In this article on our site we are going to talk about a dermatological disease that affects the hair follicles. It is folliculitis in dogs, an infection that can appear in animals of all ages, perhaps more frequently in puppies and youngsters. This pathology can present in a superficial way, milder, or deep and, therefore, more serious. This data is what will determine the treatment that, as always, can only be prescribed by the veterinarian.
Keep reading and discover the causes of folliculitis in dogs, how to cure it and some home remedies that can be applied as a complement to the treatment veterinary.
What is folliculitis in dogs?
Folliculitis in dogs is an infection that begins in the superficial part of the hair follicles from which the hair grows, hence your name. It may or may not cause itching. Bacterial folliculitis in dogs is usually caused by staphylococcus. It is more common to appear in the lower part of the body, especially in the armpits, abdomen and groin.
Folliculitis can be a primary condition or secondary to other diseases such as scabies, seborrhea or pyoderma. This is so because, in general, a he althy animal will have a good immune system and a skin barrier that defends it from pathogens. It is when there is a failure in these protection mechanisms, as happens in a dermatological pathology, that an access route is opened for the appearance of disorders such as folliculitis. In puppies and young dogs it can be explained by an immature immune system.
Causes of folliculitis in dogs
Among the causes we can speak, as we have said, of other diseases that affect the skin It is also important to know that brushing too much energetic can damage the hair follicles and end up triggering the disease. To prevent it, it is advisable that we use a brush adapted to the characteristics of our dog. The dog groomer or the veterinarian will be able to recommend the best tools.
A Poor hygiene, seborrhea, parasitosis by fleas or mites, as well as a poor quality diet can be related to the appearance of folliculitis canineStress, which will impair the functioning of the immune system, also has an influence. Finally, hormonal problems such as Cushing's syndrome or hypothyroidism, irritations and allergies are predisposing causes of folliculitis.
Types of folliculitis in dogs
Folliculitis in dogs does not always present itself in the same way, so we can find mild symptoms and other more serious ones. In mild folliculitis what is observed on the skin are multiple small lumps, with the appearance of pimples, which are known aspustules and are best seen on short-haired dogs. In its center is located the hair shaft. These hairs will end up falling out, leaving a lesion called epidermal collar This would be the typical picture of superficial folliculitis in dogs, a very common infection.
When deeper skin involvement occurs, large boils form that eventually open, releasing pus, after which a crust forms on them. In the most severe cases of deep folliculitis drainage fistulas develop If the folliculitis becomes chronic we will observe alopecia, hyperpigmentation, that is, a darkening of the skin, and lichenification, which is its thickening.
Folliculitis on the head can appear on the nasal region, chin or lips.
How to cure folliculitis in dogs?
If folliculitis is secondary to other diseases, it is essential to diagnose and treat them. Mild cases can be resolved with baths with a cleansing shampoo that the vet will prescribe. A couple of baths a week for 15-20 days are usually prescribed. It may be that this topical application is not enough, so the folliculitis would need antibiotic treatment.
On the other hand, in deep folliculitis it is necessary to use both topical and systemic products. In addition, if the dog has long hair, it is recommended to cut it in all the areas that have been affected by folliculitis. In these breeds it is possible that the density of the coat does not allow us to observe the initial symptoms. We will detect only flaking and dull hair.
Baths in these more serious cases are recommended more frequently, even a couple of times a day until improvement is observed, at which point the guideline we have discussed for cases can be followed. of mild folliculitis. Treatment should continue until complete recovery. In addition, it is recommended that the antibiotics that are prescribed be chosen based on culture and continued for a couple of weeks after healing, as removing it early can lead to a relapse.
Home remedies for folliculitis in dogs
At this point it is important to point out that before using natural remedies we must have a diagnosis. For folliculitis, rather than talking about applying a product, the key is to maintain skin hygiene and a quality diet in which we can add omega 3 for its beneficial properties for the skin. As we have already seen in the sections dedicated to the most common causes, poor hygiene or an incorrect diet can lead to the appearance of this infection, which is why paying attention to these factors is so important. Likewise, although canine folliculitis is caused by a disease, apart from veterinary treatment, as a home remedy we recommend offering the animal an adequate diet as well, since this will not only favor its speedy recovery, but will also provide it with a better state of he alth. for the rest of his life. To do this, we can opt for a homemade diet, based on natural food with quality ingredients, such as meat, fish, fruit and vegetables. Check out the "Benefits of Homemade Dog Food" article and find out how to get started.
On the other hand, and continuing with the home remedies for folliculitis in dogs, chamomile or any other natural pain reliever such astea or oatmeal can be applied to damaged skin, always in consultation with our veterinarian. Of course, they do not replace the prescribed pharmacological treatment.
Is folliculitis in dogs contagious?
Folliculitis in dogs is not contagious but if its origin is due to some other disorder, it could be. For example, if there is a parasite like the one caused by fleas, they can bite other animals in the house, including humans, and develop folliculitis in them.
