Folliculitis in dogs – Causes. Symptoms. Treatment
Folliculitis in dogs is a skin disease that causes inflammation of the hair follicles caused by certain bacteria. The pet has some reddish swelling on the skin, filled with pus called papules. Due to these swellings, the dog may experience irritation, which causes excessive itching.
If you notice these signs of folliculitis in your pet dog, it is advisable to see your pet at the vet, who will make the correct diagnosis and give you appropriate treatment for the disease.
Folliculitis in dogs – causes
Folliculitis in dogs is a skin problem caused by a bacterial infection of the hair follicles (small openings in the skin through which hair grows). This skin condition occurs when one or more hair follicles are damaged or irritated. Most of the time, folliculitis is based on a kind of infection.
In most cases, folliculitis in dogs is caused by a bacterium called Staphylococcus, but other types of bacteria can also cause it. The causes of folliculitis include viral or fungal infections, parasites, trauma and certain systemic diseases. Therefore, it is essential that the pet be dewormed, both externally and internally. The dog can take external parasites from the outside environment or other quadrupeds. A complete deworming of the pet once every three months is indicated.
Folliculitis in dogs – Symptoms
Folliculitis in dogs has some specific symptoms, after which you can immediately tell if your pet is suffering from this skin disease. The main signs of folliculitis are:
– Redness
– Swelling
– Itching
– Hair loss – alopecia
– Itching
– Papules
– Epidermal collections
– Hyperpigmentation
– Pain in the affected areas
When folliculitis occurs in dogs, you will notice small, red bumps on the pet’s skin that appear on the skin of the quadruped. These raised areas are similar to acne and are called papules. They can be filled with pus, called blemishes. Due to folliculitis, the dog will have excessive itching, pain in the affected area, and hair will fall out. In some cases, dogs may develop severe skin lesions called epidermal cholera. The skin tone may change and become darker.
Folliculitis in dogs – Diagnosis
A veterinarian makes the diagnosis of folliculitis following a consultation. The doctor will perform a physical examination and check the dog’s history to see if he has had other skin problems in the past. The test will include skin cytology to look at the cells under a microscope. The doctor will also harvest a small piece of skin from the affected area to check for parasites, such as mites. The skin biopsy is sent to a pathologist for further analysis. Your veterinarian will collect blood and urine samples to see if there are any abnormalities in your body.
Folliculitis is a skin disease that can become unbearable for any dog due to the itching and nervousness caused. Therefore, it is advisable to see a veterinarian to treat the pet’s condition as soon as possible.
Folliculitis in dogs – Treatment
Treatment for folliculitis in dogs should be given on the advice of a veterinarian so as not to aggravate existing symptoms. In most cases, the treatment consists of administering systemic drugs combined with sprays, creams, ointments and shampoos. It is recommended to wash your pet with medicated shampoos to relieve redness and swelling. Sprays usually contain steroids, antibiotics or antifungal agents, which help treat folliculitis in dogs. Your veterinarian may also prescribe antibiotics for your pet if a systemic illness has caused your folliculitis. The primary condition from which folliculitis developed will be treated first.
To prevent folliculitis in dogs, it is advisable to call your veterinarian at the first signs that may indicate a skin condition. Regularly use unique products for external deworming, such as spot-on pipettes to prevent flea or tick infestation. Biotur Shop also provides you with special shampoos to wash your dog with. One such product is chlorhexidine dog shampoo, which contains chlorhexidine (4%). Chlorhexidine in the shampoo maintains its effect on the skin for a long time, is not absorbed into the skin and is completely harmless. It has a germicidal effect and a balanced pH, antiseptic, broad-spectrum, and moderate or severe microbial dermatitis. You can also use Biozoo Dermatological Lotion. This product contains citrus bioflavonoids, which are natural components that form a barrier to allergens or other harmful agents.
The Biotur Shop platform provides you with products specially designed for your pet, from premium food to essential accessories. You can also buy pharmaceuticals to treat certain diseases.
