Symptoms and Treatment of Dog Skin Sores

Causes, Types and Treatment of Common Canine Skin Sores

There are many possible causes for dog skin sores. The treatment and recovery depends on the type and cause of the sore. Anytime your dog has a sore that doesn’t go away in a few days or that oozes yellow or green-colored puss, see your veterinarian.

Acute Moist Dermatitis or "Hot Spots"

Hot spots are round, raw lesions that occur most often on the head, hips, and sides of the chest. Hot spots are most common on dogs with long, dense hair, and usually occur during hot weather. Hair usually falls out in these areas. The skin becomes very irritated and dogs will often lick and bite at the area.

Hot spots can be caused by a number of things, including flea bites, lice, mites, poor grooming, bacterial or fungal yeast infections, and allergies. Treatment depends on the cause. Clipping the hair around the lesions makes it easier to clean and treat the dog skin sores. If infected, oral antibiotics will be prescribed. Treatment will be prescribed for fleas or other parasites, and your vet can instruct you on proper grooming techniques. It is important to accurately diagnose before using a mode of treatment.

Bacterial Pyoderma (dog bacterial skin infection)

Canine pyoderma refers to any dog skin sore or lesion that is pus-producing. It is the second most common cause of skin disease in dogs. The condition can involve a single occurrence or a problem that reoccurs. There are many causes with the condition classified by on the type of bacteria, the chance that there is some type of underlying problem, disease prognosis (projected outcome) and if the infection will respond to available therapies.

The infection might exist only on the skin surface or in more chronic cases, infection can result in dog skin sores that reach into the fatty tissue just below the skin.  Most cases are only on the skin surface and can be easily treated with an antibiotic selected to address the specific bacteria identified. Antibiotics are usually prescribed for 3 weeks for surface skin infections and 6 weeks for deeper infections. However, it should be remembered that dog bacterial skin infections are usually a secondary in nature, which means that is resulted once a primary cause is not treated and causes wounds on skin may result in bacterial infection. So, it is important that both primary and secondary causes are treated, particularly in recurring skin infections.

Certain breeds such as Standard Poodles, Vizslas, Akitas and Samoyeds suffer from deep pyoderma or infection as a result of the condition sebaceous adenitis. Deep infections can also be helped by antibacterial benzoyl peroxide shampoo. The shampoo works by decreasing bacteria on the skin surface and by reducing the likelihood that an infection will return. Shampoos are used 2x per week.

All dogs suffering from skin infection will need to be re-evaluated for progress.

Dog Mange

There are two types of mange, demodectic and sarcoptic.

Demodectic Mange

Demodectic dog mange is usually seen in puppies from mites that spread to the puppy from the mother.

The demodex canis (demodectic mange) causes both localized (specific areas) and generalized symptoms (all over the body). If a puppy have a small number of mites, no treatment is usually necessary as the condition will clear by itself. If there are moderate numbers of mites, then dog sores on legs and other areas could appear. It is possible that dogs with mange have a  compromised immune system that was unable to fight off the parasites.  In adults, dog sores are commonly seen on the face, legs, abdomen and hind legs.

Sarcoptic Mange

 Sarcoptic dog mange is from mites that spread from dog to dog or dog to wild animal contact. Mange dog skin sores ooze and crust over along with hair loss and itch. This may occur in one small area or may occur all over the body.

Mange Diagnosis and Treatment

To diagnose demodectic and sarcoptic mange, your vet will do a scraping of the affected skin and examine it under a microscope. Mites are not always found when a small number are causing the condition. In this case, the Vet will initiate treatment, and confirm the diagnosis if your dog responds to treatment.  If your dog has this condition, it is usually treated with an over the counter topical lime-sulfur dip such as Naturasil for Pet Mange.

If the skin area is infected your veterinarian might prescribe a prescription medication which includes antibiotics and others. Since mange is difficult to diagnose, sometimes its better just to start treatment and see if there is some improvement.

Dog Fungal Skin Infections

Blastomycosis is a fungal infection that causes dog skin sores. It is a systemic infection that causes respiratory problems, a reluctance to walk, generalized weakness, a poor appetite, and even blindness. One of the first signs of the illness, however, is round, oozing sores on the skin. The sores may later crust over. This condition usually occurs in the fall and is caused by breathing in spores that are released when your dog digs into the ground.

The fungus occurs most often in areas near river valleys or lakes. Blastomycosis in dogs can spread to multiple parts of your dog's body through the blood stream. This kind of infection is common in hunting dogs, the ones who explore moist, dead vegetation and thus catch the fungi.

To diagnosis Blastomycosis, your vet will examine secretions from the sores under a microscope. Blastomycosis is treated with oral anti-fungal medication such as itraconazole (Sporanox) for a period of 6 months and with an anti-fungal medicated shampoo such as Curaseb.

The condition cannot be passed from dog to human or human to human.

Histoplasmosis is a less common fungal infection. Like blastomycosis, it is a systemic infection that causes weight loss, cough, fever and diarrhea. It can also cause dog skin sores. It is diagnosed and treated the same way as blastomycosis.

Dog Allergies

Flea allergy dermatitis, environmental and food allergies can lead to dog skin sores. Even if you don't find any fleas on your dog, they are skilled at hiding, with even a few able to cause a problem in allergic dogs. Symptoms are usually in the form of raised red bumps known as hives. They are itchy and will cause your dog to scratch. Excessive scratching may leave the skin wounded, leading to infection.

If no infection occurs, hives will usually go away on their own once exposure to the allergen is removed. If infection develops, however, medical treatment will be needed. See your vet if your dog has sores that don’t go away in a few days, or sores that ooze anything yellowish in color. Antibiotics may be required to administer.

Dog Skin Ulcers (erosive or ulcerative dermatoses)

A skin ulcer in dogs refers to a loss of skin due to deep sores or an open ulcer on the skin's surface. This can occur due to various reasons, such as an injury, prolonged pressure, infection, or a chronic health condition. Any condition that blocks or changes blood flow to skin can cause skin ulcer. Skin ulcer can be painful and may produce discharge, and often poorly heal at it's own. Skin ulcers are usually grouped as per intensity, for example the more erosive or ulcerative in nature.

However, there can be so many reasons for skin ulcers, it thus becomes a common condition and are classified into the following types based on their causes:

1. Traumatic ulcers: These are caused by an injury or trauma to the skin, such as a self-injury, scrape, burn, electric, chemical, frostbite, cut, or bite wound.
2. Pressure ulcers: Also known as bedsores, these are caused by constant pressure on a specific area of the skin, usually when a dog is immobile for extended periods.
3. Vascular ulcers: These can be caused by issues with blood flow, such as venous insufficiency or arterial ulcers.
4. Neuropathic ulcers: These can be caused by nerve damage, often in conjunction with diabetes.
5. Pyoderma ulcers: These are caused by bacterial infections, often associated with a compromised immune system.

Some diseases characterized by erosions or ulcers of the skin are likely inherited since they tend to occur in certain breeds; however, no genetic screening tests are available (such as lupoid disorders, familial dermatomyositis, zinc-responsive dermatoses)

Treatment for skin ulcers depends on the underlying cause and may include cleaning and dressing the wound, antibiotics to treat or prevent infection, pain management, and potentially surgery. It's crucial to get any skin ulcer examined by a vet to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

Causes of a Skin Ulcer on a Dog

There are several potential causes of skin ulcers in dogs. Several dog ulcer pictures are also below.
Causes include:

Dog Sores by Body Location

Like most canine diseases, there are multiple causes for dog skin sores on different areas of the body as outlined in the table below.

Causes Dog Sores on the Paws, Legs, Ears and Face
Body Location	Common Causes of Dog Skin Sores
Dog sores on Legs	Canine Osteosarcoma: An osteosarcoma is one of the problems of dogs described as a giant breed that is middle age to a senior including Rottweilers and Scottish Deerhounds. The condition causes lesions on the front dog legs 75% of the time. The condition starts in the medullary bone cavity and breaks through the bone, ultimately causing a skin lesion. It is common for osteosarcoma to form at sites where bone fractures have been repaired with metal implants. Diagnosis is made with a biopsy. Fortunately only 10% of dogs diagnosed have cancer cells that spread from the original site. After diagnosis, a veterinarian will determine if the dog is in pain and if the pet can maintain a good quality of life after amputation. He or she might test the dog with a sling on one leg to simulate the experience of having 3 legs. Survival time after amputation with no other treatment has a median survival of 135 days with 11.5% surviving 1 year, and 2% for 2 years. When chemotherapy is used along with amputation, survival times jump to 200 to 400 days, with 1 year survival at 30% to 40%. Two year survival jumps to 20%. Typical treatment is the use of cisplatin for 3 to 4 weeks after amputation. Demodicosis: This is a form of mange that primarily affects young dogs (see above) Dog Sores on Legs such as shown here could be caused by a contact allergy, skin infection, mites (demodicosis) or Even Ringworm Source: Dog Health Handbook
Ear Flap (Pinnae)	Atopy: Environmental allergens cause a skin reaction Canine Ear Sores Caused by Atopy Source: Dog Health Guide Diet: A reaction to food including allergy or intolerance Scabies: Mites can cause lesions to form Vasculitis: blood vessel inflammation
Dog head and face sores	Atopy: Sensitivity to environmental allergies Canine Sores on Face From Atopy (Seasonal Allergy) Source: Washington State University Diet: Food intolerance or allergic response to a food component or ingredient Dog Food Allergy Sores on Face and Ear Source: Washington State University Ringworm: Caused by the dermatophyte that triggers ringworm in dogs (Microsporum gypseum) Ringworm Can Cause Dog Skin Sores on Face as Shown Above Source: Washington State University Allergies to Insects: Reactions to mites, fleas and other parasites
Dog sores on paws	Demodicosis (Demodectic Pododermatitis): mange mites that cause localized lesions on the paws. IT is common in young dogs (under age 1) and rarely seen in older dogs. The disease is frequently seen with bacterial infection on the paws. Paw areas see hair loss. Parasites do not affect claws and footpads. Sores on Dog Paws Caused by Demodectic pododermatitis in a male terrier. Source: Alexander Werner, VMD, DACVD, Animal Dermatology Center Digital Hyperkeratosis: This dog skin disorder affects the nose and footpads. Breeds susceptible to this problem include English bulldogs, Basset hounds, Beagles English springer spaniels and Cocker spaniels. The condition is caused by debris with collects on the footpads. Areas that bear weight cause the keratin to wear off. It is usually seen in older or middle-aged dogs. Other symptoms include leathery skin, oozing from the skin and crusting. Diagnosis is based on the condition being limited to the paws and the absence of the condition in other skin areas. The condition can be improved by improving the dog's hydration and the use of topicals that help with seborrhea. Atopy: Paws that come in contact with allergens in the environment such as pollen. Diet: Food reactions can result in an allergic response on the paws as well as contact allergies. Ringworm: This fungus can cause sores on the paws Pemphigus Foliaceous (PF): A dog skin autoimmune disease in which the canine body's immune system attacks and directs its efforts against the patient itself. Occurs in approximately .6 to 1.4% of all dogs. The disease causes skin bumps or pustules to suddenly appear on the paws. The lesion ruptures, causing crusts to form over the skin lesions on dogs. Other symptoms can include lameness, pain and appetite loss. Treatment depends on the type of canine pemphigus diagnosed. Topicals are used for Pemphigus erythematous. Prednisone and other therapies are available for other types. Skin Lesions on Dog Paws Caused by Pemphigus Source: Animal Dermatology Center Superficial Necrolytic Dermatitis (SND): The condition is caused by a liver disease. It is seen in older and smaller dogs. Symptoms are the accumulation of crust on paw pressure points. Superficial Necrolytic Dermatitis causes sores on the paw pads Source: Alexander Werner, VMD, DACVD, Animal Dermatology Center

Dog Mouth Sores and Tumors

Dog skin sores in a dog's mouth are called tumors. There are many types that can form in the oral tissues. Causes include:

• Gingival Enlargement: A non-cancerous growth that is triggered by periodontal disease. It can be removed by a veterinary dentist (top right above).
• Peripheral Odontogenic Fibroma: a type of tumor that is a benign (not cancerous) tumor (top left).
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A cancerous tumor that requires a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis (bottom right).
• Oral Malignant Melanoma (OMM): Forms in the soft tissues that line the tongue (bottom left).

Brochures

References for Dog Skin Sores