Folliculitis is a common skin trouble in dogs and humanity likewise . Here ’s what to know when it get to treating your canine ’s case .

One of the best portion of being a dog owner is enjoy our cuddly canine ’s soft , strong pelt . But just like in humans , our furry friends can be susceptible to several hair and skin issues : dandruff , allergy , skin tagsor the reason we ’re all here : folliculitis in hotdog .

What Is Folliculitis?

Folliculitis refer to the inflammation of a hair follicle , usually get by bacteria . man often go through folliculitis if they ’re prone to acne or have lately shaved , peculiarly around the armpits . damage pilus follicles make it well-to-do for bacteria to seep in and cause fervour . Dogs are susceptible to the same type of inflammation , less so because they ’re on a regular basis shaving their pits and more so because ofparasiteslike mites or fungus .

What Causes Folliculitis in Dogs?

Rusty Muse , DVM , who serves as the Medical Director of theAnimal Dermatology Group , says that clinically , there are three independent reason of folliculitis in dog-iron .

  • It ’s important to note that sure levels of bacterial organisms unremarkably cohabitate on a dog ’s skin without offspring , likestaph , for instance . It ’s when these organism commix with rudimentary wellness conditions likeallergiesor similar topical infections that problems like folliculitis can arise .

Signs and Symptoms of Folliculitis in Dogs

Since dog typically have more hair than humanity , it can be hard to spot folliculitis . But Muse has some insider knowledge on where to search .

" Folliculitis tend to be on the area where there ’s thin hair : the stomach , inner thighs … the areas that are comparatively easy to see , " he state . " But yes , it can be hard to make out . "

leery of folliculitis ? Keep your eye out for :

dog sitting in grass scratching their back

Mary Swift / Adobe Stock

When you observe any of these symptoms , take your dog to your vet . Although it ’s common for vet to diagnose folliculitis by just glint at the affected area , they will likely perform secondary tests to determine the suit of folliculitis .

Additional Tests

Folliculitis is n’t a stand - alone stipulation . If your dog has folliculitis , it ’s virtually guarantee that there ’s an implicit in issue at play , whether it be allergies , mites , or something else , like ayeast infectionor resistant disease . Hence the need for further testing . After support folliculitis , your vet might do or order :

Once the campaign of folliculitis is discovered , then proper treatment can be commend .

How to Treat Folliculitis in Dogs

Oral Prescriptions

If a bacterial contagion is behind your dog ’s cause of folliculitis , then oral antibiotics may be prescribed by your veterinarian . Depending on your dog-iron ’s pain level , they may also recommend that your hot dog takes an oral pain cause of death as well until the discomfort lessens .

Topical Treatments

Muse is a openhanded advocator of topical treatments in his rail line of work . There are many antibacterial and fungicidal shampoo that can help flush out your domestic dog ’s skin contagion . And outside ofbath metre , your veterinarian may prescribe a topical creamsuch as hydrocortisoneto help comfort the fervour as well .

Can Folliculitis be Prevented?

Most cases of folliculitis can not be outright prevented due to their ties to rudimentary conditions . Some hot dog breeds are predisposed to certain cutis conditions due to allergies . However , you could mitigate extra risks by taking the following advice into account .

Folliculitis on its own is a relatively soft experimental condition , but it may be a word of advice sign for something more serious . Keep an middle on your pet to check that they ’re not suffering in silence !