MRSA, or methicillin-resistent Staphylococcus aureus, is a potentially life-threatening disease that can be shared between pets and their human caregivers. MRSA is especially hard to treat because it does not respond to usual antibiotics. Dogs usually acquire the infections from their owners or after surgery and stays in veterinary hospitals. Because these infections are drug-resistant, they can sometimes spiral into serious infections such as sepsis. It's important to know what to look for to keep your pet healthy.

Contracting MRSA

Dogs can contract MRSA through many sources, such as contaminated pool water, overuse of antibiotics that reduces the body's immune system, or being boarded in a kennel. Sometimes it is contracted after a surgery. Dogs can also contract it from humans. A pet owner might have the MRSA bacteria on the skin, and through a pet bite or scratch, it is transferred. If untreated, the bacteria can be passed back and forth over a period a time.

Symptoms of MRSA

The first thing to look for is excessive scratching, which is the most common symptom of MRSA. This scratching can cause significant hair loss. There are two types of physical manifestations. One is a red patches on the skin. These patches can have a bump in the middle that resembles a pimple. The other is a circular, reddish area with hair loss in the center that feels crusty to the touch. This particular type is tricky because it can easily be confused with ringworm. Another sign of MRSA is wound draining. This occurs after a dog has had surgery. Pus can ooze from the wound causing the fur to dry and matte around the wound, and it can have a pungent odor. Because of infection, your dog may also exhibit fever.

Treatment for MRSA

Once you have identified a pronounced MRSA symptom, it's imperative that you take your dog to the vet. If your vet suspects your dog has MRSA or could be a carrier of the infection, he might take samples of blood, affected skin, urine or sputum. These are sent to a lab and analyzed to determine the bacteria present. At the lab, the specimens will also be treated with different antibiotics to determine which one works best in treating the bacteria. While the samples are being analyzed, your vet will most likely treat your dog with a non-penicillin-derived medication.

Preventative Tips for MRSA

If your dog becomes infected, you shouldn't panic by avoiding contact with it or banishing it outdoors. In most cases, MRSA is not easily transmitted through day-to-day contact but only through bites and scratches. People most susceptible to it are the elderly, young, and people with low immune systems. To keep yourself and your pet healthy, wash you hands frequently, especially after contact with sick and injured dogs. You should take measures to prevent dog bites. The largest percentage of dog bites occur with children under the age of 14, so it is vital that you teach your children safety precautions when interacting with dogs. If you or a loved one should get bitten, wash the area with soap and water, then cover it with sterile gauze, and seek medical attention immediately.

Source:

Vetinfo: Treating MRSA skin infections

eHow.com: MRSA in dogs

About.com: Your Dog and MRSA