Yeast infections are a common problem in dogs and can lead to a lot of discomfort if not treated. From constant itching and redness to bad smell, these infections can affect your dog’s quality of life.
In this blog, you’ll learn how to identify the symptoms of yeast infections in dogs, discover the potential causes, and find effective treatments to keep your pet healthy and happy. Let’s get started!
What Is a Yeast Infection in Dogs?
A yeast infection in dogs happens when yeast, a type of fungus, grows out of control on their skin or in their ears. A little bit of yeast is normal, but too much can cause irritation and discomfort for your dog. Yeast infections often show up in areas that are warm and moist, like the ears, paws, belly, or skin folds.
This condition can make your dog itchy, cause redness, and sometimes smell bad. It’s not contagious to humans or other animals, but it can make your dog miserable if left untreated. The good news is- most yeast infections can be cleared quickly with proper care and treatment.
Common Symptoms of Yeast Infections in Dogs
Yeast infections in dogs can show up in different ways, depending on where the infection is. Here are the most common signs to watch for:
1. Skin-Related Symptoms
If you notice your dog’s skin is red, irritated, inflamed, or itchy, and they lick or chew at the affected area, it could be a sign of yeast infection. Also, greasy or flaky skin, sometimes with a yellowish crust, hair loss around the infected spots, and a musty or “cheesy” smell coming from the skin are all signs of yeast infection.
2. Ear-Related Symptoms
Frequent head shaking or scratching at the ears, red, swollen, or scaly skin around the ear flap, dark, waxy, or smelly discharge from the ears, and sensitivity or pain when the ears are touched are all symptoms of yeast infection.
3. Behavioral Changes
If your pup is restless because of discomfort or itchiness, its energy is low, or it doesn’t really want to play, whines, or avoids touch, it is possible it has a yeast infection.
Causes and Risk Factors of Yeast Infections in Dogs
Yeast infections in dogs don’t happen out of nowhere. Some conditions and factors can cause yeast to grow out of control. Here are the most common causes and risk factors:
- Allergies- allergies, whether to food, pollen, or other irritants, can make your dog’s skin more vulnerable to infections. Allergies often lead to inflammation and excessive scratching, which create the perfect environment for yeast to thrive.
- Moist Environments- Yeast loves warm, damp places. Dogs that spend a lot of time in water or have skin folds (like Bulldogs or Pugs) are more likely to develop infections in these areas.
- Weakened Immune System- A dog’s immune system helps keep yeast levels in check. If your dog has an underlying condition that weakens its immune system, it may be more likely to get a yeast infection.
- Antibiotic Use- While antibiotics fight harmful bacteria, they can also kill good bacteria that keep yeast under control. This imbalance can lead to yeast overgrowth, especially after they’ve used antibiotics for a longer period of time.
Diagnosis of Yeast Infections in Dogs
If you think your dog has a yeast infection, your vet can confirm it with a few simple steps.
The vet will start by checking your dog’s skin, ears, and other affected areas for redness, swelling, discharge, or that musty smell often related to yeast infections.
To get a closer look, the vet may gently scrape the surface of your dog’s skin or take a sample from the infected area. This helps them identify whether it’s yeast or other issues like mites or bacteria. The most accurate method involves examining a sample under a microscope. Your vet will collect a swab from the skin or ears to look for yeast cells and confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment Options for Yeast Infections in Dogs
Treating a yeast infection in dogs usually involves a combination of medications and lifestyle changes to address both the symptoms and the root cause. Here are the most common treatment options:
1. Topical Treatments
Topical treatments are a common first step for managing yeast infections on the skin. You can buy medicated shampoos. These shampoos contain antifungal ingredients like ketoconazole or chlorhexidine, which kill yeast and reduce inflammation. Dogs may need baths 1–2 times a week during treatment.
Antifungal creams or sprays are also great. These are applied directly to infected areas, such as paws or skin folds, to soothe itching and fight yeast growth.
Wipes are a good option as well. Antifungal wipes are useful for cleaning small areas like in-between toes or under the tail, especially for dogs prone to recurring infections.
2. Oral Medications
In more serious cases or when topical treatments aren’t enough, vets prescribe oral medications. Your dog will usually need antifungal pills. Drugs like fluconazole, itraconazole, or ketoconazole can help eliminate yeast from within. These are typically used for widespread or recurring infections.
Probiotics are also needed. Supplements with good bacteria can help restore balance in the gut, which can prevent yeast overgrowth.
It is very important to remember that oral medications should always be used under veterinary supervision, because they may have side effects on the liver or kidneys.
3. Ear Treatments
For yeast infections in the ears, you can give your dog medicated ear drops. These have antifungal agents to clear up the infection and soothe irritation.
Also, ear-cleaning solutions are good for this problem. Regular cleaning with vet-recommended products removes wax and debris, which prevents yeast from thriving. In severe cases, your vet may need to do a deep ear cleaning under sedation to remove stubborn wax or discharge.
4. Addressing Underlying Causes
Yeast infections often happen because of other health problems, so treating the root cause is important.
If allergies are triggering the infection, your vet may suggest hypoallergenic diets, allergy medications, or supplements like omega-3 fatty acids. A balanced diet strengthens the immune system and helps prevent future infections.
Conditions like hypothyroidism can contribute to yeast overgrowth, so testing and treating these issues is also important.
5. Environmental Management
A clean and dry environment plays an important role in preventing yeast infections. Make sure to dry your dog thoroughly after baths, swimming, or being in the rain, especially in areas like ears, armpits, and paws.
Also, wash your dog’s bedding, toys, and collars frequently to avoid the spread of yeast and bacteria.
Preventative Measures for Yeast Infections in Dogs
Keeping your dog free from infections starts with regular grooming. This means bathing them with gentle or vet-recommended shampoos, brushing their coat to remove dirt and improve skin airflow, and keeping moisture-prone areas like paws and skin folds clean and dry. Breeds with wrinkles or folds need extra attention to prevent yeast from growing in these spots.
As we mentioned above, a balanced diet is also important for prevention. Feeding your dog high-quality, nutrient-rich food supports their immune system, which makes them less likely to develop infections. Avoid sugary treats, because yeast loves sugar, and consider adding probiotics to support healthy gut bacteria.
Controlling moisture is another important factor in preventing yeast infections. After baths, swimming, or rain, make sure to dry your dog thoroughly, especially in areas where moisture tends to linger. Regularly cleaning and washing your dog’s bedding, toys, and collars can also reduce the risk of infections by eliminating damp or dirty surfaces where yeast can grow.
Regular veterinary check-ups are key for early detection and prevention of health issues. These visits help your vet monitor your dog’s overall well-being and address underlying problems like allergies, hormonal imbalances, or a weakened immune system that could lead to yeast infections.
Conclusion
Yeast infections in dogs can be tough, but they’re mostly preventable with the right care. By regularly grooming, feeding your dog a healthy diet, managing moisture, and visiting the vet for check-ups, you can help stop infections before they start. Taking care of your dog’s health early and staying proactive about their overall well-being can make a huge difference. If you notice any signs of a yeast infection, contact your vet for advice and treatment.
Related article: How to Remove Ticks From Dogs
