Topical Bacterial Skin Infections in Dogs: Understanding Staph

Skin infections are one of the most common health concerns in dogs, and they rarely exist in isolation. Staph (bacterial) infections and yeast overgrowth often appear together, share very similar symptoms, and are most often secondary to an underlying allergy or immune imbalance.

Understanding this connection—and knowing when veterinary diagnosis is required—is key to successful treatment and long-term skin health.

What Is a Staph Infection in Dogs?

A staph infection is caused by Staphylococcus bacteria, which naturally live on your dog’s skin. In healthy dogs, these bacteria are kept in balance by the skin’s protective barrier and immune system.

When that balance is disrupted—most commonly by allergies, inflammation, moisture, broken skin, or environmental conditions—staph bacteria can multiply, leading to a topical (surface-level) skin infection.

Staph vs. Yeast: Why They’re Often Confused

Bacterial and yeast infections can look and feel almost identical, which is why they are frequently mistaken for one another. Even more commonly, dogs have both at the same time.

Shared Symptoms Include:

• Red, inflamed skin

• Intense itching or licking

• Hair loss

• Thickened or darkened skin

• Hot spots or moist, irritated areas

• Skin odour

Differences You Might Notice:

• Yeast infections often have a strong, musty or “corn chip” smell and greasy skin

• Bacterial infections may present with pustules, scabs, or small pimples, may have a more “metallic” smell, and hair loss patterns that differ from yeast—commonly around the eyes, ears, face, and legs, often appearing mottled

Because both infections thrive in similar conditions—moisture, inflammation, and a weakened skin barrier—it is extremely common for yeast and bacteria to overgrow together.

The Importance of Veterinary Cytology

If a bacterial skin infection is suspected, a veterinary cytology test is required to confirm the diagnosis and guide proper treatment.

Cytology is a simple, non-invasive test (often done with a piece of tape or skin impression) that allows a veterinarian to:

• Identify whether bacteria, yeast, or both are present

• Determine the severity of infection

• Decide whether antibiotics are necessary

Because bacterial skin infections almost always require antibiotics to fully resolve, guessing or treating without confirmation can delay healing and contribute to recurring infections.

This step is especially important if you live in a hot, humid, or tropical climate, where moisture and warmth create ideal conditions for bacterial overgrowth and rapid infection progression.

Antibiotics: Often Necessary for Bacterial Skin Infections

In our experience, it is rare for a true bacterial skin infection to clear without antibiotics. Many dogs require:

• A full course of antibiotics

• And sometimes more than one round, particularly in chronic or climate-driven cases

Topical care alone is often not sufficient once bacteria have established an infection in the skin. Antibiotics play an important role in clearing the infection so healing can begin.

Why Gut Support Matters During & After Antibiotics

While antibiotics are often necessary, they also impact beneficial gut bacteria, which are closely linked to:

• Immune regulation

• Allergy expression

• Skin health

This is why probiotic support is essential during and after antibiotic treatment.

Supporting the gut microbiome helps:

• Protect immune balance

• Reduce inflammation

• Lower the risk of recurring skin infections

• Improve long-term skin resilience

Treating the skin without supporting the gut often leads to repeat infections.

Saccharomyces Boulardii (SB) can be used during antibiotic use to lessen the damage as it's not affected by antibiotics. 
APN Multi-Strain Probiotic can be used after antibiotic use. 

Why Treating Only the Infection Isn’t Enough

Antibiotics and topical treatments may clear visible symptoms, but they don’t address the root cause. This is why many dogs experience:

• Recurrent infections

• Increasing itch intensity

• Reduced response to treatments over time

Long-term improvement requires supporting the skin barrier, immune system, gut health, and underlying allergy triggers together.

Topical Support for Mixed Infections

For mild to moderate surface involvement, topical care remains an important part of treatment. Effective topical support should:

• Address both yeast and bacterial overgrowth

• Calm inflammation and soothe irritated skin

• Support the skin’s natural microbiome

• Keep affected areas clean and dry

Holistic care focuses on restoring balance, not just eliminating microbes.

Supporting Long-Term Skin Health Holistically

Dogs prone to recurring infections benefit most from a comprehensive approach, including:

• Allergy management (diet, environment, chemical-free flea control)

• High-quality, variety-rich species-appropriate nutrition

• Gut and immune system support

• Regular skin maintenance and grooming

• Avoiding chemical products that strip natural oils

Healthy skin is resilient skin—and resilient skin resists infection.

Final Thoughts

If your dog is showing signs of a possible bacterial skin infection, veterinary cytology is a critical first step—especially in warm, humid climates. Proper diagnosis ensures appropriate antibiotic treatment when needed and prevents prolonged discomfort and repeated flare-ups. ** Please be aware many conventional vets prescribe drugs without cytology first. Insist on cytology to know what they are treating.

Combining medical treatment with gut, skin, and immune support offers the best chance of breaking a bacterial skin infection and restoring long-term comfort—naturally and sustainably.