Folliculitis is a skin condition that commonly affects dogs. Irritation of a hair follicle causes inflammation in the area, leading to swelling, redness, itchiness, pain, and other skin lesions. Although there are no dog breeds genetically predisposed to folliculitis, dogs prone to allergies are at a greater risk of developing this condition. It has a variety of causes, all of which require veterinary treatment.
Folliculitis is a term used to describe the inflammation of a hair follicle that typically involves a bacterial infection. Hair follicles are tiny openings in the skin through which hair grows. In folliculitis, one or more follicles become irritated or infected, causing inflammation in the area.
Dogs with folliculitis may have one or more skin lesions on the body. It may start as a small raised area on the skin that looks like acne (called a papule). The area may become more raised and fill with pus (called a pustule).
Folliculitis may cause itching, pain, redness, and hair loss (alopecia) that has a patchy appearance on one or more areas of the dog's body. Some dogs develop crusty or flaky round skin lesions called epidermal collarettes. Hyperpigmentation (dark spots on the skin) may also occur in affected areas of the skin.
Folliculitis in dogs is caused by irritation of one or more hair follicles by one of the following conditions:
Contact your veterinarian if you think your dog has folliculitis or any skin irritation of unknown cause. After assessing information about your dog's signs and history, your vet will do a physical examination and may be able to diagnose folliculitis by visual inspection. However, further testing is often necessary to determine the exact cause. Potential testing includes the following:
The treatment of folliculitis in dogs is determined by the cause. Therapy typically involves a combination of systemic medications and topical applications like sprays, creams, ointments, and shampoos.
Topical treatments are used in most cases to ease discomfort and reduce inflammation. Your vet may recommend regular baths with a medicated shampoo. Sprays, creams, or ointments containing steroids, antibiotics, or antifungal agents are often necessary as well.
Bacterial folliculitis is usually treated with oral antibiotics. A long course of treatment may be necessary to eradicate the bacteria. Fungal folliculitis requires antifungal medications. Certain types of fungal infections require long-term treatment as well.
Parasitic infections require medication to kill the parasites as well as supportive care to promote healing. Antibiotics may still be prescribed to treat a secondary infection.
If the folliculitis is caused by a systemic disease, then that disease must be treated in addition to the skin inflammation. Depending on the disease, long-term or lifelong treatments may be necessary.
The prognosis varies based on the cause of the condition. Folliculits due to localized infection or irritation usually responds well to topical treatment and oral medications, and dogs recover within a couple of weeks. If the folliculitis is caused by an underlying systemic health issue, the dog's prognosis depends on the severity of that condition and how well the dog responds to targeted treatments.
Folliculitis in dogs cannot always be prevented. Early detection and treatment are the best ways to keep folliculitis from getting worse. Dog owners can take steps to prevent folliculitis by keeping systemic health issues like hypothyroidism under control with appropriate long-term medication. Be sure that you contact your veterinarian at the first sign of skin issues.
Dogs bark for many reasons: to express how they’re feeling, to communicate crucial information, and to draw attention to something they find concernin
For many of us, settling down for the night may involve putting on some soothing music, turning on a fan, and plumping and positioning the pillows to
Housebreaking, or housetraining, is often one of the first big tasks for any new puppy owner. While I prefer the term "training" over "bre
Does your dog beg for a taste of your corn on the cob? You may be tempted to give in to your drooling pooch and offer it as a tasty treat. Some people
Grieving for the loss of your pet is an important part of coping. If you have lost a special animal companion, the emotions can become overwhelming. T
Rat poisoning is a serious problem for dogs because rodenticide has an enticing flavor, designed to attract rodents. You may already know that rat poi
Sepsis is a serious and sometimes life-threatening condition that can affect any dog. It is a result of an infection that enters the bloodstream that
The Labrador retriever is a medium to large dog breed with a short coat and sturdy physique that's a member of the sporting group and originated in Ne
We are a comprehensive and trusted information platform dedicated to delivering high-quality content across a wide range of topics, including society, technology, business, health, culture, and entertainment.
From breaking news to in-depth reports, we adhere to the principles of accuracy and diverse perspectives, helping readers find clarity and reliability in today’s fast-paced information landscape.
Our goal is to be a dependable source of knowledge for every reader—making information not only accessible but truly trustworthy. Looking ahead, we will continue to enhance our content and services, connecting the world and delivering value.
