What Are Dog Skin Infections and Their Common Causes? (2025)

Dog skin infections are skin conditions, caused by the invasion of bacteria, fungi, or parasites, which result in redness, itching, irritation, and hair loss. These infections typically arise from underlying problems like allergies, parasites or an injury that compromise the skin’s natural barrier. Without treatment, they can escalate into serious health issues.

In fact, over 70% of dog dermatology cases seen in veterinary clinics have a bacterial or fungal component. According to the American College of Veterinary Dermatology (ACVD), skin issues are one of the top five medical problems diagnosed in companion animals every year in the U.S.

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Skin infections can become serious quickly if not treated well. Dosty comes with a built-in Symptom Checker and AI Assistant that suggests possible causes like allergies or parasites, and gives you instant, vet-approved care tips.

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A dog skin infection occurs when harmful microbes grow uncontrollably on damaged or irritated skin. These microbes invade the top layers of the skin and, at times, deeper tissues, causing visible and painful symptoms.

Top Three Dog Skin Infections Include:

🟡 Bacterial infections (pyoderma) – Most likely secondary to scratching or allergies.
🟣 Fungal or yeast infections – Loves wet spaces such as ears and folds.
🔴 Parasitic infections – From mites or fleas that cause skin trauma.

“Infections are frequently symptomatic of underlying problems. Healthy skin doesn’t get infected,” Dr. Marlena Lopez, DVM says.

How Do Skin Infections Develop in Dogs?

Skin infections start when the protective barrier of a dog is compromised. That damage can be due to allergies, bites, excessive licking or chronic moisture. When compromised, the skin acts like a petri dish for microbes.

🟢 Fungal growth is promoted in wet environments
🟢 Scratching too much sets you up for infection
🟢 Inflammation and open wounds caused by allergic reactions

Breeds with wrinkly skin or thick coats, like Bulldogs and Poodles, are particularly vulnerable.

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There are many reasons your dog could develop a skin infection, and they often overlap. Determining the source is crucial for choosing the appropriate treatment and preventing recurrences.

Can Allergies, Parasites, or Bacteria Cause Dog Skin Infections?

Yes, these are the three most common triggers. Now together, they represent over 80% of all recurring skin problems in dogs. Each injures skin in its own way, but the outcome is the same: infection, irritation and inflammation.

Common Causes of Dog Skin Infections:

1. Allergies

• Skin inflammation is caused by food allergies, pollen, mold, and dust.
• Dogs will scratch or chew until the skin breaks.

2. Parasites

• Fleas, mites and ticks bite or burrow, damaging skin.
• This irritation subsequently results in secondary bacterial infections.

3. Bacterial and Fungal Overgrowth

• Typically found in small quantities, but can multiply and cause infection.
• Atop humid, moist areas of the body (e.g., between their toes, in their ears, or skin folds)

Other potential causes are hormonal disorders, autoimmune diseases, and poor grooming or hygiene.

“Over-treating with antibiotics, with no knowledge of what’s causing the illness, can often do more harm than good,” says Dr. John Brady, DVM.

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Skin infections can present with both visible and behavioral signs in dogs. During grooming or bath time, watch for:

🔴 Red or inflamed skin
🔴 Bald patches or scaly areas
🔴 Crusty sores or scabs
🔴 Strong odor or greasy feel
🔴 Scratching, licking, or biting too much

Look for behavioral changes, too, such as irritability or avoiding touch. If symptoms last longer than 2–3 days or become gradually worse, get veterinary help.

❗Skin issues can come on quickly, and ignoring the signs could lead to more vet bills down the road.

Dosty helps you track symptoms early, set up reminders for visits to your vet and keep your dog healthy and safe.

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Skin infections and their underlying cause would need to be treated. Most cases require a combination of medications, hygiene changes and supportive care. Do not depend on home remedies alone, wrong treatments can prolong healing or aggravate symptoms.

Veterinary Treatments for Dog Skin Infections:

🩺 Medicated shampoos – Chlorhexidine or miconazole shampoos assist in eliminating bacteria or yeast.
🩺 Topical creams or sprays – For use on infected areas to relieve and kill microbes.
🩺 Oral medications – Antibiotics or antifungals for moderate to severe infections.
🩺 Parasite control – Prescription flea and tick preventives.
🩺 Allergy testing and dietary changes – Only used if food or environment is the suspected trigger.

For resistant infections or rare conditions, skin cultures (growing skin bacteria in a lab) or biopsies may also be needed to make a correct diagnosis.

Home Care for Dog Skin Infections:

With careful home care, you can support veterinary treatment. Lifestyle and environmental measures increase the recovery.

🟢 Keep the surface dry and clean
🟢 Antiseptic rinses (well tolerated, vet approved)
🟢 Use an Elizabethan collar to prevent licking
🟢 Wash bedding and grooming tools once a week
🟢 Follow everything your vet instructed you to do.

Don’t use over-the-counter human ointments unless a professional tells you to. They can contain toxic to dogs ingredients.

Dealing with itchy, red or infected patches of skin on your dog❓

Dosty keeps you ahead of infections with vet-approved grooming tutorials, hygiene checklists, and reminders for treatments, all in one place.

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1. Are skin infections contagious to humans?
Some are like ringworm. Always wash your hands and wear gloves if necessary.

2. Can diet cause skin infections?
Yes, poor nutrition impacts the immunity and skin resilience.

3. Should I bathe my dog during treatment?
Yes, but if you use medicated products your vet has prescribed or recommended.

4. Is hair loss always a sign of infection?
Not always, but it’s often connected with inflammation or mites.

5. Do skin infections heal on their own?
Rarely. Most need treatment to avoid spreading or chronic issues.

Dog skin infections are one of the most prevalent issues seen by veterinarians, they’re also one of the most treatable. Identifying symptoms such as redness, odor and hair loss can help you take action before the condition becomes worse. And since most infections are caused by allergies, parasites, or bacteria, identifying the cause is the first step to long-term healing.

👉 Identify issues early and keep ahead using the Dosty App.