Folliculitis is inflammation in a dog’s hair follicles due to infection. It can be a side effect of some systemic disorders and can be caused by yeast, bacteria, and parasites. It can be painful for your pup, so it’s in their best interest to act on it right away.
If your dog has folliculitis, their skin may show several symptoms, including swelling and redness, itching, and pustules/pimples. You might also notice hair loss, dark spots, and pain or heat when the area is touched. Folliculitis caused by yeast or bacteria may cause your dog to have a foul smell as well.
👉 Skin infections can get worse fast. We recommend going to the vet ASAP!
Before treating your dog’s folliculitis at home, consult your vet for diagnosis. Usually, a vet can tell if your dog has folliculitis just by looking at the affected area. However, they’ll likely also use one or more of the following tests to figure out what exactly is causing your dog’s folliculitis:
Many types of folliculitis affect dogs, so it’s essential to get your dog to the vet for proper diagnosis and treatment. Folliculitis is often itchy and painful—your dog will appreciate a quick intervention! Let’s learn more about some common causes of folliculitis in dogs:
Demodectic mange (or demodicosis) is caused by tiny mites called Demodex that live in a dog’s hair follicles. These mites are usually present in small numbers on all dogs but they can cause problems when the dog’s immune system cannot keep their numbers in check. This overgrowth of mites leads to inflammation and hair loss, primarily impacting young or immunocompromised dogs. Thankfully, the range of treatments for demodicosis has evolved over the years and many common prescription flea and tick medications will eliminate them.
Fungal infections, including conditions like yeast infection and ringworm, are commonly found in dogs living in damp or humid environments. They can invade a dog’s skin, causing irritation, redness, and inflammation. Fungal infections frequently lead to folliculitis by damaging the hair follicles and surrounding skin, resulting in discomfort and potential hair loss. Proper diagnosis and treatment from a vet are crucial to managing these infections effectively. Vets often prescribe topical and/or oral antifungal medication to treat these conditions in dogs.
Canine acne is caused by clogged pores and hair follicles. Mild cases can resolve on their own, but more severe acne may require treatment. Your vet might prescribe oral or topical antibiotics to manage the condition and prevent complications. Canine acne can worsen when using plastic and ceramic bowls because they tend to hold bacteria. Most vets recommend stainless steel food/water bowls.
Fleas, ticks, mange mites, ear mites, and flies can cause significant irritation to your dog’s skin, potentially leading to folliculitis. In some cases, dogs may have allergic reactions to these parasites, which can worsen the irritation and speed up the development of folliculitis. Managing and treating these parasites promptly is essential to prevent worsening of the condition.
Allergies can cause your dog’s skin to flare up, leading to infected hair follicles. If your dog is scratching or licking excessively, their folliculitis might be due to allergies. Dogs can be allergic to all sorts of things, including food, grass, dust, cats, and even other dogs! Your vet may recommend visiting a veterinary dermatologist (Trusted Source) if they cannot control your dog’s allergies with commonly used medication. Allergies can also cause ear infections in dogs.
Hormonal imbalances can weaken the immune system, leading to itchiness and skin irritation. Canine hypothyroidism (Trusted Source) is a condition that produces too little thyroid hormone. It can also lead to weight gain. In dogs prone to skin infections, the extra weight may prevent them from properly cleaning themselves and lead to increased chances of infection.
Usually caused by excessive scratching or licking when a dog is itchy or in pain, hot spots can lead to hair and skin breakdown, trapping bacteria and causing folliculitis. Many dogs that live in hot, humid areas suffer from hot spots. They can also be worsened by allergies.
Cushing’s disease is a hormonal disorder that weakens the immune system. The skin can have a hard time fighting off infection, making your pup more susceptible to folliculitis.
Dogs of all ages can get folliculitis. However, some have a higher risk. Dogs with food or environmental allergies are more prone to recurring infections in their hair follicles. Breeds with more wrinkles and folds on their skin, like American Bulldogs and Shar-Peis, are also more likely to develop skin infections and folliculitis.
Some dogs may be more prone to folliculitis, but you can do a couple of things at home to help prevent it.
No, generally folliculitis isn’t contagious to humans or other dogs. However, if your dog’s folliculitis is caused by infections such as ringworm or scabies, these are contagious to humans and other animals.
Treatment costs can vary depending on what causes your dog’s folliculitis. Sometimes your dog will need oral and topical therapies for several weeks which incurs a cost. Early diagnosis is essential to minimizing costs associated with your dog’s folliculitis.
You can start by adding an omega-3 supplement to your dog’s diet and bathing them regularly. However, many cases require a vet’s help for diagnosis and treatment.
Some types of folliculitis, such as canine acne, may resolve on their own. But when your dog is suffering from a painful skin infection, it’s best to go to the vet as soon as possible.
Dogs can get ingrown hairs. It sometimes happens between the toes or other places where it’s skin-on-skin, especially in dogs that get their hair cut. However, ingrown hairs are rare. If you suspect ingrown hair, it’s important to talk to your vet for treatment since it can get infected and cause your dog some discomfort.
