Superficial bacterial folliculitis in Dogs

Category: Skin & Connective Tissue
Breeds documented: 5
Published sources: 4

Overview

Bacteria can infect the small pockets in the skin where hairs grow, called hair follicles. This common skin infection often develops alongside another problem, such as allergies, parasites, or skin injury. It can cause small bumps, crusts, scaling, and patchy hair loss. Infection may return if the underlying problem remains.

Signs to watch for

Small red bumps or pimples around hairs
Small bald patches or an uneven coat
Crusts, loose flakes, or rings of peeling skin
Hairs standing up in small tufts
Scratching that may be mild or more noticeable

Reported cases include dogs from late puppyhood through old age.

When to get help Book a vet visit promptly if you notice a rash, crusts, or patchy shedding.

Diagnosis and tests

Vets look at the pattern of skin changes and examine material from the affected skin under a microscope. Skin scrapings and other tests help check for mites or fungal infection. A bacterial culture may be needed, especially when infection keeps returning.

Breeds with documented risk

5 breeds

By breed size

1 Small
2 Medium
1 Large
1 Giant

BulldogMedium · Non-Sporting Group
BoxerLarge · Working Group
PugSmall · Toy Group
BullmastiffGiant · Working Group
Chinese Shar-peiMedium · Non-Sporting Group

Inheritance

Not yet known
None of the sources we use states how this is inherited in dogs yet.

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.