Bacteria are unicellular organisms that reproduce by dividing. There are good and harmful bacteria. The good bacteria can benefit your health and the environment, while harmful bacteria cause disease and infection. Domestic animals as well as humans often develop bacterial infections and if left untreated these infections can lead to severe complications of health. The symptoms and signs of bacterial infections include: * Fever * Skin abscess wound infections * * Lack of appetite * Coughing * Runny nose or watery eyes * Vomiting * Infections of the skin, eyes, ears, urinary tract or respiratory system * Swelling and redness * Injuries * Pain and discomfort * Lethargy and weakness What causes bacterial infections? There are several types of bacterial infections affecting the skin, eyes, ears, urinary tract, kidney or nervous system and respiratory and these include bacterial skin infections caused by Staphylococci (bacteria staph) and affect dogs and cats.

Staph bacteria usually live harmlessly on the skin and itching as a result of the infection occurs. Common symptoms include yellow pustules, scabs, redness and injuries. Fleas, ticks, allergies, weak immune system, stress, poor diet and the underlying disease can all contribute to bacterial infections of the skin. This infection is not contagious to humans or other animals. Streptococcal infections are caused by strep bacteria, and commonly affect cats and dogs. It is common among young and old animals because they have weak immune systems. In young animals, the immune system is not fully developed and is not strong enough to fight the infection while in older animals have decreased protective mechanisms.