Bacterial Infection (Streptococcus) in Dogs

Streptococci are bacteria that can cause many different diseases in mammals, including humans and dogs. The most common streptococcal species found in dogs is Streptococcus canis, which is normally present in a healthy dog's throat, gastrointestinal tract, reproductive tract, and skin. Initially thought to be a canine and bovine pathogen, S. canis has also been isolated from other animals such as rats, rabbits, minks, badgers, and foxes. 

Though harmless in most cases, streptococci bacteria can cause infection leading to a variety of ailments, from common conditions such as skin problems and urinary tract infections to potentially life-threatening ones such as necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome.

Since a streptococcal infection can manifest as a number of diseases, symptoms vary depending on which area of a dog's body is affected. Symptoms of streptococcus bacterial infection in dogs can include:

• Fever
• Skin lesions
• Abscesses
• Lethargy
• Coughing
• Decreased appetite
• Ear discharge
• Discomfort while urinating
• Pain in the affected area
• Infected wounds

Types

Some of the conditions associated with S. canis are:

• Arthritis
• Pyoderma
• Pneumonia
• Endocarditis
  
• Ulcerative keratitis
  
• Mastitis
• Meningoencephalitis
  
• Urinary tract infections
• Otitis externa
  
• Cellulitis
• Necrotizing fasciitis
• Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome

Streptococcus canis is present in the throat, gastrointestinal tract, reproductive tract, and skin of healthy dogs as a commensal. While it usually doesn't cause problems, it invades tissues when there is a breach in normal barriers. Dogs who are more susceptible to streptococcal infection include:

• Puppies with underdeveloped immune systems
• Senior dogs with weakened immune systems
• Dogs with underlying health conditions
• Dogs with allergic skin conditions whose skin barriers are compromised
• Dogs who are frequently handled, travel long distances, or are under stress

Additionally, dogs can contract an infection through:

• Close contact with infected dogs
• Shared bowls and bedding

While most cases of streptococcus bacterial infection are not considered an emergency, it's recommended to get your dog checked by a veterinarian as soon as you notice symptoms. To confirm if your dog has streptococcal infection, your vet will ask you to describe their symptoms and when they started. Be sure to let your vet know if your dog has any underlying health conditions too.

Your vet will perform a physical exam and blood tests, such as a complete blood count and biochemistry profile. Additional tests may be carried out depending on your dog's symptoms. For example, if your vet suspects a UTI, they'll recommend a urinalysis. If your dog has an ear infection, your vet may collect a sample of ear discharge to examine it under a microscope. S. canis often causes skin infections, so your vet may do a skin swab as well to confirm this and to rule out other skin conditions. 

Treatment of streptococcus infection in dogs depends on its clinical manifestation and severity. Possible treatments include:

Antibiotics

Streptococcus infections are generally treated with beta-lactam antibiotics. Specifically, amoxicillin, clavulanic acid, and penicillin have been proven to successfully treat S. canis infections in animals.

Fluids

Fluids keep your dog well-hydrated and aid in important bodily functions, from moving nutrients into cells to regulating body temperature.

Pain medications

For conditions where your dog may be experiencing pain and inflammation such as UTIs, your vet may prescribe pain medications and anti-inflammatories.

Medicated shampoo

If your dog has a skin infection, your vet may send you home with a medicated shampoo and topical ointment.

Bandaging

If your dog has an infected wound, your vet may bandage the area to protect it and prevent your dog from licking it.

Ear medications

If your dog has an ear infection, your vet will likely recommend an ear cleanser and antibiotic ear drops.

Unless your dog has a severe infection, they should recover in five to seven days after starting an antibiotic. However, infected wounds may take longer, i.e., weeks or months, to heal. Make sure your dog stays hydrated and gets plenty of rest during the recovery period.

It's important to show up to any follow-up appointments your vet schedules. Your vet will likely perform another round of tests to make sure the infection has completely resolved. 

As long as there are no complications, your dog should be back on their feet and be able to resume their normal activities relatively quickly. 

Streptococcus bacterial infection can be expensive to treat. If you suspect your dog is at risk of streptococcus bacterial infection, start searching for pet insurance today. Wag!’s pet insurance comparison tool lets you compare plans from leading companies like PetPlan and Embrace. Find the “pawfect” plan for your pet in just a few clicks!