If your dog suffers from vomiting and diarrhea, this is not immediately a cause for concern – but it can.
The cause of the symptoms can be one bacterial infection in dogs be.
The following lines tell you which are the 6 most common bacterial infections and when you should go to the vet.
What are the most common bacterial infections in dogs?
Among the most common bacterial infections in dogs are Infections of the gastrointestinal tract, skin, respiratory tract and urinary tract.
The dog’s eyes and ears can also be affected by bacterial infections.
These infections are usually associated with specific symptoms of bacterial infection in dogs.
Already knew?
Bacterial infections can also occur as a superinfection following a viral disease or drug therapy.
Some bacteria are transmitted to the dog by parasites or contaminated water and food. In many cases, these are zoonoses that are also dangerous for humans.
In dogs, these include the following bacterial infections in particular:
Symptoms of a bacterial infection in dogs: what are the typical signs?
Typical symptoms by which you can recognize a bacterial infection in dogs are Apathy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea and fever.
Likewise, a dog suffering from a bacterial infection tends to withdraw and refuse to be touched.
We will now take a close look at what promotes the development of these symptoms of a bacterial infection in dogs – together with the associated bacterial infection.
Bacterial infections of the gastrointestinal tract
Gastrointestinal diseases of a bacterial nature are among the most common bacterial infections in dogs.
For example, one can be responsible colibacillosis be caused by coli bacteria.
They are found in every intestinal tract. However, they can lead to a bacterial infection, especially in weakened dogs.
In addition, salmonella can lead to a bacterial infection of the gastrointestinal tract in dogs.
Signs of such a bacterial infection in dogs include diarrhea and vomiting.
Bacterial skin infections
The skin can also be affected by a bacterial infection in dogs. Staphylococci are the main trigger here.
Itching and sometimes purulent inflammation of the skin are some of the symptoms of such a bacterial infection in dogs.
Bacterial respiratory infections
Bacterial infections of the respiratory tract are generally rare in dogs. They are related, among other things, to a weakened immune system.
The responsible bacterium is usually Bordetella bronchiseptica – especially in the case of bronchitis or kennel cough in dogs.
Streptococci can also cause bacterial infections of the respiratory tract.
The typical symptoms by which you can recognize such a bacterial infection in dogs are:
- Shallow, rapid breathing
- Pale mucous membranes
- Cough
- Sneeze
If you notice such signs of a bacterial infection in the dog, there is a need for immediate action, especially in the case of acute bronchitis.
Bacterial infections of the urinary tract
From an anatomical point of view, the urinary tract is very susceptible to bacterial infections in dogs.
Signs of this bacterial infection in dogs include increased urination and pain when urinating.
Blood in the urine is also one of the symptoms of such a bacterial infection in dogs.
Bacterial infections of the eyes & ears
Eyes and ears are among the sensitive parts of the body of dogs. Bacteria can settle here quickly.
Typical symptoms of such a bacterial infection in dogs are red, watery and swollen eyes as well as warm, red and sometimes purulent ears.
Bacterial infections in the form of zoonoses
Many of the bacterial infections caused by parasites show symptoms similar to bacterial infections of the gastrointestinal tract and respiratory tract.
Leptospirosis in particular can quickly lead to massive organ failure in the affected dog and thus to the death of the animal.
Bacterial infections such as toxoplasmosis, leishmaniasis, Ehrlichiosis and Anaplasmosis should also be treated by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
When to see the vet for a bacterial infection
If the mentioned symptoms don’t go away on their own after a few days, that’s for sure visit the vet soon at. Drug treatment with antibiotics follows.
diagnosis
The diagnosis of a bacterial infection in dogs is based on various examinations and tests.
These include X-rays, blood tests, fecal tests, and ultrasounds, among others.
Depending on the bacterial infection, antibiotic therapy is then carried out.
Treatment & Therapy
We will now take a closer look at which antibiotic is used for which bacterial infection in dogs.
Bacterial infections of the stomach and intestines
Bacterial skin infection
- amoxicillin
- clavulanic acid
- chlortetracycline
- cloxycillin & dicloxacillin
Bacterial infection of the urinary tract
- amoxicillin
- metronidazole
- clavulanic acid
- chlortetracycline
Bacterial respiratory infection
- amoxicillin
- fenbendazole
- clavulanic acid
Bacterial infections of the eyes & ears
Bacterial infection due to zoonosis
- ampicillin
- Doxycycline
- oxytetracycline
Keep in mind that even while on antibiotic treatment, your dog will need a supportive probiotic.
You give him this for a few days after the end of the antibiotic therapy to rebuild the intestinal flora.
Has your dog ever had any of these bacterial infections? What was it, what helped? We’d love for you to share your story in the comments!