What Is Dog Folliculitis?

1 Overview

Symptoms

Many signs, but high recognition: red, raised, swollen spots; the dog scratches; pustules; hair loss in round patches around the spot. Some dogs get dark pigment there – blackened skin.

We said bacteria usually cause it – staph most common – but fungus, parasites, trauma, genetics, or other diseases can trigger it secondarily. Dust mites, dryness and more can cause folliculitis; even anxiety-driven foot-chewing can.

Treatment

Best approach? First a skin scrape at the clinic – it reveals the cause; for severe signs, blood and urine tests narrow it down. Then treat.

Note: almost all localized folliculitis needs eat-wash-spray – oral meds, medicated bath, spray. Local care only eases the spot; to avoid relapse and spread, bath and meds are essential.

Bacterial folliculitis takes longer; fungal shorter, though rare fungi also long; parasite-caused needs deworming first, then treatment.

Folliculitis from other diseases is worst – treat the root first, so it’s longest and hardest on both. Sadly, folliculitis is hard to prevent, and the longer you wait the harder: it spreads to healthy follicles, and older dogs are harder to cure. Treat early to save money.