How to treat a yeast infection in dogs?
Is your little furry friend frequently itching or scratching his skin, most commonly his paws, wrinkles, armpits, and other body parts? Owners fail to root out the cause behind this discomfort, which saddens them and their pooch. Although yeast infections are uncommon in dogs as their defensive systems efficiently deal with them, they occur in moist skin areas, such as the paws and wrinkles, armpits, or under the tail.
The yeast only causes infection when it congregates in large numbers in one location; although the keratinized tissue layer protects the dog’s paws, they can still get an infection from fungus-like yeast. This article will discuss the causes and treatment of yeast infection. So, stay tuned with us until the last word.
Why does yeast infection occur in dogs? “OR” What causes yeast infection in dogs?
A yeast infection can always occur when your dog’s defensive system fails to remove it and grows in large amounts on your dog’s body. It means your dog is already suffering from the disease or diseases continuously weakening his skin’s defensive mechanism.
However, it is normal to have a yeast infection in your dog if your pooch has an allergy to certain foods or environmental changes.
Other reasons might include the change in metabolism and hormones inside your dog.
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Which breeds are more likely to get a yeast infection?
Because of their bodies’ nature and their skin’s weak defensive mechanisms, some dogs are more susceptible to yeast infection than others. These include;
- Shih Tzu
- Poodles
- Lhasa apsos
- Terriers
- Spaniels
- Shetland sheepdogs
- Dachshunds
- Basset hounds
- Chihuahuas
- West highland white terriers
However, yeast infection is not limited to the breeds listed above. Almost all breeds can encounter this fungus if they have a weak defensive system or if their skin becomes disrupted by certain factors. It occurs when the body does not stop the multiplication or spreading of the fungus.
What are the signs of yeast infection in dogs?
A yeast infection causes itching and redness (maybe due to frequent scratching). It also gives off a sweet odor from the infected area, including the ear, skin, and paws. In chronic cases, the infected part discolors and thickens. Here are some common yeast infection symptoms in the foot, skin, and ear.
Yeast infection in paws:
You may see hair loss if your dog’s paws are infected with yeast. Your dog frequently licks and bites the infected area. The underside of the feet is more vulnerable to this infection, yet; yeast can affect any area of your dog’s paws.
The area often discharges a certain liquid of a brown color.
Yeast infection in the skin:
Your dog badly itches or scratches his face; even the upper layer becomes red or sometimes slightly peeled off. The yeast infection can occur on any part of your dog’s skin. But the greasy places with moisture are more vulnerable to it. Especially dog wrinkles are the favorite place for yeast to attack. If yeast is attacking that area, you may notice hair loss.
Yeast infection in ears:
You may find your dog rubbing his head, particularly ear side on the wall or grass. The part becomes extremely red with the discharge of brown matter. It may be inside of the ear or flap. It is because of the itching that continuously discomforts him.
What are the causes of dog yeast infections?
These are the causes of yeast infections in dogs:
Steroid medication:
Sometimes, veterinarians prescribe steroid medicines to treat autoimmune diseases and allergies. The medication suppresses the immune system by overreacting to it. In return, the body’s immune systems fail to deal with the germs and foreign agents effectively.
Antibiotics:
Certain antibiotics vets prescribe to your dog also remove the natural bacteria that help control the number of yeasts. So the massive growth of yeast becomes destructive for your dog’s skin.
Allergies:
The prime cause of a yeast infection in your four-legged friend is an allergy to certain substances, including food, fleas, and the environment. In some cases, your dog may have an allergy to yeast.
How do you treat a yeast infection in a dog?
To diagnose the yeast, your vet may examine the discharged brown liquid under a microscope to observe the nature and intensity of the infection (the process is known as cytology). The liquid must be taken from the part vulnerable to yeast infection.
Treatment in this regard includes anti-fungal medicines, creams, wipes, shampoos, and sprays.
In case of ear infection, an ear cleaner is also given, but oral medications are only given in severe cases.
The medicines that are effective in removing yeast from the skin include:
- Chlorohexidine
- Miconazole
- Kitcanazole
- Itraconazole
These medicines should only be given on a vet’s prescription.
Frequently asked questions.
Sugar and carbohydrates are top in this case. Allowing your dog more carbs can readily contact him with the yeast infection.
Probiotics present in yogurt help to boost the defensive mechanism of your dog’s body to fight against yeast infection. Probiotics improve immunity and aid in nutrient absorption in your dog.
Dog yeast infection cannot be removed in one day; in fact, the medicines demand at least a week to eliminate the yeast infection from your dog’s body (if you are giving proper therapy to your dog. In some cases, treatment can be extended from three to five weeks.
Coconut oil has certain antimicrobial enzymes that help in reducing yeast infection. Owners can add some coconut oil to their dog’s food. Moreover, you can apply coconut oil to the eternal part of your dog if the infection is in the outer body part.
