14/05/2026
As a breeder, we learn new things every day, and its important to understand the conditions so that we are able to give our puppy owners the necessary information and advice.
๐พ IMPETIGO IN GOLDEN RETRIEVERS๐พ
Not every skin problem is genetic. Some are treatable infections.
๐ What is it?
Impetigo, also called **puppy pyoderma**, is a superficial bacterial skin infection. It is more common in puppies, but adult dogs can develop bacterial skin infections too.
๐ What to look for
โข Small red bumps or pus-filled spots
โข Crusty or circular scabby patches
โข Itchy, irritated skin
โข Hair thinning or hair loss
โข Belly, groin, armpits, paws, or skin folds may be affected
๐ Why Goldens?
Golden Retrievers are known to be prone to skin irritation, allergies, hot spots, and secondary infections, but impetigo itself is not automatically a genetic condition. It can happen when bacteria overgrow on irritated or damaged skin.
๐ Possible triggers
Allergies, fleas, moisture trapped in the coat, scratching, small wounds, poor skin barrier health, or an underlying condition can all make infection more likely.
๐ Do not ignore it.
Early treatment can help prevent spreading, discomfort, and recurring skin problems.
๐๏ธ Please see your vet if you notice ๐๏ธ
โข Pus, scabs, redness, or spreading patches
โข A bad smell from the skin
โข Constant licking, chewing, or scratching
โข Repeated โhot spotsโ
โข Symptoms that keep coming back
๐ข Important
Do not use leftover antibiotics, human creams, or home remedies without veterinary advice. Correct diagnosis matters.
**Healthy skin = a happier Golden**
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๐ GOLDEN RETRIEVER SKIN HEALTH ๐
Common Conditions Owners & Breeders Should Know
Golden Retrievers can suffer from several skin conditions. Some are genetic, but many are caused by allergies, infections, parasites, moisture, or environmental triggers.
๐ ICH / ICHTHYOSIS - Genetic scaling skin condition
Signs - Dry flaky skin, dandruff-like scaling, grey or white flakes in the coat.
Important - At present, ICH is the key Golden Retriever skin condition with DNA testing available. This makes testing especially important for responsible breeding decisions. Breeders should use the DNA tests available to us. Testing helps make informed pairings, reduce risk, and support healthier puppies.
๐ ATOPIC DERMATITIS - Environmental allergy skin disease
Signs - Itchy paws, ears, belly, armpits, face, licking, chewing, scratching, recurring ear or skin infections.
Triggers - Pollen, dust mites, grass, mould, and other environmental allergens.
๐ HOT SPOTS Sudden painful, moist skin sores
Signs - Red, wet, oozing patches, hair loss, bad smell, rapid spreading.
Triggers - Moisture trapped in the coat, allergies, fleas, swimming, scratching, or ear infections.
๐ PYODERMA / IMPETIGO - Bacterial skin infection
Signs - Pimples, pustules, scabs, circular flaky patches, redness, itching, patchy hair loss.
Impetigo is common in puppies, and many grow out of it by around 8 months, but spreading or recurring lesions should be checked by a vet.
๐ FLEA ALLERGY DERMATITIS - Allergic reaction to flea bites
Signs - Severe itching, biting near the tail base, scabs, redness, hair loss. One flea bite can cause major irritation in sensitive dogs.
๐ YEAST OVERGROWTH - Often linked to allergies or moisture
Signs - Greasy skin, musty smell, itchy ears, brown staining between toes, darkened skin.
๐ WHEN TO SEE YOUR VET
โข Constant scratching, licking, or chewing
โข Red, painful, smelly, or oozing skin
โข Hair loss, scabs, or spreading patches
โข Recurring ear infections
โข Skin problems that keep coming back
KEY MESSAGE - Not every skin condition is genetic โ but when DNA testing is available, responsible breeders should use it.
Healthy skin starts with awareness, good care, and responsible breeding.
