Yeast infections in dogs are a common health issue, particularly in certain breeds or those with underlying conditions and compromised immune systems. While yeast naturally exists on a dog’s skin, infections occur when this fungus multiplies excessively, leading to various health problems.
In the American Kennel Club website, Harriet Meyers says in her article “Yeast Infections in Dogs: What to Know,” that understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatments of yeast infections is essential for keeping your dog healthy and comfortable.
Causes of Yeast Infections in Dogs
Yeast, a single-celled microorganism belonging to the fungus kingdom, is usually present in small quantities on a dog’s skin. However, when there is an imbalance, such as an underlying medical condition, yeast can proliferate and cause infections. Meyers highlights several factors that can lead to yeast infections, including food sensitivities, environmental triggers, and parasites like fleas. These conditions can disrupt the skin’s defenses, creating an environment conducive to yeast overgrowth.
In addition to these triggers, bacterial infections or hormonal imbalances can also contribute to yeast infections. Particularly in the case of ear infections, Meyer notes that water or debris trapped in the ear canal, food sensitivities, and even physical issues like eardrum damage, polyps, or tumors can pave the way for yeast to thrive.
Breeds Prone to Yeast Infections
Some dog breeds are more genetically predisposed to developing yeast infections than others. Harriet Meyers lists several breeds that are particularly susceptible, including the West Highland White Terrier, Basset Hound, Cocker Spaniel, Silky Terrier, Australian Terrier, Maltese, Chihuahua, Poodle, Shetland Sheepdog, Lhasa Apso, and Dachshund. Dogs with floppy ears, such as Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers, are also at a higher risk, especially if they frequently swim. These breeds’ ear structures can trap moisture, creating an ideal environment for yeast to grow.
Breeds like Miniature Schnauzers, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu are also prone to yeast infections due to the thick hair in their ear canals, which hampers airflow and prevents the ears from staying dry. Additionally, any dog with allergies is more likely to develop yeast infections, as allergies can exacerbate skin and ear conditions that allow yeast to flourish.
Recognizing Yeast Infections in Dogs
Yeast infections can manifest in various parts of a dog’s body, including the ears, paws, and skin. Meyers provides detailed descriptions of how to recognize these infections in her article.
Yeast Infections in Ears
The dog’s ear canal is a prime location for yeast infections because it is dark, warm, and moist—conditions that yeast thrive in. According to Meyers, the most common types of yeast found in a dog’s ears are Candida and Malassezia. Symptoms of an ear yeast infection include scratching and digging at the ear, rubbing the head on surfaces, excessive shaking of the head, and a musty odor emanating from the ear. Other signs include brown, yellow, or bloody discharge, crusted skin or fur on the ear flap, swelling and redness, and hair loss around the ear base.
Early diagnosis and treatment of yeast infections in the ears are crucial. Meyers stresses that if a yeast infection is left untreated, it can spread deeper into the ear, potentially causing severe complications such as hearing loss, vestibular imbalance, or neurological damage.
Yeast Infections on Paws
Dogs’ paws are another common site for yeast infections. The paws are frequently exposed to wet and dirty surfaces, which can trap moisture and dirt between the toes and pads. Additionally, contact with grass, weeds, and other irritants can trigger allergies or cause cuts and scratches, making the paws more susceptible to infection.
Meyers points out several symptoms of paw yeast infections, including excessive licking and chewing of the feet, redness and irritation of the skin, brown discharge in the nail beds, pink salivary staining on the hair around the paws, and hair loss. It is important to note that excessive licking of the paws can be due to various reasons, including anxiety, boredom, injury, parasites, bacteria, or food allergies. Therefore, early examination and diagnosis by a veterinarian are essential to relieve discomfort and prevent complications.
Yeast Infections on Skin
Yeast dermatitis is a skin inflammation caused by yeast infections and can occur on any part of a dog’s skin. However, as Meyers explains, it is most common in areas with skin folds that can trap moisture, such as in wrinkly breeds like the Chinese Shar-Pei. The symptoms of a yeast infection on the skin include intense itching, red and inflamed skin, greasy or crusty patches, thickened skin, darker skin color, hair loss, and a musty smell.
Yeast infections on the skin can start in a localized area, but if left untreated, they can spread and affect the entire body, including the dog’s face and mouth. Often, these infections are accompanied by secondary bacterial infections, which can complicate the condition.
Treatment of Yeast Infections in Dogs
Treating yeast infections in dogs depends on the location and severity of the infection. Meyers explains that for yeast infections in the outer ear, veterinarians typically prescribe a topical antifungal cream. For infections deeper in the ear canal, antifungal drops or oral medication may be necessary. Cleaning the ear thoroughly and using ear-drying solutions can help prevent the infection from recurring.
For yeast infections on the paws, treatment may involve disinfectant sprays to kill germs and daily application of a topical antifungal lotion or spray. To prevent the dog from licking its paws and allowing them to stay dry while healing, an Elizabethan collar might be recommended.
Skin infections caused by yeast may require both topical and oral treatments. Medicated antifungal shampoos are often used to clean the greasy skin and should be left on the dog’s skin for about 10 minutes before rinsing. Bathing may need to be repeated for up to 12 weeks, depending on the severity of the infection. Meyers also notes that veterinarians may prescribe antifungal medications and antibiotics to treat any accompanying bacterial skin infections.
Prevention of Yeast Infections in Dogs
The good news, as Meyers points out, is that yeast infections in dogs are not contagious to other dogs or humans. Prevention focuses primarily on keeping the affected areas clean and dry. For instance, to prevent ear infections, it is crucial to thoroughly dry your dog’s ears after swimming or bathing to avoid moisture build-up. If your dog shows signs of a skin rash, musty smell, or excessive scratching or licking, taking them to the veterinarian promptly can prevent an infection from spreading and becoming more serious.
Meyers emphasizes that while the prognosis for yeast infections is generally good when treatment guidelines are followed, it is important to address any underlying problems such as allergies, hypothyroidism, or seborrhea. If these issues are not managed, there is a high likelihood that the yeast infection will recur.
Yeast infections in dogs are a prevalent health issue that can cause significant discomfort and complications if not addressed promptly. Meyers’ article “Yeast Infections in Dogs: What to Know” provides a comprehensive overview of the causes, symptoms, and treatments of these infections, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and prevention. By understanding the factors that contribute to yeast overgrowth and taking proactive steps to keep your dog’s skin, ears, and paws clean and dry, you can help your pet stay healthy and free from the discomfort of yeast infections.
About the Author: Mariana Burgos is a freelance artist, writer, and tutor. She has been a solo parent for 17 years now because she is the wife of Jonas Burgos, a Filipino desaparecido. She and her daughter are animal lovers and are active in advocating not only human rights but the rights of animals as well.
