Dog Folliculitis

This type of Dog Skin Disease typically originates in the hair follicles of a dog. Mild cases of folliculitis consist of scaly rings around various hair follicles. The condition can go deep within the dermis to create tiny pustules with a hair shaft rising from them. These pustules can rupture, excrete pus, and crust over with a scab formation.

Location of Folliculitis

Folliculitis is typically found on the underside of a dog’s body, particularly on the abdomen, groin, and armpits. Miniature Schnauzers are affected by a certain type of folliculitis known as Schnauzer Comedo Syndrome. Animals suffering from this disorder may possess several blackheads down the length of their backs.

Dogs that have short hair usually have patches of hair loss, clumps of hair that is raised above the surface of their coat and, in the case of white haired dogs, have red or brown stains on their hairs.

Long haired dogs will have much more subtle symptoms, such as a dull coat, scaly skin, and excessive shedding.

However, regardless of the length of the coat, clipping a dog’s hair will be necessary to fully understand the extent to which the disorder has progressed.

Underneath a dog’s coat that has folliculitis, will be found pimples, small bumps, crusts and/or scales that either occur on their own or in clumps over larger areas of a dog’s body. Such lesions may be surrounded by crusty or scaly looking skin in a circular pattern (epidermal collarettes).

Some dogs may experience extreme itchiness, whilst others will not seem to be bothered by it at all.

Causes of Folliculitis

Folliculitis can occur as a result of another skin condition. Dog Scabies, Dog Mange, seborrhea, and skin diseases can all attribute to folliculitis. Intense grooming has been known to cause a few cases of the condition, especially when hair follicles are damaged.

Treatment Options

To treat folliculitis, it is important to treat the primary cause as well as the disorder itself. Most cases of the condition should be treated similar to Dog Acne.

Topical Treatment

Clip long haired dogs to prevent hair from further infecting the skin. Avoid clipping short haired dogs, which can lead to additional irritation. Bathe the dog twice a day with a shampoo containing povidone-iodine, such as Betadineor. Shampoos containing chlorhexidine, including Nolvasan, can also be used. Continue this treatment for 10 days.

As the folliculitis improves, change to a shampoo made with benzoyl peroxide. OxyDex and Pyoben are two common products that are useful for treatment of folliculitis. Use these shampoos one to two times a week. Continue treatment until the skin is completely healed.

Oral Treatment

Various tests can be performed on a dog’s folliculitis in order to prescribe them with the proper oral medications. Antibiotics need to be administered for 6 to 8 weeks, which should go 2 weeks beyond the notice of successful treatment. Failure in medical treatments often happen when the drugs are stopped too soon or too small of a dosage is given to the affected dog.

Suggested Products

Neem – A Natural Soap for Dogs
Royal Coat – EFA Express for Dogs
All Clear Ointment for Dog Skin Disease