Bacterial Infections in Dogs

Bacteria are unicellular organisms that live on the living cells of humans, as well as animals, in order to multiply. Although there are some bacteria which belong to the "normal flora" and are beneficial for the living organism, certain harmful strains of bacteria can cause illnesses and infections. Dogs and puppies are susceptible to a variety of bacterial and viral infections. Some of these diseases can even prove fatal for the dog. Even minor bacterial infections, if left untreated, can lead to severe dog health problems. There are various types of bacterial infections affecting dogs. They can cause infections in the skin, eye, ear, urinary tract, kidneys or nervous and respiratory system of the dogs. Here are some of the common causes for bacterial infections in dogs.

Causes for Bacterial Infections in Dogs

Bacterial Skin Infections in Dogs: Staphylococcal Pyoderma or the bacterial skin infections in dogs is the result of the Staph bacteria (Staphylococci). While this bacteria usually lives harmlessly on the skin of the dogs, in case the dog's skin is cut or wounded, skin infections are caused. The staph infection in dogs is characterized by itchiness, crusted skin, pustules and small, raised lesions. As the severity of the canine skin disease increases, there is a loss of hair and dried discharge in the affected area. Most of the time, it affects the superficial layer of the dog's skin, however, if there is deep laceration then the inner folds of the skin are also affected. To treat skin infections in dogs, external topical medications along with an antibiotic treatment regime is prescribed, so as to eliminate any incidences of recurrence of the disease.

Leptospirosis Infection in Dogs: This bacterial disease affects both humans and animals throughout the world. Leptospirosis is caused by a phylum called spirochaetes, a distinctive bacteria with long, helically coiled bodies. This highly contagious disease affects dogs when they come into contact with urine of infected animals or due to contaminated stagnant water. Transmission has also been through mating, bites and the consumption of infected carcasses. The initial signs of Leptospirosis are fever, redness of the mucous membranes and depression. This is often accompanied by vomiting. The dogs seem to ache all over and are extremely lethargic. In the extreme cases, the dogs develop kidney inflammation and infections and may loose the kidney function permanently.

Brucellosis Infection in Dogs: In dogs the Brucellosis infection is caused by Brucella canis bacteria. The transmission of the bacteria is through the mucous membranes, so the bacteria may enter the body through the nose, mouth, conjunctiva of the eye and the vagina. It is usually transmissible by the mating of infected male and female dogs and therefore, usually occurs in the breeding season. While the male dogs may develop prostatitis, the infected pregnant females abort their fetuses or if born, puppies die shortly afterwards. It should be noted, that the Brucella canis organisms are transmissible to humans, therefore, it is best to avoid all contact with the dead fetuses and their associated vaginal discharge.

Actinmycosis and Norcardiosis Infection in Dogs: While Actinmycosis is caused by the Actinomyces bacteria, the Nocardia bacteria living mainly in the soil are the cause of Norcardiosis in dogs. They are usually caused by the bacteria entering the skin wounds and other abscesses. Both of these diseases are uncommon and usually result in the swelling of the lymph nodes around the wounded site. If the infection is carried deeper into the body tissue, it may break into the chest or the abdomen, causing pus to accumulate there.

Streptococcal Infections in Dogs: Streptococcal Infections caused by the Streptococcus bacteria is prevalent among the puppies and the older dogs due to a weakened immune system.

Staphylococcal infection: Caused by the Staphylococcal bacteria, this bacterial infection affects the upper respiratory tract of animals or the skin of the host. It is usually transmitted between animals. However, it does have a zoonotic risk attached to it.

Plague in Dogs: A bacterial infection caused by the Yersinia pestis bacteria, plague is usually transmitted in dogs by rodent fleas. Dogs can become infected through the bite of infected fleas or by eating a rodent, rabbit or other animal carrying infected fleas. However, in contrast to other domestic animals, dogs are pretty resistant to this bacterial infection and may develop only swollen lymph nodes.

Bacterial Ear Infections in Dogs: Numerous types of bacteria and the yeast, Malassezia pachydermatis, cause ear infections in dogs. While a normal, healthy ear has a good defense against these organisms, environment changes, dog allergies, hormone abnormalities or moisture, bacteria and yeast can break down these defenses and cause bacterial infections in dog's ear. So, in order to help your dog, you should know the dog ear infection treatments.

If you find signs of bacterial infection in your dog, it is important that you take them to the veterinarian, to ascertain the cause of the disease. Based on the type of infection, the vet may recommend various treatment options, such as antibiotic and anti-inflammatory medications, allergy shots or certain shampoos. Remember, that by making dietary changes and regular exercising, the dog's immune system can be strengthened in order to help it ward off the infection.