Skin Infections in Dogs  

Infections in Dogs  

Infections are a common problem for dogs and can be caused by bacteria, fungi, or parasites. Infections might be external or internal and will often require treatment with an appropriate medication that can only be prescribed by a veterinarian.

External Infections

External infections affect the outside of the dog’s body such as the skin, ears, or eyes. Because these are areas that can be easily observed, external infections are sometimes recognized more easily by owners.

Picture of man patting his dog in a forest clearing

Skin Infections 

Did you know that an animal’s skin is its largest organ? The skin is the largest sensory organ and also plays a vital role as a barrier that protects the dog. When the natural barrier of the skin is damaged, or when the immune system is compromised, a skin infection can occur. The skin barrier can be damaged by:

  • A break in the skin caused by excessive scratching, biting, or chewing

  • A break in the skin caused by external trauma

  • Increased moisture in skin folds

  • External parasites (for more information, visit our page on External Parasites)

  • Underlying diseases that can affect normal skin cells

Skin infections are often referred to as pyoderma (literally translated as “pus in the skin”). While pyoderma can result from fungal infections such as “Ringworm” (a contagious fungal infection of the skin, hair, or nails) and Malassezia (a yeast infection), the term is most often applied to bacterial infections.

It is not uncommon for a dog to have a bacterial skin infection and a fungal skin infection at the same time.

If your pet has a skin infection, you may notice one or more of these signs:

  • Increased scratching, biting, or chewing

  • Broken hairs or bald patches of fur

  • Patches of dry, flaky skin

  • Redness of the skin

  • Black heads, red bumps, or white heads

  • Discharge from the skin

  • Scabs

  • An unpleasant odor

Diagnosis and Treatment
If you are concerned that your dog may have a skin infection, please contact your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will perform a full physical examination and may recommend further diagnostic testing. Most treatments for skin infections are available only by prescription through a licensed veterinarian and may include a combination of topical medications, oral medications, and/or injections. 

It is important to always administer any medication according to the instructions and finish the full course of treatment. Not doing so could result in a treatment failure or in a worsening of the condition you are trying to treat.

Enroflox® (enrofloxacin), from Norbrook®, is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is indicated to treat susceptible bacterial skin infections. 

Treating Susceptible Skin Infections in Dogs

Norbrook® offers a broad-spectrum antibiotic in both an oral chewable tablet and injectable formulation.

 

 

Treating Susceptible Skin Infections in Dogs

Learn more about Enroflox® (enrofloxacin) which is available in both chewable and injectable dosing formulations.

Safety Information

Enroflox® (enrofloxacin) Chewable Tablets

CAUTION: Federal (U.S.A.) law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. In rare instances, use of this product in cats has been associated with retinal toxicity. Do not exceed 2.27 mg/lb of body weight per day in cats. Observe label directions and see product labeling here for full product information.

 

Enroflox® (enrofloxacin) Injection for Dogs 2.27%  

CAUTION: Federal (U.S.A.) law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. Federal law prohibits the extralabel use of this drug in food-producing animals. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Enrofloxacin is contraindicated in dogs known to be hypersensitive to quinolones. The safe use of enrofloxacin has not been established in large and giant breeds during the rapid growth phase. The use of enrofloxacin is contraindicated in small and medium breed dogs during the rapid growth phase (between 2 and 8 months of age). WARNINGS: For use in animals only. The use of this product in cats may result in retinal toxicity. Keep out of reach of children. Observe label directions and see product labeling here for full product information.

The Norbrook logo and Enroflox are registered trademarks of Norbrook Laboratories Limited.

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