What should you know about canine cellulitis?

Bacteria can enter through a bite, scratch, wound, irritated patch or another break in the skin. Infection may extend through deeper skin layers, so the affected area can feel warm, tender and firm rather than showing only a surface rash. A veterinarian may look for an entry point, check nearby lymph nodes and assess whether the infection is localized or moving outward. Paw inflammation, an infected wound or skin disease such as Athlete's Foot can make the skin easier to damage. Type 2 Diabetes and other health problems may affect healing and should be mentioned during the visit.

Arrange a veterinary examination rather than squeezing, lancing or applying leftover medicine. Keep the area clean and stop licking or chewing with a suitable collar if needed. Note when the change began, mark the edge of redness only if the veterinarian advises it, and bring a list of medicines and known allergies. Treatment may involve prescribed antibiotics, wound care and management of the original injury; complete the prescribed course unless the veterinarian changes it. Do not share human pain medicines with a dog.

Seek urgent veterinary help if redness or swelling is rapidly expanding, the skin becomes very painful, the dog is weak, breathing differently, vomiting, collapsing or refusing water. Fever, pus, a foul smell, darkening skin or severe swelling also warrants prompt attention. A spreading infection can enter the bloodstream and contribute to Sepsis, which is an emergency. Skin Redness, Skin Swelling, Painful Skin and Fever can help describe the change, but they do not establish the cause.

Ask what may have opened the skin, whether a sample or imaging is needed, how to protect the wound at home, which changes mean the treatment is not working, and when the area should be rechecked.