Superficial Bacterial Infection in Your Pets Folliculitis in pets is more common than you might think.

Folliculitis is a common superficial bacterial infection of the hair follicles, but it can be difficult to diagnose. It can affect many species, including cats and dogs. Folliculitis is caused by bacteria that enter through open wounds or damaged skin. It may become painful if you press on infected areas because they are tender to touch.

The site may be affected by boils, scabs, pustules, or ulcers. The bacteria that cause folliculitis are typically found on skin surfaces in other animals and humans. These include Staphylococcus and Streptococcus bacteria types that cause staph infections and strep throat. 

Symptoms

Folliculitis is a superficial bacterial infection that can affect your animal's skin. Folliculitis is often associated with poor hygiene and can occur when there are stressors such as flea infestation or heat exposure.

It's characterized by pimples or bumps on the skin, often red and irritated. Pimples are often found on the back, legs, and chest, but they may also appear on the face or neck. The symptoms of folliculitis include redness around the affected area and loss of hair around it. 

The area may feel warmer than normal or develop an odor. Some animals will scratch at their skin repeatedly until it bleeds; others will appear fearful or have muscle tremors caused by pain in their legs or feet. 

Causes

Folliculitis is a common skin condition that can occur in humans and animals. The cause of folliculitis is a bacterial infection that tends to develop when bacteria enter the skin through small cuts or wounds.

Bacteria may be spread from other animals, including pets and wildlife; however, it's also possible for bacteria to enter your pet's skin through scratches or bites. Infections can occur on any part of the body but tend to affect areas with folds, such as ears or elbows, because these areas allow easy access by bacteria from inside the body. 

Diagnosis

The vet will take a skin scraping and examine it under a microscope. Your veterinarian will look at the hair shafts if your pet has an infection. This ensures the bacteria are located in the follicle and not elsewhere on your pet's body. Sometimes, a swab may be taken from your animal's skin for testing. 

Treatment

If you suspect a superficial bacterial infection, it's best to take your animal to the veterinarian. The vet can determine if there’s an actual infection and prescribe treatment accordingly. Depending on how serious the condition is and how fast you need treatment, the vet may decide what pet meds are needed.

Your pet will need some type of antibiotic for dogs, like Simplicef or Chlorhexidine for dogs or antiseptic dog shampoo or ointments. The treatment may last from around one to twelve weeks.

Suppose there are no signs of an actual skin rash, but your dog has been exposed to something that might have caused one. In that case, he'll likely need some topical anti-itching medication, an oral antibiotic, and possibly even both medications simultaneously. 

Prevention

There are several things you can do to avoid folliculitis, like:

?  Clean the animal's coat regularly with a mild dog shampoo, as the infection may be related to poor hygiene at times.

? Avoid overcrowding.

?  In homes with multiple pets, try to keep the infected pet away from other pets. Have separate dog beds and dog bowls for them to avoid transmission.

? Keep the environment clean, with no dust or other allergens that can trigger an infection in your pet's skin.

? If you bathe your pet at home, use mild shampoo and water to clean their fur. 

Conclusion

Folliculitis is a skin condition that affects animals, especially dogs. It can be caused by an infection of the hair follicle or sebaceous gland. Folliculitis is common and often occurs in dogs with long fur, but it can also affect short-haired breeds such as poodles or shelties. The disease usually starts on the face or neck; however, this condition may spread over other parts of your pet's body if left untreated long enough.