• There are several types of bacterial infections that can affect dogs. If left untreated, these infections can attack the skin, eyes, ears, urinary tract, nervous or respiratory systems of the animal and can even cause death to the affected dog. Puppies are more susceptible to bacterial infections, but any dog of any age can contract these infections. Proper veterinary care from birth can help protect a dog against most of these infections.
  
  

Leptospirosis

• This infection is commonly known as lepto and can affect humans as well as animals. Leptospirosis is a highly contagious disease that a dog can contract when it comes into contact with the urine of an infected animal or drinks from stagnant water where an infected animal has gotten a drink. It is less common but the disease can also be transmitted through bites or consumption of an infected animal. Signs of this disease include redness of mucous membranes, depression, vomiting, aching, weakness and lethargy. If left untreated, the dog can lose kidney function and die. The disease can be treated but getting the dog vaccinated against it is the best method for avoid this infection.
  
  

Brucellosis

• This infection is passed through the mucous membranes of the dog, which means that it passes through the nose, mouth, eyes or vagina of the dog. This disease is commonly passed when an infected dog mates with another dog. An infected male will develop prostatitis while infected females will abort pregnancies or if the puppies are born, they will die shortly after birth. This disease can be passed to humans so use care with a dog that may be infected and seek treatment quickly.
  
  

Bacterial Skin Infections

• There are several skin infections that can affect dogs but the most common is staphylococcal pyoderma. This bacterium normally lives on the skin causing no problems but if it enters a cut or other wound, it can cause a skin infection. The dog will become itchy, have crusted skin, pustules may form and there may also be small lesions. If left untreated, the dog will start to lose hair and you may see dried areas of discharge. The treatment for this infection includes antibiotics and topical medicines.
  
  

Lyme Disease

• Lyme disease is passed through the bite of infected ticks. Symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, swollen joints, lethargy and loss of appetite. If the dog lives in an area where ticks are prevalent, it is best to use a tick repellent to prevent the dog from being bitten in the first place.