Signs of a yeast infection in dogs include intense itching, redness, a musty or cheesy odor (like stale corn chips), greasy or flaky skin, hair loss, and thickened, darkened skin (lichenification), often in warm, moist areas like paws, ears, armpits, and skin folds, with ear infections showing brown, waxy discharge and head shaking.
Treatment involves antifungal shampoos, allergy medications, and maintaining hygiene. Over-the-counter products like Monistat are sometimes used but should be applied cautiously and only after vet approval. Preventative care includes regular cleaning, avoiding moisture buildup, and monitoring for recurring infections.
Diets High in Sugar and Carbs
While there is no best dog food for yeast infections, diets high in sugar and carbohydrates can create an environment that promotes yeast overgrowth, making them the worst dog food choices for dogs prone to yeast infections.
The only home remedy for yeast infections in dogs that has any scientific data to support it is a vinegar rinse. A vinegar rinse is able to help change the pH of the skin to make it less desirable for yeast. The proper dilution is essential to avoid irritation.
Note: You'll often see yogurt recommended for yeast infections in dogs. But dairy, including yogurt, contains natural sugar that will continue to feed the yeast. Instead of yogurt, it's best to give a probiotic supplement.
Symptoms of Dog Skin Yeast Infections
There are certain breeds thought to be genetically predisposed to developing yeast infections. These breeds include West Highland White Terrier, Basset Hound, Cocker Spaniel, Silky Terrier, Australian Terrier, Maltese Terrier, Chihuahua, Poodle, Shetland Sheepdog, Lhasa Apso, and Dachshund.
Fluconazole is a prescription antifungal medication used to treat systemic (widespread internal) fungal and yeast infections. Fluconazole is often prescribed to dogs to treat fungal infections such as: Cryptococcosis.
Allergens that lots of dogs are sensitive to, such as grain or dairy products, could be responsible for triggering their yeast infections. Going for a grain-free dog food and/or avoiding dairy products and other common allergens entirely will likely help.
A weakened immune system can make a dog more susceptible to yeast infections. Chronic illnesses, stress, or prolonged use of antibiotics can disrupt the balance of normal skin flora.
The Best Food Choices for Dogs With Yeast Infections
What can you put on a female dog's private area? For mild irritation or vulvar discharge, you can use unscented baby wipes to clean the area and apply cornstarch powder to keep it dry. This helps prevent secondary bacterial infections while soothing inflammation, but consult a vet if symptoms persist.
Clumps of dead skin cells start to appear as yellowish or greyish flakes and the underlying skin often looks pink and inflamed. Crusty areas or raised, crusty spots may appear on your dog's skin. Thickened or darkened areas of skin – If the skin has been affected for a while, chronic changes may begin to appear.
Costs to treat yeast infections in dogs
Topical medications can run from about $6.50 to $262. Another topical treatment includes an initial bath with a shampoo containing selenium sulfide or benzoyl peroxide, followed by an antifungal shampoo every three to five days for two to 12 weeks.
If a dog's yeast infection is left untreated, it will progressively worsen and lead to extreme discomfort. Over time, the discomfort can cause the dog to become very sick. The yeast that commonly causes skin infections in dogs is Malassezia, which grows on warm, moist areas of the skin.
Your dog may obsessively lick their private parts due to discomfort caused by urinary tract infections or an infection to their reproductive organs, such as vaginitis or pyometra. A urine test (urinalysis) will reveal evidence of infection, blood, urinary bladder crystals, and inflammation.
Apple cider vinegar can be used to combat yeast that has already manifested on the skin and coat, and this is because yeast cannot tolerate acidic pH. Mix apple cider vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio and rub it on your dog's body. The yeast won't like this and will stop multiplying.
Many pet parents notice their dogs self-clean their genitals, but there will be times you may need to clean them yourself. Female dogs in heat might require a gentle wipe, and male dogs might require a cleaning every so often as well, but mostly due to playtime dirt and not for health or sanitary reasons.
A life-threatening yeast infection of the bloodstream that occurs in some people who are at higher risk of infection due to a weak immune system. When the fungus enters the bloodstream, the disease spreads throughout the body. This can worsen critical illness and result in death if left untreated.
Oral Medications
In severe cases, your veterinarian may prescribe oral antifungal medications to tackle the infection from within. These medications are typically used for persistent or widespread yeast infections.
The best diet for a dog with yeast is a whole food, raw diet, avoiding any starchy carbohydrates. Then, once you've stopped feeding the yeast and you've broken up the biofilm, you'll want to add antifungal foods and supplements to your dog's diet.
Causes of Vaginitis in Dogs
Anything that causes inflammation, irritation, or a moist environment can cause vaginitis. Most of the time, vaginitis is caused by a bacterial infection because bacteria tend to thrive in regions where there is warmth and moisture (such as the urogenital tract).
How to spot the signs of stress
Some factors or conditions that can increase the risk of a yeast infection include: