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Pyoderma in dogs: causes, symptoms and treatment

trauriger Hund

Skin problems, such as pyoderma, are common in dogs. They can have very different causes and manifest themselves through different symptoms.


We will explain to you how you can recognise pyoderma in your dog and what the cause of the skin disease can be. You will also learn what is necessary for the treatment and whether there are any possibilities for prevention.

What is pyoderma?

Pyoderma is a skin infection caused by bacteria, which manifests itself among other things in the form of pustules and encrustations on the skin. In dogs it is usually caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus pseudintermedius.

Pyodermie Diagnose

Causes of pyoderma in dogs

Normally, the skin of dogs is protected by a number of defense mechanisms. These include constant cell renewal, sweat and skin lipids.


In addition, various microorganisms such as yeasts and bacteria live naturally on the skin of the four-legged friend. These nourish themselves from the dead skin and contribute in turn to the defense against diseases.


However, the defences of the dog's skin can get out of balance, which can lead to pyoderma.

Pyoderma in dogs can have the following causes, among others:

  • Allergies, such as atopic dermatitis
  • Parasites like mites or fleas
  • Injuries
  • An infection with skin fungus
  • Dry skin
  • Corneal formation
  • Hormonal disorders such as hypothyroidism
  • Strong skin wrinkles in some breeds

Symptoms of pyoderma in dogs

If the dog suffers from pyoderma, a number of skin changes are noticeable. Pyoderma also causes severe itching in affected dogs, further exacerbating the skin problems.

The following symptoms are typical of pyoderma in dogs:

  • Redness
  • Pustules
  • Papules
  • Sheds
  • Encrustations
  • Discolorations

The skin changes can occur in principle on the whole body of the animal. Often, however, they are mainly found in areas with less hair, such as the inside of the thighs.

Diagnosis of pyoderma in dogs

If your dog shows symptoms that indicate pyoderma, a timely visit to the vet is essential. In order to get to the bottom of your suspicions, the veterinarian will remove some skin cells and examine them.

This usually only takes a few minutes and allows a reliable diagnosis to be made, which then also determines the treatment.

Treating pyoderma in dogs

Which treatment measures are necessary in detail depends on the spread and severity of the pyoderma in your dog. It may be sufficient to use a shampoo containing antibiotics. It can also be, however, that you must give your four-legged friend additional antibiotics in tablet form.


When using the shampoo, it is important that you leave it on long enough and then rinse it off well. This is the only way the product can develop its full effect.

Prognosis for dogs with pyoderma

As a rule, pyoderma is well treatable in dogs. However, it is important to continue the treatment long enough and not to stop immediately if the symptoms are alleviated.


In addition, it is of course important to address the actual trigger of pyoderma. Depending on what caused the skin infection in your dog, the necessary measures as well as the chances of recovery differ.

Is pyoderma contagious?

Pyoderma is the result of a basic problem that leads to a weakening of the immune system. This is the only way that bacteria that already live on the dog's skin can trigger a skin infection.

A transfer of the pyoderma to another dog is therefore not possible. Nor do you as the owner have to fear that you could get infected with your four-legged friend.

Preventing pyoderma in dogs

Of course, not all possible causes of pyoderma in dogs can be excluded. They can neither prevent hormonal diseases nor do they influence race-typical skin wrinkles.

Nevertheless, there are some things you can do to prevent pyoderma in your dog. These include, for example, adequate skin care and prompt and professional treatment for parasites, injuries or allergies.

In the Bellfor range you will find a wide variety of care products and nutritional supplements to support you:

In addition, we recommend the administration of Bellfor Immune if necessary to strengthen the immune system and thus the skin's defences.

Pyoderma in dogs - the most important things at a glance

If a dog falls ill with pyoderma, this is a sign that he still suffers from another health problem. The responsible bacteria can only trigger the skin infection if the skin's defences are already out of balance.


For a successful and lasting cure, not only pyoderma itself, but also the underlying disease must be treated.


With our care products and food supplements you can optimally support the veterinary treatment and make an important contribution to the prevention of pyoderma in your dog.

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