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Should I trim puppy fur for skin infection and medicated shampoo?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Saint Bernard | Male | unneutered | 5 months and 8 days old | 70 lbs

I have a 5 month old Saint Bernard puppy, about a week ago he started having some dry spots on his legs, it spreaders fairly quickly to other parts (not connected). We went to the vet today and was informed that he has bacterial infection and was prescribed some medicated shampoo/mousse. I forgot to ask her whether I cut his hair down around those areas because I’m worried that it might ruin his fur (he’s changing his puppy coat to adult coat and teething)

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

Published on July 23, 2018

You should not need to trim the fur around the areas of a bacterial skin infection as long as they are dry. As long as you thoroughly massage the shampoo into the crusted areas, it should be able to get all the way down to the skin. However, if any of the areas are moist or oozing, I would check with your veterinarian because sometimes those areas do need to be shaved to prevent further problems.
Good luck! I hope that was helpful and that Toki is better soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
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