Yeast Infections in Dogs - The Guide

Yeast infections occur when there is an overabundance of yeast present on your dog’s skin. As yeast is a fungus that produces spores under the right conditions, it can sit on the skin without causing any issues to your pup. It only becomes an issue when it grows in numbers and spreads.

Yeast infections are often secondary infections to issues like allergies such as food intolerances, pollen sensitivities or medications that cause a reaction in them. Hormonal issues can also be the cause of yeast thriving on the surface of their skin. When a dog’s normal skin defences and immune system are compromised, this leaves them vulnerable to yeast infections.

It can occur anywhere on the skin including paws and ears. When you’re checking for a yeast infection, you should be looking over their entire body - making sure to part the coat to see the surface of the skin.

Symptoms of a yeast infection may look a little bit different depending on where on the body it is. Generally, infections will cause red, irritated, and itchy skin, but it can often be confused with other illnesses based solely on that. Ear mites will often present similar symptoms, so it’s important to know the difference and understand exactly what you’re looking for.

Yeast infections can occur anywhere along the skin including on the stomach or along their back.

You might notice that they’ve been itching or grooming a particular area, and this is where you should start your search. However, if the affected area is just out of reach, they will sometimes groom somewhere they can reach.

Yeast infections on the skin are common in breeds like Bulldogs and Shar Peis, where the skin folds - offering the perfect environment for yeast to thrive, so be sure to check all their creases.

If they have a dog yeast infection, there may be some hair loss and the skin might appear red and irritated. There is often flaky skin sitting on the surface and if it’s been going on for a while the surface of the skin can grow darker, and it may feel thicker.

Yeast infections on a dog’s paw can make them appear red and sore but it can be hard to see. While a yeast infection can occur anywhere on the paw, the most likely place is between the toes where moisture can become trapped. Just like the rolls in a dog’s skin, those crevices make the perfect environment for yeast to grow.

If a dog has a yeast infection on their paws you will often see them licking it and overgrooming the area as it will feel quite sore and irritated. They may also have some discharge on their claws or when you part their toes.

Infections in the ear are one of the most common forms of yeast infections in dogs. The deep canals of the ear are often a breeding ground for bacteria and are the perfect environment for yeast to flourish.

One of the first and most obvious symptoms of a yeast infection in the ears is often the smell that comes with it. While all yeast will have a musty smell, the ears tend to be more potent as they have less chance to air out in the environment.

Dogs will often be itching or rubbing their ears a lot and they might even shake their head because it’s so irritated. Looking inside the ear, you will see some discharge as well as the skin inside being red and sore that can extend right to the tips of the ears.

If an infection has gone unnoticed for a while, the fur around the ears can become greasy and the ear will start to thicken from the trauma of having an untreated infection for a while.

Female dogs are unlucky enough to be at risk of getting yeast infections around their reproductive organs. Male dog genitalia tend to not have the same issue as a female dog’s vulva is the perfect environment for yeast to reproduce. The infection around the vulva can cause inflammation and irritation around the area. There may also be brown discharge that owners can sometimes mistake for blood when they move from where they’ve been resting.

Symptoms of yeast infection around a female dog’s reproductive parts include:

If you’re able to catch a yeast infection in the early stages, a simple anti-fungal bath can sometimes do the trick; however, it’s always best to get them checked by a vet. A vet will help you distinguish why they believe your canine companion has developed a yeast infection. It may be a case of trialling a different diet or even prescribing anti-fungal oral medication depending on how severe the infection is.

They will usually need to take a swab from the infected area to make sure it is yeast as issues like ear mites can often have many of the same symptoms. You could go home with a topical ointment, medicated shampoo, or oral medication.

When you’re searching for the perfect shampoo to wash a dog’s coat and help ease the symptoms of their infection, you’re going to be looking for a product with ingredients to reduce the itching that fungal infections cause.

Johnson's Medicated Shampoo is great for clearing the coat and skin during the early stages of an infection and will help to keep the skin free of bacteria to avoid making it a breeding ground for yeast.

Rufus & Rosie Hypoallergenic Shampoo, Lavender is a fantastic option to reduce any itching and soothe their skin to help them get back to feeling better faster. If your pup has been given vet-prescribed medication, check with your vet before using any shampoo.

While there isn’t much research on foods that act as home remedies for helping dogs with yeast infections, we do at least know that some food types can make the problem worse. Any food containing yeast should be avoided, which is most meals that have lots of carbohydrates.

The two best diets for dogs who are prone to or are suffering from a yeast infection include raw feeding and grain free diets. Raw and frozen food is predominantly made from protein so the carbohydrates are kept very minimal. Similarly, grain free diets tend to contain no yeast. Many dogs who suffer from yeast infections can have them as a secondary symptom of food intolerances so finding food that will avoid irritating their gut will really help to overcome any infections.

To prevent further infections, you can ask your local vet about allergy testing to make sure you’re really getting to the cause of the issue.

Regular bathing and washing out any skin folds as well as keeping ears nice and clean will prevent them from becoming the perfect host for yeast to multiply. Maintaining good hygiene and keeping on top of their care can make them less susceptible but with the help of your vet, finding out what caused the infection in the first place is the best preventative to further yeast growth.

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