Cellulitis in dogs is a painful inflammation beneath the skin's surface that can arise due to bacterial infections entering through cuts, open wounds, or skin breaks, often caused by animal bites. Recognizing and addressing this condition promptly is crucial for your pet's health. In this article, we'll answer all of your most pressing questions about dog cellulitis.
What Causes Cellulitis in Dogs?
The primary culprits behind dog cellulitis are typically Staphylococcus and Streptococcus bacteria. These opportunistic microorganisms are commonly found in your pets' surroundings — soil, water, air — and can even be present on humans and other animals. When your dog has an open wound, it creates an ideal environment for these bacteria to thrive, leading to infection.
You might recognize infections caused by these bacteria as "staph" or "strep."
Seeking veterinary assistance promptly is essential if you suspect your dog has an infected wound. Left untreated, cellulitis in dogs can quickly escalate, potentially leading to tissue necrosis (tissue death), and in severe cases, it could even be fatal.
Symptoms of Cellulitis in Dogs
Dog cellulitis can develop on any part of your dog's body where the skin has been breached, allowing bacteria to infiltrate. Typically, cellulitis follows an initial health issue, such as a wound that caused the skin breakage. Even a small wound can allow bacteria to enter, and the symptoms of cellulitis might emerge without immediate notice.
Signs of cellulitis in dogs include:
- Sensitivity and pain in the affected area
- Warmth and redness of the skin
- Presence of an abscess
- Accumulation of pus or green discharge
- Swelling
- Excessive licking of the area
Infection may also cause fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, or a general sense of malaise in your pet. If there's an abscess or discharge, you might notice an unpleasant odor. This odor could be the first indication that something is wrong with your pet, especially if you were unaware of any injuries.
Treatment of Dog Cellulitis
When treating cellulitis in dogs, your veterinarian will begin by reviewing your pet's history and conducting a thorough examination for wounds or abscesses. Blood tests and cultures may be necessary to identify the bacterial type and assess your pet's overall health.
If an abscess is detected and hasn’t ruptured, it will be incised, drained, and cleaned, often under anesthesia or sedation. To allow continuous drainage, a sterile tube, cloth, or similar material may be inserted into the abscess, secured with stitches, and typically covered with a bandage.
Lab tests on the abscess fluid can help determine the specific bacteria responsible for the infection, which is crucial for selecting the appropriate antibiotics. Since culture results may take a few days, your veterinarian might adjust the antibiotic treatment as needed. Your dog might also require treatment for other issues related to the original injury.
Upon discharge, your veterinarian will prescribe antibiotics to fight the infection, along with possible anti-inflammatories and pain relief. Depending on culture results, the antibiotic therapy may involve multiple medications. Topical antibiotic ointments may also be recommended. You’ll receive aftercare instructions, which could include applying warm compresses to the abscess site to encourage drainage. To prevent your dog from disturbing the treated area, use a protective e-collar, available at veterinary clinics, pet shops, or feed stores.
It's vital to adhere strictly to the prescribed medication regimen.
In some cases, the drain might not suffice, and the abscess could reaccumulate despite your best efforts. If this occurs, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Have Concerns About Cellulitis Transmission?
Maintain strict hand hygiene before and after caring for your pet, and wear gloves whenever possible. If your immune system is compromised, inform your veterinarian and take extra precautions with hygiene when managing your dog's wound.
Prognosis for Cellulitis in Dogs
Your veterinarian is your primary resource for information, treatment, and ensuring a positive outcome in managing cellulitis in dogs. With proper and timely care, minor cases should result in a full recovery for your pet.
If you have questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (941) 253-5218, or you can email us at staff@uacvet.com. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram.