Can staphylococcal infection spread to people or other pets?

Certain strains of Staphylococcus can be contagious. Close contact with an infected pet may allow transmission, so practise good wound hygiene and ask your vet for specific precautions.

How does the vet confirm the infection is caused by Staphylococcus?

Your vet may perform cytology or culture wound discharge with sensitivity testing to confirm the bacterial species and guide the choice of treatment.

What home care can I provide to help the wound heal?

Keep the wound clean and dry, prevent your pet from scratching or licking the area, and change dressings and attend check-ups as directed by your vet. Professional treatment is essential when needed.

What should I do if antibiotics are not working?

If symptoms do not improve after medication or keep recurring, return to your vet for re-evaluation. Bacterial culture or referral to a specialist may be recommended, and your vet will adjust the treatment plan accordingly.

How much do the tests and treatment usually cost?

Costs vary by clinic and region — ask your vet for an estimate before proceeding.

Disease Guide

Staphylococcal Infection in Dogs & Cats: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Care [2025]

Bacterial skin infection requiring antibiotic treatment

Take 1 minute to check the symptoms first

Last updated: 2026/01/06

PetHealthMap Editorial Team

Sources: AVMA, WSAVA, National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital

When to See a Vet

Seek Emergency Care Immediately

•Persistent high fever lasting more than 24 hours accompanied by lethargy
•Large amounts of pus continuously draining from a wound
•Sudden collapse, unresponsiveness, or inability to stand

Schedule a Clinic Visit Soon (within 24–72 hours)

•Noticeably reduced appetite with days of not eating or eating very little
•Persistent redness and swelling of the skin with repeated scratching or biting
•Changes in elimination such as diarrhea or significantly abnormal urine output

01What symptoms indicate something is wrong?

Staphylococcal infection most commonly presents with skin and mucous membrane symptoms, and may also cause general systemic illness. The following are common warning signs and clinical presentations.

Noticeably reduced appetite or refusal to eat
Persistent or recurring fever and lethargy
Repeated scratching, skin redness, swelling, or oozing sores
Localised pain — pet flinches or pulls away when touched
Red, swollen eyes with discharge or signs of discomfort
Seek veterinary care promptly if any of the above signs worsen or persist

Seek emergency care immediately if you notice the following symptoms:

⚠️ If your pet shows systemic illness or a wound with heavy purulent discharge, seek emergency veterinary care immediately

02How to assess the situation at home — observation checklist and criteria for seeking emergency care

Monitoring key indicators at home and keeping a record helps your vet quickly assess the condition and track the response to treatment.

Track appetite and record how much your pet eats at each meal
Measure body temperature daily and note the time and reading
Photograph or video the scratching, swollen, or wounded areas
Monitor your pet's alertness, activity level, and breathing
Note any changes in toileting frequency or the character of urine and faeces
If there is no improvement within 24–48 hours or symptoms worsen, see a vet

03How will the vet diagnose this? Common diagnostic tests

Your vet will combine clinical examination with laboratory tests to identify the source of infection, determine severity, and assess for concurrent disease.

Physical and skin examination

assessing the extent of involvement and degree of pain

Blood biochemistry and complete blood count

checking for systemic inflammation or organ involvement

Urinalysis

ruling out urinary tract infection or systemic changes

Cytology or tissue biopsy

evaluating local infection or inflammatory cells

Bacterial culture and sensitivity testing (performed as indicated)

04Treatment and home care after diagnosis — medication, diet, and nursing guidance

Treatment focuses on controlling infection, relieving symptoms, and addressing the primary lesion. Regular follow-up is essential to ensure stable recovery.

Oral or topical medication and wound management based on test results
Dietary adjustment to maintain nutrition, and keeping the skin clean and dry
Record body temperature and wound changes daily at home
Attend follow-up appointments as recommended by your vet to assess treatment response
If symptoms recur or treatment is not effective, referral to a specialist hospital may be advised

05What to prepare before the vet visit — key information to help your vet quickly identify the cause

Note when symptoms first appeared, how they have changed, and any worsening

List recent foods, treats, and all medications or supplements being given

Bring photos or video of the affected area, including close-up shots

If possible, bring a fresh urine or faecal sample to the clinic

Use a secure carrier and call ahead to make an appointment and describe the situation

This content is for reference only and cannot replace a professional veterinary diagnosis. If your pet shows signs of illness, please seek veterinary care promptly.