Have you ever observed your dog scratching a lot, shaking its head, or licking its paws compulsively? These are all indicators of a dog who is experiencing discomfort.
Yeast infections are known to cause these problems in dogs and usually develop in the ears, armpits, skin folds, paws, and your dog’s hind end. Because yeast is a type of fungus, an overgrowth of yeast is, therefore, a fungal infection.
Yeast is not contagious, but if left untreated, the itching will worsen, and the skin will become even more irritated. Consider these treatment suggestions.
Why do Dogs Get Yeast Infections?
Malassezia is a type of yeast that can be found naturally on the dog’s skin, ears, and anal sac, without causing any health issues. It is normally kept in check by a healthy immune system.
It is only when they grow in number that they cause problems. When the yeast grows uncontrollably, it can irritate the skin and cause a condition called yeast dermatitis.
Dogs can get a yeast infection, which is likely caused by something that reduces the immune system response or messes with the skin’s natural balance, allowing yeast to grow and spread.
Common yeast infections in dogs are usually caused by allergies, antibiotics, steroid medications, and underlying medical conditions such as diabetes and oversecretion of oil on the dog’s skin.
How do You Treat Yeast Infections in Dogs?
There are two different ways to treat a dog yeast infection: using antifungal pills and topical products such as shampoos and ointments.
Topical treatment may be sufficient if the yeast infection is mild, with only one or two small areas. However, your dog may require oral medication if the infection is severe or widespread.
Your veterinarian may also suggest a combination of treatments and a change in your dog’s diet. While the infection is still clearing up, many dogs will benefit from taking medication to relieve itching and other symptoms.
Treatment For Ear Yeast Infections
According to some veterinarians, yeast infections are dogs’ most common types of ear infections. The treatment for these ear infections include cleaning out the area and applying the infected skin along the ear canal with a topical cream.
Veterinarians may recommend a medicated ear drop or wash to help break up any buildup and reduce the amount of yeast. A medicated ointment or solution to use after cleaning may also be prescribed.
Ear drops or washes and other ear medicines are usually in the form of a bottled solution that you can squeeze into your dog’s ears. This is not as easy as you might think, and you might need another person to help you with it.
Your dog probably won’t like having liquid put in their ear, so make sure you follow your vet’s instructions for how to do it at home.
After you put the liquid solution in your dog’s ears, you should massage the base of the ears to spread the medicine to other areas.
If your dog is reluctant to have the treatment, offer your dog some treats as a distraction, so it will be easier for you to get the correct amount into the ears.
Treatment for Dogs With Skin Yeast Infections
Medicinal shampoos, ointments, and wipes are all topical treatments for a dog’s yeast infection on the skin. Using them typically involves a few steps:
If your dog’s skin or fur is waxy, scaly, or oily, wash them with a degreasing shampoo. This removes the film-like buildup that prevents topical medications from interacting with the skin.
Massage antifungal dog shampoo into the skin for around 10 minutes, then rinse well. Most vets recommend using a product containing chlorhexidine, a germ-killing disinfectant, one to two times a week.
The infected area should be treated daily with a prescription lotion, spray, cream, or wipes. Terbinafine, ketoconazole, miconazole, clotrimazole, and climbazole, are some of the common antifungal medications.
Oral Treatment For Dogs With Yeast Infections
Sometimes, topical medications are simply ineffective, especially when it comes to getting them onto the skin of dogs with long, dense coats or not too fond of bath time. In these cases, oral treatment may be the only viable option.
It is also better to take an antifungal pill for more advanced yeast infection cases because it can kill yeast quickly.
However, there is a downside to prescriptions like fluconazole, ketoconazole, terbinafine, and itraconazole–they can cause stomach upset and affect the liver.
Vets may recommend regular blood work and careful monitoring while treating with oral medication.
The Takeaway
Some dogs are more susceptible to yeast infections because of their breed or underlying medical condition.
Regular ear washes at home can help prevent ear infections, so make it a habit to give your dog an over-the-counter ear wash made for pets.
