The staph infection treatment involves topical solutions and often antibiotics will be recommended as well. The staph infection is a condition that affects the skin of pets and is caused by the staphylococcus bacteria. The infection can be dangerous for dogs that have a compromised immune system, but it is typically treatable.
Topical Treatment
The staph infection will manifest on the skin with lesions, blistered skin, rashes and ulceration. The belly area may have hardened skin and there may even be severe hair loss. Some areas of skin may also be discolored.
The treatment will focus first on healing the dog’s skin. The hair may have to be clipped in the affected area, so that the air can circulate and allow a faster healing.
Topical solutions will be applied. The ointments may contain antibiotics, but these may also contain cortisone, which will soothe the skin and will heal the lesions, ulcerations and rashes.
The ointments have to be massaged into the dog’s skin and you need to make sure that the dog won’t lick the areas that are treated with ointments. Apply the ointments twice per day or as indicated by the vet.
Some antiseptic creams may also be used to protect the dog’s skin from other infectious agents, especially if there are open wounds and scratches.
Make sure you use a glove when applying the ointment, so that you can protect your skin.
The topical treatment should be applied as indicated by the vet (for 2 to 3 weeks) and you shouldn’t discontinue the treatment even if you see improvement on the dog’s skin.
Oral Treatment for a Dog Staph Problem
The oral treatment can be used in conjunction with the topical ointments. Not all dogs will receive oral antibiotics, but these are recommended if the symptoms are severe and the infection is persistent. Let the vet know if your dog is allergic to any antibiotics.
Typically, the treatment will be prescribed for 10 to 14 days, but if the staph infection persists, the vet will continue with 2 more weeks of antibiotics.
Keeping the Dog Clean
Keeping the dog clean is also important during the staph infection treatment. Get some hypoallergenic shampoos and bathe your dog at least once per week. Ideally, you should clean his skin before each application of the topical treatment.
Antibiotic shampoos or shampoos containing benzoyl peroxide may be recommended during the staph infection treatment.
Caution When Treating the Staph Infection
Don’t administer treatment to your pet before getting a clear diagnosis. The symptoms of a staph infection may be similar to the symptoms of other skin infections or internal diseases and you need to make sure you apply the correct ointments and antibiotics.
The diagnosis will be made through a skin scraping test.
Don’t use antibiotics that are created for use in humans, as your dog may be allergic to these and some drugs may also be toxic.
Never discontinue the antibiotic treatment without the indication of the vet, as the dog may develop immunity to the antibiotics.