Bacterial and Fungal Infections in Dogs

Common Bacterial Infections in Dogs

Bacterial infections affect dogs through different conditions. Below is a list of bacterial infections in dogs that are quite common in dogs:

1. Staphylococcus infections

   As the name implies, this infection is caused by the staphylococcal bacteria often found on the skin surface of living animals. Staph infection is one of the most common bacterial skin infections in dogs. This infection can be transmitted from humans to dogs and back. It’s known to cause skin and respiratory tract infections.

   Symptoms include painful boils, inflammation on the site and breathing difficulty. Staph infection can be treated with recommended antibiotics and prevented with proper hygienic lifestyle. Skin treatments for dogs suffering staph infection are available as OTC solutions without needing to visit an animal clinic.

2. Ear Infection

   Most ear infections are caused by bacteria which enter the ear through scratching, or exposure. Dogs with compromised immune systems are usually prone to ear infections. Wounds from scratching can get contaminated by bacteria leading to infection. The affected area can become reddened, itchy and painful. Treatment is recommended as soon as it’s noticed so as to relieve the dog. Prolonged lack of treatment can lead to poor hearing in severe cases. Treat with antibiotics containing potent combinations that can tackle the bacterial infection.

3. Leptospirosis

   This bacterial infection is one of the most common bacterial infections in dogs. Typically, it is contracted from other affected dogs through mating or bites, or a polluted, stagnant water source. Symptoms of leptospirosis are fever, inflamed mucous membranes, fever, inertia, nausea and lack of energy in usual activities. Severe cases can affect the kidney if left untreated. Use of strong antibiotics from a trusted pet clinic is highly recommended.

Common Fungal Infections in Dogs

Fungal infections in dogs can occur through different disease conditions. Below is a list of fungal infections in dogs that are quite common in dogs:

1. Aspergillosis

   This fungal infection is a common one that affects mostly dogs with compromised weak immune systems. It can lead to respiratory problems with symptoms like sneezing, inflamed nostrils, loss of appetite, nasal congestion, and discharge and in severe cases, bleeding. Aspergillosis can be treated with recommended anti-fungal treatments like fluconazole or as prescribed by your vet specialist.

2. Blastomycosis

   This fungal infection is known to affect dogs after being inhaled from contaminated spores. The fungi causing this infection can often be found in damp, decaying matter and animal wastes. Symptoms include loss of mobility, incessant coughing, lack of interest in food and weight loss. Visit a vet clinic like SafariVet if you notice any of these symptoms in your dog. Antifungal treatments like Fluconazole and Ketoconazole are effective for treating this infection. However, seek professional counsel and avoid self-diagnosis and treatment.

Prevention of Bacterial and Fungal Infections in Dogs

Keeping your dog safe and healthy from bacterial and fungal infections isn’t rocket science. The following tips below are recommended to prevent fungal and bacterial infections in dogs:

1. Keep your dog indoors if possible. Allowing your dogs to roam untended can lead to them contracting diseases from other dogs and the environment. Unless you have an outdoor dog, keep your dogs safely inside and only let them out supervised or when it’s time for a walk.

2. Get your dog to take all necessary vaccination shots to keep them healthy. This is crucial especially for outdoor dogs that interact with the environment and other dogs. For new puppies, ask your pet doc about the important veterinary shots needed to keep it safe and get to it as soon as possible.

3. Ensure there’s adequate hygiene in your dog’s lifestyle and environment. Groom your pup regularly and visit the vet on a schedule to keep infections at bay. Proper hygiene means your dog is always clean and healthy, living in a disease-free environment.

4. Healthy feeding can boost your pup’s immune system helping it fight off infections easily. Feed your dog with healthy meals that are proven to be great for its body. Meals rich in essential nutrients and minerals will improve a dog’s vitality and immune response.

5. Visit a vet specialist clinic like SafariVet as soon as you notice that something is amiss. Early detection and treatment of infections can absolutely clear most infections. Do not hesitate or postpone a vet appointment while your dog suffers.

Treatment of Bacterial & Fungal Infections

Both bacterial and fungal infections should only be treated after accurate diagnosis by a qualified veterinary clinic. Even if it’s dog bacterial skin infection treatment, please only treat as advised by a qualified pet specialist.

Treatment can come in the form of drugs or injections given as a dosage over a period of time. As always, early treatment is recommended in order to get ideal outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions