What Are Yeast Infections in Dogs?
Yeast infections in dogs occur when fungal organisms, typically Malassezia, proliferate on the skin due to factors like weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions such as hypothyroidism. Symptoms include intense itching, changes in skin texture, and sometimes a foul odor or greasy fur. Although not emergencies, these infections should be promptly addressed by a veterinarian to prevent discomfort and potential complications like appetite loss and lethargy. Importantly, yeast infections are not contagious among dogs or to their human caregivers.
Types
Yeast infections can manifest in various areas of a dog’s skin, including the ears, skin folds, paws, armpits, vulva, and groin.
In the ears, known as yeast otitis, symptoms include a thick, brown discharge, a strong odor, and frequent scratching. Breeds with longer ears, like Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers, and Basset Hounds, are more prone to these infections, often related to food allergies.
Yeast dermatitis affects the skin, leading to a musty odor, greasy coat, flakiness, and hair loss. Dogs may lick the affected areas, resulting in brown discoloration over time. This condition, often linked to allergies or a weakened immune system, can occur in skin folds, armpits, vulva, and the groin.
Yeast infections on the paws are often associated with environmental allergies, such as grass or pollen. Dogs may incessantly chew or lick their itchy paws, leading to brown discoloration between paw pads and potential development of open sores.
Symptoms
The signs of a yeast infection can vary depending on the affected area of the body.
For yeast otitis:
- Head shaking
- Ear scratching
- Thick, brown discharge from the ears
- Redness and inflammation in the ear canals
- Strong odor
For yeast dermatitis:
- Itchy skin
- Small, red bumps on the skin
- Brown discoloration of the skin
- Excessive licking or chewing of the affected area
- Greasy hair coat
- Thickened skin
- Strong odor
For yeast infections on the paws:
- Excessive licking and chewing of the paws
- Brown discoloration of the skin and fur
- Moist, red areas between the paw pads
Causes
Yeast is considered opportunistic, meaning it normally resides on the skin but can cause infection under certain conditions.
Factors like a weakened immune system or underlying health issues can pave the way for a yeast infection in dogs. Additionally, environmental or food allergies can make them more susceptible to such infections.
Skin parasites like fleas and mites can exacerbate the situation by inducing excessive itching, which compromises the skin barrier and increases the likelihood of infection.
Certain breeds, such as Pit Bulls, Boxers, and Cocker Spaniels, tend to experience yeast infections more frequently.
Diagnosis
Your veterinarian employs various tests to diagnose a yeast infection in your dog.
Initially, they gather a comprehensive medical history, including symptom onset, current medications, and any previous health diagnoses.
Subsequently, a thorough physical examination is conducted to assess overall health. Blood work may also be performed to detect any abnormalities.
Additional diagnostic tests may be conducted based on the initial findings:
Tape impression test: Your vet applies clear tape to the affected skin area to collect a sample, which is then stained and examined under a microscope for yeast identification.
Cytology: A cotton swab is used to collect a sample from the affected area, which is then gently rubbed onto a microscope slide, stained, and examined under a microscope for yeast presence.
Culture: A sterile cotton swab collects a sample from the affected area, sent to a lab to determine the specific organism present.
Skin biopsy: In cases of chronic or unresponsive infections, a small skin sample is taken and sent to a lab for a more precise diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment for your dog’s yeast infection will vary based on its location and severity. Yeast dermatitis is often managed with antifungal medications and prescription shampoos.
Localized infections may require only topical medication, while more extensive cases may necessitate oral medications and frequent bathing.
Yeast otitis is typically addressed with topical antifungal medications and steroids to alleviate inflammation. Your vet might recommend using a medicated ear wash before applying ear medications.
For paw yeast infections, medicated antifungal wipes and oral medications like antifungals and steroids can be beneficial.
Recovery and Management
Because yeast infections often arise as a consequence of another health issue, they typically require veterinary intervention for resolution.
Identifying and addressing the root cause of the yeast infection significantly enhances treatment efficacy. For instance, if your dog has an underlying food allergy, accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment can promote skin improvement.
The duration for complete resolution of a yeast infection varies, ranging from a few weeks to several months depending on its severity. While most dogs experience symptom relief within a week or two, noticeable improvement in skin and coat may take several additional weeks for pet owners to observe.
Prevention
Regular preventive care and vaccinations are essential for maintaining your dog’s health and reducing the likelihood of infections.
Furthermore, routine wellness visits enable early detection and management of health conditions that may predispose dogs to yeast infections.
Yeast Infections in Dogs FAQs
What food causes yeast infections in dogs?
The majority of food ingredients that trigger allergies in dogs are proteins, with chicken being the most common allergen associated with yeast infections.
What happens if dog yeast infections go untreated?
If left untreated, a dog’s yeast infection will deteriorate gradually, resulting in severe discomfort. Eventually, this discomfort can lead to significant illness in the dog.
What should I feed my dog when they have a yeast infection?
Unless the yeast infection stems from an underlying food allergy, it’s typically acceptable to maintain your dog’s regular diet. However, it’s advisable to adhere to your veterinarian’s guidance regarding your dog’s dietary choices.