Folliculitis in dogs- Everything you need to know

If you’re a pet lover and owner, you can attest that seeing your pet suffer is the last thing you’d want to see. It’s not just about being physically hurt; it also means dealing with all sorts of emotional issues such as guilt, frustration, or even anger. This article, therefore, will help you understand what folliculitis is, how to prevent it from happening again, and most importantly, how to treat it when it does happen. So let us start by understanding what folliculitis in dogs entails.

What Is Folliculitis In Dogs?

The word “folliculitis” literally translates into “hair follicle inflammation.” The term refers to an infection within hair follicles that causes swelling and redness around them. These infections may be caused by bacteria, fungi, or parasites. They usually occur at specific sites like the neck, face, chest, back, tail base, legs, feet, ears, nose, genitals, anus, perineum, etc. However, they are more common in areas where there are lots of hairs because these areas have many hair follicles.

Symptoms of Folliculitis in dogs

-Redness around the affected area

-Swelling

-Painful itching

-Hair loss

-Papules

-Odorless discharge

-Alopecia

-Loss of appetite

-Epidermal collarettes

-Hyperpigmentation

Cause of Folliculitis

Folliculitis is often associated with bacterial infections, but sometimes it can be due to fungal infections too. Some of the commonly seen organisms causing follicular infections include Staphylococcus Aureus, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, and Streptococci species.

Prevention of Folliculits

There are several ways through which one could try to avoid this condition. One way would be to keep your pets’ skin clean and dry. Another method would be to use products containing anti-microbial agents. You should always check for any signs of allergies before using any product. If you notice any changes in your pet’s behavior after applying any treatment, discontinue its usage immediately. Also, make sure that you do not apply any topical treatments directly onto the infected site. Instead, wash off the treated area thoroughly with warm water and soap. Do not rub the area since rubbing might cause further irritation. Finally, if possible, consult your vet regarding the best course of action. He/she will advise you accordingly.

 

Treatment of Folliculitis

There are two types of treatments available for treating folliculitis – medical and surgical. Medical treatments involve antibiotics, while surgical procedures require removal of the inflamed tissue followed by suturing. Your veterinarian will decide whether surgery is needed based on the severity of symptoms and location of the problem.

Medical Treatments

Antibiotics are used to kill the microorganisms responsible for folliculitis. There are different classes of antibiotics depending upon their effectiveness against certain kinds of microbes. For example, penicillin is effective against gram-positive bacteria, whereas tetracyclines work well against gram-negative ones. A combination therapy involving both groups of drugs is recommended whenever possible. Oral medications are preferred over injectable forms since oral administration provides better absorption of the medicine. Topical preparations are useful only when applied topically.

Surgical Procedures

In the case of severe cases, surgical intervention is necessary. Surgical methods vary according to the type of organism involved. Removal of the entire hair shaft is done in some instances. Sometimes, the hair follicles themselves are removed along with surrounding tissues. Skin grafting is another option. All these surgeries carry risks, including bleeding, scarring, pain, discomfort, and other complications. Therefore, it is advisable to seek veterinary consultation prior to undergoing any procedure.

Home Remedies

You may also treat folliculitis at home without consulting a doctor or even taking medicines. The following remedies have been found helpful in many cases:-

1) Apply an antiseptic solution such as Betadine. This helps prevent infection from spreading. It must be washed away once the inflammation has subsided.

2) Use a mild shampoo to remove dead cells and dirt from the affected areas. Make sure that you rinse out completely.

3) Keep your dog’s fur short so that he does not scratch himself excessively.

4) Bathe him regularly to maintain his hygiene.

5) Avoid scratching the affected parts.

6) Never pick up your dog’s scabs. They contain germs that can infect your dog.

7) Wash your hands properly after handling your dog.

8) Try to trim your dogs nails carefully.

9) Consult your vet about proper diet. Some foods aggravate conditions associated with folliculitis.

10) Give your dog plenty of exercises. Exercise stimulates blood circulation and improves overall health.

11) Massage your dog gently to help relieve stress.

12) Provide adequate sleep and rest. Lack of sleep leads to fatigue and exhaustion.

13) Take care of your dog’s ears. Clean them frequently to reduce the chances of infections.

 

Frequently asked questions

How do I recognize signs of Folliculitis?

Your pet will show symptoms if there is excessive itching on one part of its body. You should notice redness around the area where the skin becomes inflamed. If left untreated, the problem could lead to secondary infections, which would require further treatment.

Will my dog develop bald patches due to folliculitis?

Yes, sometimes, your dog’s hair falls off because of the overgrowth of bacteria. Your veterinarian can prescribe antibiotics for treating this condition.

Does shaving my dog’s fur help in controlling the problem?

Shaving your dog’s fur doesn’t actually solve the issue. Instead, it only makes things worse. Over time, the shaved spots become infected again. Also, when your dog scratches itself, it spreads germs all over the place.

Can I get folliculitis by touching my dog?

No! There is no risk of catching folliculitis through contact with your dog. However, you might come into contact with contaminated objects while caring for your pet. So, make sure that you wash your hands thoroughly before coming back home.

If you suspect that your dog suffers from folliculitis, consult your veterinarian immediately. He/she will recommend appropriate treatments based on the cause of the ailment.

How long does it take to heal?

 

It depends upon several factors such as the severity of the injury, location of the wound, etc. In most cases, healing takes 2 – 4 weeks. But, if the wound gets infected, then it requires a longer period of recovery.

 

Conclusion

 

Folliculitis in dogs is a condition that needs to be addressed right away. It causes severe discomfort to your beloved pet. The sooner you seek medical attention, the better are your chances of getting rid of the infection completely.