Puppies like babies are quite vulnerable to certain infections because they are not fully developed. During this susceptible time puppies should be closely monitored. As a puppy owner you should know young dogs are prone to a dog skin disease known as Impetigo.
Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection; it is most common among pre-school children, but can affect dogs as well. Impetigo causes painless, fluid-filled blisters, and these pustules rupture easily causing a lot of pain for the puppy. Bullouse and epidemic are two stages of impetigo. Bullouse is the first stage which consists of white pimples. Epidemic is the second stage of yellow oozing from the pimples. Impetigo is highly contagious so make sure to isolate the puppy from other dogs until the disease has cleared up.
Impetigo is not a fatal skin disease. There have been some extremely rare cases when the disease has spread throughout the puppy. Impetigo will either clear up on its own once it has taken its natural course or be cleared up with treatment. As part of the treatment process, make sure your puppy is not chewing or licking at the pustules. This action is what causes the spread of the infections. To keep the puppy from doing this try using an e-collar.
Dog skin treatment of impetigo is fairly simple. Begin by applying hydrogen peroxide or benzoyl peroxide twice a day for three days. Doing this will keep the condition from spreading. There are even benzoyl peroxide shampoos that treat this condition. If the Impetigo is severe take your puppy to the vet. The vet may prescribe antibiotics to be administered either orally or topically. Doberman Pinschers, Bulldogs, Boxers, and Chinese Shar-Peis may experience impetigo even as adults, unlike other dogs who only experience impetigo as puppies.