In dogs, bacterial infections in wounds present several symptoms. These include itching, seeping with blood or pus, hair loss, and crusty skin. You might also notice a foul smell coming from the wound if the infection is more severe. It's important to get to a vet right away if you notice any of these symptoms! An infection will spread rapidly without treatment. It spreads into the deeper tissues under the skin, where it then travels into the blood to other parts of the body. Once the infection spreads, your dog will feel generally unwell and develop a fever. This can lead to sepsis, which is life-threatening.