How To Treat Bacterial Skin Infections in Dogs

HOW DO I TREAT MY DOG’S BACTERIAL SKIN INFECTION OR FUNGAL INFECTION?

First be aware that skin infections in dogs or puppies may be bacterial or fungal in nature. Each one is caused by quite a different source. Therefore, it’s a good idea to consult with a vet to get a proper diagnosis and treatment. For more information on the source of your dog’s fungal skin infection, please visit our skin infections page.

What causes Bacterial Skin infections in Dogs?

Bacterial skin infections in dogs can occur for various reasons. They develop when bacteria such as Staphylococcus intermedius find an opening in the skin. The opening could be simply via hair follicles. Or, from small breaks in the skin caused by scrapes, rashes, animal or insect bites, burns, punctures, wounds, and more.

Moreover, these infections could be caused by a compromised immune system, dog allergies or underlying health conditions. Even environmental factors come into play. 

dog skin conditions

Dog with alopecia symptoms.

What are the signs and symptoms?

Common symptoms include: 

  • Redness
  • Pimple-like bumps or raised areas of the skin
  • Itchiness 
  • Dry patches of flaking or scaly skin 
  • Crusts or scabs
  • Hair loss (alopecia) and/or infected hair follicles
  • Oozing or discharge (blood, pus, clear)
  • Skin color changes (darker or lighter)
What should I use to treat my dog’s skin infection?

banixx pet spray

Banixx Pet Spray

Whether your dog is suffering from a bacterial or a fungus skin infection, the short answer is Banixx Pet Care. Banixx works equally well for both. Here’s why: 

  • It’s really gentle on tissue and non-toxic, yet, potent in getting rid of skin infections in dogs, cats and other pets. 
  • It doesn’t contain any steroids or antibiotics, so will not cause any problems or issues with other dog medications that your Vet may prescribe. 
  • It’s safe to use around your pup’s eyes, ears and mouth. 
  • It has no clinical odor or sting to upset your dog or puppy, so there’s no struggle to apply it. And, because it has no odor, dogs generally will not attempt to lick it off.
  • It’s not oily or sticky hence it won’t make a mess as your dog flops on the couch or on your carpet.

dog skin infection treatment

Applying Banixx to Dog's Skin Infection

To apply Banixx for maximum effectiveness:
  • First, just spray it on. If your dog is fearful or shy (or, if you are unsure of your dog's possible reaction), use a cotton ball well-moistened with Banixx. If you’re just not sure, then always begin with the moistened cotton ball.  If even that seems to trigger anxiety then start with a dry cotton ball and a favorite treat in your other hand.  Always try to make any treatment process a fun, pleasurable experience.  Another highly popular strategy is to use a home-made pet wipe to apply Banixx to your pup.  Follow this link to make your own dog pet wipe!!
  • Next, press the moistened cotton ball gently in place on your dog's skin infection to make solid contact with the irritation site. If you’re applying Banixx with the spray nozzle, gently tap or massage it into your dog’s skin. Banixx must make good contact with a skin infection to work well. You may wear disposable gloves depending on the situation. 
  • Continue using Banixx on the afflicted skin morning and evening. Note: While Banixx has no taste or smell that might tempt your dog to lick it off, it's always a smart idea to be proactive. When treating your dog, find some amusement or distraction when you apply Banixx. For example, take her for a walk, feed her a treat or, play a game. A tried-and-true ruse in our house is to stick a dob of peanut butter to the roof of your dog’s mouth.  It will take quite a while for them to get at it all and that keeps them occupied. Be sure to give Banixx time to work on your dog's skin.  There is no need for rinsing, Banixx is not oily or colored. 
  • Finally, just let Banixx go to work

Maintain this treatment process with Banixx on your dog's problem skin until the infection clears up. If your dog is prone to skin infections, you might want to treat his skin on a weekly basis to ward off future infections. You, as the owner, are the best judge of this course of action.  However, if skin infections are frequent, it’s worth taking the time to investigate the cause…is it dietary? Is it environmental? Is it a compromised immune system? Once you know what you’re dealing with, you can stay ahead of the game!

Banixx Treatment For a Hot Spot Skin Infection

bacterial skin infection in dogs

Dog Tail Skin Infection, before treatment with Banixx

If you think a bacterial infection is causing your dog to get hotspots, please see our pictures of hot spots on our hot spot’s page. You’ll get a good visual of what this condition looks like. In addition, to figure out what’s casing hot spots to crop up on your pup, check out our dog hot spots page here.

Banixx is great for any type of infection, including ear infections, ringworm, and mange.

Buy Banixx or buy online.

Banixx is gentle enough for a young pup or an aging dog so you can use it with confidence.

CASE STUDY: DOG TAIL RESCUED BY BANIXX

dog bacterial skin infection home remedies

Dog Tail Skin Infection, after Banixx

Kuma, the dog shown here, turned up one bitter winter evening. The poor girl was weak and thin, and appeared to be about one year old. A Pitbull mix, her tail was in dire straits. It had been completely mangled. Half of her tail showed nothing but meat and bones and it was badly infected. Basically a dog wound on steroids!

“A trip to the vet was discouraging. We couldn’t afford the fees. We bought some antibiotics and took her home with us. The timing of when we learned about Banixx couldn’t have been better! We started treating her tail with Banixx 2-3 times daily. We did not attempt to wrap it.

“After a few weeks, skin began to grow over the spots where bone had been exposed.  Fast forward a few more weeks and hair started to come in, covering her entire tail.  Today, she is a happy, healthy dog! No more dog skin irritation.”

Dave, Kuma’s owner, says, “I now use Banixx on many varieties of skin and infection problems on a multitude of animals. Kuma and I are walking testimonials for Banixx Pet Care. I tell everyone about Banixx. It’s the best pet product out there!”

View here to see more detail of this case study about a serious dog tail infection.