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Boxers/spots on back

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Expert: - 11/9/2010


Question
I have 3 day old boxer pups and some of them have one pimple sized soar on there back that is kind of wet looking. It smelled like puppy poop so i gave the pups a bath.Could this be the cause if mother wasn't cleaning them. Thanks

Answer
Hi Greg,

It is most likely Puppy Impetigo also known as Puppy Pyoderma and Juvenile Pustular Dermatitis. Staphylococcus bacteria are usually present and are thought to be a main cause of puppy impetigo.
It is usually treated by applying one of the following: hydrogen peroxide, benzoyl peroxide or chlorhexidine twice daily. If a severe case should start to arise, more than one sore, your vet may prescribe antibiotics given orally or topically. Keep the bedding clean and dry in the whelping box at all times. Also keep a check on the puppies for any dry fecal matter and such and remove it with a warm wet cloth to help keep down infections.It will be very important to not let the puppies get chilled the first few weeks of life,they can pass away easily from chilling, as they can not regulate their body temperature yet.If you notice any other symptoms or sores have your vet check the puppies and mother immediately. Thank you for your question.

Angela Donald
Canine Behavior Consultant
Hi-Tower Boxers
http://www.hitowerboxers.com

Boxers

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Angela Donald

Expertise

I'll be happy to answer questions about boxer dog allergies,behavior,behavior modification,breeding,care,coat color genetics,diet,ear cropping,exercise,genetics,grooming,health,history,pedigrees,showing and training.

Experience

I am a dedicated dog enthusiast and guardian of boxers for 40 years, a boxer conformation show exhibitor and breeder as well as a canine behavior consultant with a special interest in the boxer breed. I currently share my life with six boxer dogs.See our family of Boxer Dogs

Organizations
American Boxer Charitable Foundation

Publications
I currently contribute regularly to Dog-Canine Blog.I am the founder and publisher of The Boxer Behavioral Journal,a scientific journal with detailed behavioral case study information,which someday I hope will add valuable knowledge to the breeding,care and health of the breed.I am also a freelance writer with my latest article: Distinctive Behaviors of Boxer Dogs found at http://www.hitowerboxers.com/boxerdogbehavior.htm and distributed on the world wide web.

Education/Credentials
I have a MBA from AU.I have gotten real life experiences from my 40 years of the family owning boxers and other canine breeds, through my boxer rescue rehabilitation efforts, obedience training of the breed, more than 20 years of study on dog-canine behavior, genetics, health research,from my work as a canine behavioral consultant,exhibitor and breeder. My quest for canine knowledge is a never ending journey.

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