Dog chewed outside, now has skin infection. How to treat and prevent?

Poor Louis! There are a number of things that can cause excessive itching and chewing of the skin like this. Some common possibilities would include allergies, fleas, a bacterial or fungal skin infection, or skin mites (mange). If there is a focal area that is moist and looks infected, this may be what's called a "hot spot", which is a bacterial skin infection that is quite painful and itchy. It sounds like Louis will likely need prescription medication such as a steroid and antibiotics to treat this problem, as well as possibly some skin testing to determine what caused the infection, so I would recommend taking him to the vet today for an exam. Your vet can do some simple skin tests if needed to help diagnose the problem and get him started on appropriate medication to treat it. In the meantime, I would also suggest placing an e-collar (plastic cone) on Louis to prevent him from continuing to chew at the area and make things worse until you are able to see the vet.

This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking/scratching. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

It looks as if your dog has a skin infection. These are usually caused by allergies and/or fleas. Their skin becomes itchy and the more your dog scratched and chews at the skin the more infected it will become. You will need to treat the infection (usually with antibiotics) and treat the itch. Common medications to help with itch include Cytopoint, Apoquel and steroids. I am not familiar with the medication albomine so I can’t help you with that. I would recommend taking your dog to the veterinarian to be checked out and to see if any of the medications mentioned above can help. Best of luck. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Blonde looks like he has significant inflammation and likely an infection as well. More severe conditions like this are unlikely to resolve with home care. Most of these pets need antibiotics and medications to decrease inflammation. I recommend to take him in to be seen by his veterinarian. The condition will likely only get worse and he probably has some degree of discomfort. Many things can cause this degree of information including deep bacterial infections, allergies, nights or ringworm (which humans can get). At home you can wash the area with antibacterial soap and rinse well with cool water. This however is unlikely to control or repair the problem. He also should wear an Elizabethan collar at all times to prevent him from licking at the area as this tends to make it worse. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions!

It sounds like he has a bacterial skin infection. You could try to clean with a chlorhexidine wound solution but he might need an oral antibiotic to treat. Have your vet take a look at him to determine the best treatment. Your vet can prescribe an antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory, if needed. You could also use Mal-A-Ket wipes in his folds to keep the area clean and decrease infections from developing.

It looks as if your dog has a skin infection, most commonly caused by an allergy, a skin mite (Demodex) or fleas. 

The allergy could be a due to a protein in your dog’s food or an environmental allergy like to dust, pollens, grasses, etc. 

The allergy causes your dog to itch and chew at the skin which breaks down the skin barrier. This then leads to infection. Skin infections are typically characterized by large areas of hair loss, redness, crusting, flaking, and pustules. A thorough skin examination by your veterinarian should be able to determine the cause of the itch so it can be treated appropriately. Your dog will most likely need antibiotics to help clear up the infection and possibly an allergy/anti-itch medication like Apoquel, Atopica, or Cytopoint to give some relief while the infection clears up. A medicated shampoo may be beneficial as well. I would also recommend he be on a good flea control routinely too. Once the infection has resolved a long term allergy medication (like Apoquel or Cytopoint) can be given on a regular basis to prevent any future problems. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.