Pyoderma in dogs: symptoms and treatment

Pyoderma, which literally means ‘pus on the skin’, is a skin condition in dogs that can happen due to infection, inflammation, cancer, or what are called immune-mediated diseases, where a dog's immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells and tissues.

Image of a dog with a skin issue for article on pyoderma in dogs

Overview

What is pyoderma in dogs?

Pyoderma is the medical term for a skin infection. It's very common in dogs, and is usually secondary to other problems such as allergies, parasites, inflammation, hormonal disorders, or what are called immune-mediated diseases, where a dog's immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells and tissues. Most of the time, bacteria from the Staphylococcus family is the cause of pyoderma. It's usually found in warm, moist areas like the skin folds around the lips, face, armpits, feet, and neck, as well as pressure points like the elbows.

Brief summary

Pyoderma in dogs symptoms

What causes pyoderma in dogs?

How to treat pyoderma in dogs

Pyoderma in dogs home treatment

Preventing pyoderma in dogs

Is pyoderma in dogs contagious?

Any studies into pyoderma?

Medically reviewed by Lizzie Youens BSc(Hons) BVSc MRCVS

Published on 28/12/2023 • Reviewed on 23/01/2024