Everything You Need To Know About Dog Bacterial Infections

Bacterial infections not only cause health issues in dogs, but they also pave the way for other diseases to develop, resulting in more damage. In order to prevent and timely treat bacterial infections, pet parents need to be informed about them.

What is Bacterial Infection?

Though bacteria and microorganisms are all around pets, infections develop when your dog’s immune system can’t fight the bacteria. Some reasons for the deterioration of immune strength in dogs are:

• Aging
• Lack of exercise and physical work
• Allergies
• Stress and Anxiety
• Other diseases and illnesses
• Poor diet
• Contact with a sick animal
• Cuts/Sores/Abrasions

Symptoms of Bacterial Infection

Once you see symptoms of bacterial infection in your dog, the intelligent and ideal thing would be to contact your vet and gain insights on the next steps.

Symptoms of bacterial infection are, but are not limited to, these:

• Coughing
• Nasal Discharge
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Fever
• Visible Infections On Skin, Eyes, Ears
• Itching and Rashes
• Patchy Hair Loss
• Redness, Sores, Abrasions, Cuts
• Lethargy and Unexcited Behavior
• Painful Urination
• Difficulty in Walking

Types of Bacterial Infections

1. Bacterial Eye Infections – Bacterial Conjunctivitis is the most common eye infection caused by bacteria, but there are many others. Excessive blinking, sticky, red, watery, or itchy eyes, and light sensitivity are symptoms of bacterial eye infection.
2. Bacterial Ear Infections – The ear being a sensitive area exposed to the environment, your pup can also develop bacterial ear infections. Some symptoms to look for are difficulty in orientation and balancing, shaking, tilting, discharge, and redness.
3. Bacterial Skin Infections – Visible spots, patches of hair loss, lesions, and rashes are signs of bacterial skin infection in dogs.
4. Throat Infections – Bacterial infections in the throat can cause pain while drinking or eating in your dog.
   Respiratory Tract Infections – When bacteria attack your dog’s respiratory system, it can cause coughing, fever, difficulty breathing, and vomiting.
5. Leptospirosis – Caused when your dog drinks polluted water or comes in contact with the feces or urine of an infected dog. Leptospirosis results in kidney inflammation and causes frequent and painful urination and blood in the urine.

Prevention of Bacterial Infections

Once again, prevention is the best way to fight against bacterial and other infections and diseases. Therefore, these are some things you can do to prevent bacterial infection in your dog:

1. Watch your dog during playtime as she can develop cuts and abrasions that can allow bacteria to foster. If you see wounds, cuts, or burns on your dog’s skin, treat and wrap them so it’s not open to the environment.
2. Give your dog a complete bath when he comes home after playing and rolling in the dust. This would help you find hidden cuts on his skin and wash away foreign particles.
3. Make sure your dog isn’t wet for too long and dry her timely as moisture attracts
4. Allergic dogs tend to scratch themselves and create wounds and sore skin that invite bacteria to attack and develop into an infection. To prevent this, the only way is to manage your dog’s allergies and treat them ASAP.
5. Don’t let your dog roam in dirty areas; keep an eye on where your dog is sniffing.
6. Keep your dog vaccinated.
7. Keep your dog’s skin folds clean.
8. Give extra care to your dog if he is ill or has recently suffered from a disease.

Can’t take your pooch out for a walk and play with her? No big deal! By booking a dog sitter/walker with Cuddlytails, you can ensure that your dog receives all the care she needs without disturbing your schedule.

Visit www.cuddlytails.com or download our Android or iOS app for more information.

Thank you,

The Cuddlytails Team