Dogs and cats are often susceptible to skin infections.
The common skin infections in cats and dogs include bacterial infections
(superficial pyoderma) and yeast (Malassezia dermatitis). Bacterial infections
tend to be more common in dogs than cats. It is caused by bacteria that are part
of the normal flora of the skin in the upper layers of the skin.

Common symptoms of bacterial skin infections include:
* Itch

* Pustules (inflamed pus bumps)
* Injuries
* Rancid odor
* Dumping excessive
* Scales
* Hair loss

Common symptoms of skin infections yeast include:
* Itch
* Skin greasy
* Redness
* Rancid odor

What causes skin infections?
When cut or wound, infection also develops in the inner folds of the skin and
increases the risk of infection – this is known as deep pyoderma. Certain breeds
of dog and cat with skin folds and pressure calluses, German Shepherds with
short hair, dogs with Staphylococcus intermedius and Pasteurella multocida cats
are prone to bacterial skin infections.

If an animal is allergic to fleas, worms or food ingredients, or suffers from
hyperthyroidism or a yeast infection, there is increasing risk of developing
this infection.

The skin infection yeast is manifested in your pet’s neck, ears, armpits, groin
and anal area. It is caused by a common body of yeast known as Malassezia
pachydermatitis. The yeast normally lives harmlessly in the skin but if large
amounts of yeast are present, the disease can occur.

This infection develops if the animal suffers from allergies, has seborroea
(increased production of skin oil) or there is an immune deficiency. The poodle,
cocker spaniel, chihuahua, dachshund, Shetland sheepdog, Basset Hound, Maltese
terrier and the white mountain of Westland are predisposed to yeast infections.

Diagnosis of skin infections
The diagnosis of skin infections in cats and dogs is based on symptoms, physical
examination and careful review of medical records for your pet. Samples of the
skin of your pet will be collected to determine the type of infection and in
some cases a biopsy would also be conducted to confirm the diagnosis.

Help for skin infections
Treatment depends on the type of skin infection and its cause. For bacterial
infections of the skin (superficial pyoderma), antibiotics, antibacterial
shampoos containing benzoyl peroxide may be prescribed. For treatment to be
effective, the full course of treatment must be completed.

For treatment of mild yeast infections (Malassezia dermatitis), topical therapy
such as anti-fungal shampoos and conditioners are prescribed. More severe cases
of yeast infections require systemic therapy such as ketoconazole, itraconazole
and fluconazole. Moreover, a combination of vinegar and water washing can also
be used as long-term treatment maintenance.

Natural Remedies
The natural and holistic treatments have been used for centuries to heal, soothe
and condition feline and canine infections of the skin. The herbal and
homeopathic remedies are a safe, natural, conventional medications that is
gentle enough to use on the skin of your pet.

Tissue salts and herbs such as Equisetum arvense (Horsetail), Taraxacum
officinalis (Dandelion), platenis Arthrospira (Spirulina) and Kalium sulphate
help to maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat while also supporting the immune
system.

The homeopathic ingredients triph Arum, Viola tri, Comocladia, Chamomilla and
Cina support the health of the skin and provide symptomatic relief for itching,
scratching, redness and burning of the skin.