason, V., Muthu, M., Gansukh, E., Jung, S., Chul, S., & Iyyakkannu, S. (2019). Authenticating apple cider vinegar’s home remedy claims: antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral properties and cytotoxicity aspect. Natural product research, 33(6), 906–910. https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2017.1413567
These wipes below are my savior when it is skin on skin rubbing on the armpits or in between the toes as this contains miconazole and chlorohexidine which are antimicrobial and antifungal and allow the skin to glide without friction or rubbing.
Finally, I finish up with this balm below which moisturizes and soothes the folds of the skin and allows the healing process to begin.
Whatever your situation is make sure your contact your veterinarian FIRST before starting anything new in your furbabies life.
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