All You Need to Know about Yeast Infections in Dogs
If your canine pal is incessantly bothered by a persistent itch and you’ve ruled out ticks or fleas, chances are it’s a yeast infection, sometimes referred to as yeast dermatitis. In such instances, a visit to the veterinarian is necessary.
Here we look at how to recognize yeast infections, why they occur, and how to treat and prevent them.
What Is a Yeast Infection?
Yeasts are fungi that occur naturally on your dog's skin and are crucial to maintaining good health. But occasionally, they can breed excessively under certain conditions and become a problem. Outbreaks typically occur in warm areas that trap moisture, such as the ears, tummy, groin, and between the paw pads, skin folds, and joints. If untreated in the ears, an infection can lead to deafness.
The two types of yeast that typically cause problems in canines are Candida and Malassezia. Although humans can experience similar infections, they are not contagious, so you won’t catch them from your pet (or pass them on). However, long-term infections can leave your pet more susceptible to secondary infections that may be contagious, such as ringworm.
What Causes Yeast Infections?
Certain breeds are at a higher risk of yeast infections. These include long-haired breeds like German Shepherds, dogs with abundant skin folds like bulldogs, and dogs susceptible to allergies. It also affects breeds with hairy ear canals or long, floppy ears, like spaniels. This is because these physical attributes produce the warm, damp environments that yeasts prefer.
Swimming and hot or humid weather conditions can likewise produce ideal conditions for yeast infections. Excessive yeast production has also been linked to poor hygiene and diet, specifically diets that are carb-rich and protein-poor or contain sugar.
Opportunistic yeast infections can occur when a dog's immune system is compromised for other reasons or if there is some other skin condition that leaves the skin vulnerable.
Identifying Yeast Infections
While diagnosis of any type of infection should always be left to your vet, the following signs may indicate a yeast infection:
Sores, redness, and swelling of the skin
Flakey, scaly skin or
Greasy, oily skin
Constant scratching, rubbing, or licking
Change in skin texture and color (becoming darker and rougher, or “elephant-like”)
A musty smell, sometimes described as "cheesy"
Balding or loss of hair
Blackened interior to the ear
Head shaking or tilting (in the case of ear infections)
If your dog is displaying any of these symptoms, schedule a visit to your vet. They will confirm the diagnosis visually or send tissue samples for laboratory testing.
Treating Canine Yeast Infections
Treatment for yeast infection will vary depending on its severity and placement. Your vet will most likely prescribe an oral fungicide tablet like ketoconazole for advanced infections. A medicated (antifungal) shampoo can be used to treat milder cases and as a prophylactic treatment. Topical (antifungal cream) treatments may be appropriate for areas that are easily accessible and not too hairy.
Frequent ear cleaning will be necessary for managing ear infections, often complemented by the use of antifungal ear drops or ointments. It's important to exercise care to ensure proper penetration of the cleaning fluid and treatment, given the ear canal's L-shaped structure. If an untreated infection has caused deafness, ear canal ablation surgery may be required.
Home Remedies for Yeast Infections
A vinegar and water solution has been scientifically proven to create an inhospitable environment for yeast growth. However, it's advisable to first verify the appropriate dilution with your veterinarian before administering it.
Coconut oil has been shown to have antifungal properties and may assist in preventing infections, although this hasn't been proven scientifically. Incorporate it into your pet's food, ranging from half a teaspoon for small dogs to a tablespoon for larger breeds. It can also be applied topically to affected areas to soothe and moisturize the skin. And there's no need to worry if the dog licks it.
Preventing Yeast Infections
If your pet is prone to yeast infections, treating them after they occur can become tiresome. It’s preferable to keep them from developing in the first place by taking the following precautions:
Thoroughly dry your pets after any activity that gets them wet (e.g., swimming, getting caught in the rain, or even sweating on a hot day)
Keep dogs indoors on hot days
Ensure your dog’s diet is protein-rich and minimize carbs (no added bread, rice, or corn)
Bathe dogs regularly with a medicated shampoo and be sure to dry them thoroughly afterward
Regularly groom dogs to rid their skin of dead cells and dirt, which can become a fungus breeding ground
Clean ears and keep them trimmed of excess hair
Caring for a dog involves ensuring your pet's health and comfort throughout its lifetime. By attentively meeting its needs, you'll secure the companionship of a loyal partner for years to come.