When dogs spend a lot of time outside, they are susceptible to a variety of bacterial infections that can affect their respiratory system, skin, ears, urinary tract, and kidneys. Pet owners should be concerned about these ailments since some bacterial infections can be lethal if treatment is not given promptly. But respond quickly: untreated infections might lead to more serious health problems.

Different red spots on the back of the dog
credit:iloveveterinary.com

This typically occurs when your dog’s immune system is compromised, such as after a recent illness or in extremely young or old canines. When a dog’s immune system is compromised for whatever reason, the bacteria can easily penetrate regions where they aren’t supposed to be and create a bacterial infection.

A compromised immune system is frequently the cause of bacterial infections. Bacterial infection can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor food, aging, allergies, lack of exercise, stress, and other disorders.

Here are the lists of common bacterial infection

Canine Leptospirosis

Dogs’ skin infections

Staphylococcal Infection

Bacterial eye infection

Bacterial ear infection

Canine leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is contracted by drinking stagnant water or coming into contact with an infected dog’s urine or feces. Fever, vomiting, aches, discomfort, lethargy, and sadness are among the symptoms.  Leptospirosis can cause kidney inflammation in dogs, which can lead to irreversible damage. Leptospirosis is also a highly contaminated and dangerous disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans. You can, however, get vaccinated against Leptospirosis, which greatly minimizes the risk of infection.

Dogs’ skin infections

Skin infections are commonly straightforward to recognize because they have obvious signs. Itching, rashes, patchy hair loss, scabs, or crusting on the skin are all indicators of infection, and it’s critical to seek veterinary help as soon as possible to prevent the problem from getting worse.

Staphylococcal Infection

Staphylococcal illness is the most frequent type of bacterial skin infection in dogs, caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus sp. It can also affect a dog’s skin or upper respiratory tract. Antibiotic shampoos and ointments for skin infections, as well as oral antibiotics like erythromycin, clindamycin, or cephalexin, can be used to treat staph infections. Because Staphylococcus is a zoonotic concern, meaning it may spread from a dog to a human and vice versa, early treatment and appropriate hygiene measures are essential.

Infections of the eyes caused by bacteria in dogs

Bacterial conjunctivitis is the most well-known bacterial eye infection in dogs, but there are dozens of other bacterial eye infections that can afflict your companion pooch. Watery, red, sticky, itchy eyes, squinting and light sensitivity, and excessive blinking are common symptoms of bacterial eye infections. Antibiotics like gentamycin can help with this.

A dog being receiving treatment for bacterial infection
credit:dogtime.com

Bacterial Ear Infection

When there is underlying inflammation in a dog’s ear, it might develop a bacterial ear infection. Allergies, excessive moisture in the ear canal, and co-infection with Malassezia yeast species are common causes. A healthy dog can typically protect himself against this bacterium, but a dog with a weaker immune system may have a harder time doing so. Itchy, red, and inflamed inner ears, unpleasant odor, and waxy build-up in the ear are all signs of a bacterial ear infection. Antibiotics can be used to treat bacterial ear infections if the eardrum is intact.

Symptoms of the bacterial infection in dogs

  •  Increased temperature of the body
  • Skin sores and abscesses
  • Diseased cuts
  • Refusal to consume food
  • Coughing
  • Nasal discharge
  • Throwing up
  • Infection of the urinary tract or respiratory system
  • Inflammation and redness
  • Excessive tiredness
  • Difficulty walking
  • Painful urination
  • Weakness
  • Reluctance to engage

Diagnosis of bacterial infection

The veterinarian will need to know about your dog’s medical history, as well as any recent illnesses or accidents. If your dog’s doctor feels the illness has spread throughout his body, digital radiographs (x-rays) of the chest and abdomen will be taken. An ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan may be required by your veterinarian.

A dog suffering from bacterial infection
credit:dogtime.com

Following a physical examination, the veterinarian will conduct a series of laboratory tests:

  • Blood gas and chemical panel
  • Complete blood count (CBC)
  • Bacterial culture
  • Urinalysis
  • Culture of fungi
  • Swabs for the throat and nose
  • Biopsy and scrapings of the skin

Conclusion

Simple lifestyle modifications like feeding your dog a healthful diet, providing a constant reliable source of water, taking regular walks, and getting routine veterinary check-ups and vaccinations can all help to strengthen your dog’s immune system and reduce the chances of him procuring an infectious disease.

Author

Kehinde Ezekiel is a freelance writer who has covered many topics, including home improvement, gardening, pets, tech, and parenting.

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