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When you are a caring and concerned dog owner, finding a sore or lesion on your dog's body that is discharging pus is one of the last things that you want to see or deal with. However, just like any other animal, dogs can develop skin conditions or issues that cause them to develop such sores. Get to know some of the possible causes for these types of sores on your dog, so that you know when to take them to the animal hospital for testing and treatment.

Impetigo

Impetigo is a skin condition that looks more or less like acne on your dog or puppy's skin. This is a more common condition in younger dogs. The small bumps with white heads can rupture or break open and discharge pus. The broken pus-filled sores may form a crusty layer. And, unfortunately, broken sores can cause the condition to spread.

Impetigo is a form of staph infection and can be treated with topical medications like hydrogen peroxide solutions or special medicated shampoos. However, severe cases may be best treated with antibiotics to clear up the infection.

Hot Spots

Hot spots are perhaps the most common type of skin lesion that a dog can suffer from. This condition is also known as acute moist dermatitis and can occur for a variety of reasons. These reasons include allergies, fleas, burrs, arthritis, mange, and other health issues.

When a dog has a hot spot, it is often an area on their limbs or body in which they lose fur and have moist, red skin that oozes pus and sometimes crusts over. Hot spots are usually "wet" because the sore remains fresh and continues to discharge until treated.

Treatment for acute moist dermatitis includes removing remaining hair from the area and keeping the area clean. Cleaning the sores with warm water and applying topical medications like antibiotic ointments and/or steroid creams can be effective treatments. Sometimes, a veterinarian will also prescribe oral medications to help clear up the condition and keep it from spreading further. It is important to get hot spots treated quickly so that the infection does not spread and your dog does not bite or scratch their sores excessively, making them worse.

Now that you know a few of the skin conditions that could cause your dog's pus-discharging sores, you can be sure that you get them the care and treatment that they need as soon as possible to clear up their skin and get them feeling better. For more information, contact local professionals like Metzger Animal Hospital.