🦠 Vet Guide 2025: Cellulitis in Dogs and Cats – Causes, Symptoms & Treatment 🐶🐱

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Cellulitis is a painful, often underestimated skin infection that can become a serious medical emergency in both dogs and cats. Prompt identification and treatment are critical to avoid complications like abscesses, tissue death, or even systemic illness. In this 2025 veterinary guide, we’ll dive deep into what cellulitis is, how to recognize it early, and how to treat and prevent it for a swift and full recovery. 🩺🐾

🔍 What Is Cellulitis?

Cellulitis is an infection of the subcutaneous tissues—essentially the layers of tissue under your pet’s skin. It’s typically caused by bacteria that enter the body through a break in the skin. 🧫

The usual suspects? Opportunistic bacteria like:

• 🧪 Staphylococcus ("staph")
• 🧪 Streptococcus ("strep")

These bacteria are commonly found in soil, water, air, and on animals and people. A simple scratch, bite wound, or even unnoticed abrasion can be enough for these pathogens to enter and thrive. 🚪🦠

⚠️ Why Early Detection Matters

If cellulitis is not addressed quickly, it can rapidly progress to more severe issues:

• 🖤 Necrosis (death of tissue)
• 💥 Abscess formation
• 🩸 Systemic infection or sepsis
• ⚰️ In extreme, untreated cases: death

This is why it's vital to recognize symptoms early and act fast. 🕑

📋 Common Symptoms of Cellulitis

Cellulitis can affect any part of your pet’s body with broken or compromised skin. Here’s what to look for: 👁️

🩺 Localized Symptoms:

• 🔴 Redness and swelling
• 🔥 Skin warm or hot to the touch
• 💥 Pain or sensitivity in the area
• 💧 Pus, greenish discharge, or a visible abscess
• 🌀 Obsessive licking or biting of the area

🌡️ Systemic Symptoms:

• 🥱 Lethargy or weakness
• 😔 Loss of appetite
• 🤒 Fever
• 👃 Foul odor from infected site

Many pet owners first realize something is wrong due to the smell, long before they notice the wound. 🐽

💉 How Vets Diagnose Cellulitis

Upon examination, your vet will assess the wound and may recommend:

• 🧪 Blood tests to check for systemic infection
• 💧 Cytology or culture of the discharge
• 🧬 Bacterial identification to choose the most effective antibiotic

If an abscess is present, it will usually need to be lanced, drained, and cleaned under sedation or anesthesia. A drainage device may be inserted and secured with sutures to allow continuous outflow. 🩹

🧰 Treatment Options

1. 💊 Antibiotics

Your vet will prescribe systemic antibiotics based on the suspected bacteria, and may adjust once lab results return. Sometimes multiple antibiotics are needed. 💉

2. 😷 Pain & Inflammation Management

• 🧴 Topical antibiotics
• 💊 Anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs)
• 💉 Pain medications

3. 🔁 Wound Care

• 🧼 Warm compresses to promote drainage
• 🩹 Bandaging as directed
• 🦺 E-collar to prevent licking or chewing

Always finish the full course of prescribed medications—even if your pet looks better early. Cutting antibiotics short risks recurrence and antibiotic resistance. ⛔💊

🔁 What If the Infection Returns?

Sometimes, even with proper drainage and treatment, the abscess may refill. This doesn’t mean failure—it means re-evaluation is needed. 🧠

In such cases, your vet may:

• 🔬 Repeat cultures to check for resistant bacteria
• 🧪 Adjust antibiotic selection
• 🩺 Evaluate for other underlying health issues like diabetes or immune compromise

🛡️ Preventing Cellulitis

While you can’t prevent every scrape or bite, these steps help reduce your pet’s risk: 🛑

• 🧼 Keep wounds clean and dry
• 🔍 Inspect pets regularly for cuts or bites, especially after fights or rough play
• 🐾 Maintain flea/tick control to prevent scratching wounds
• 💬 Contact your vet or Ask A Vet at the first sign of infection

📲 Can Humans Catch Cellulitis from Pets?

While cellulitis itself isn’t contagious between pets and people, the bacteria involved—especially staph—can be zoonotic in rare cases. 🧤

✅ Safety Tips:

• 🧼 Wash hands before and after treating wounds
• 🧤 Use gloves if handling open wounds or drainage
• 🧠 Immunocompromised individuals should take extra precautions

🧬 Breeds Prone to Cellulitis

Some breeds may be more susceptible due to skin folds, grooming sensitivity, or immunological quirks. These include:

• 🐶 Bulldogs and Shar-Peis (skin folds)
• 🐶 Labrador Retrievers (active, injury-prone)
• 🐶 Poodles and Schnauzers (follicular disorders)

Regular grooming and prompt wound care are especially important for these breeds. ✂️🐕

📲 Ask A Vet for Help

Think your dog or cat may have cellulitis? Don’t wait—AskAVet.com offers 24/7 access to licensed vets who can guide you through symptoms and next steps. 🩺

Download the Ask A Vet App to:

• 📸 Send photos of your pet’s wound for fast review
• 💬 Get second opinions or treatment follow-ups
• 📅 Receive reminders for medication and wound care
• 🛑 Avoid unnecessary ER visits with early intervention

Your peace of mind is just a tap away. 🐕📱

📝 Final Thoughts

Cellulitis may start as a small problem—but without fast action, it can become life-threatening. With early detection, proper care, and veterinary guidance, most pets recover fully and quickly. 🐶💚🐱

Trust your instincts, follow your vet’s advice, and use modern tools like Ask A Vet to stay informed. When it comes to your pet’s health, every moment matters. ⏱️🐾