Yeast Infections in Dogs

Overview

The skin is host to innumerable bacteria and fungi. Under normal circumstances, these organisms do not cause a problem and are kept under control by the immune system. If conditions on the skin change or if the immune system is suppressed, these bacteria and fungi can cause infection. These types of infections are termed opportunistic infections. If the number of yeast organisms on the skin increase, a yeast skin infection results.

Yeast infections are more likely to occur in dogs whose immune systems have been compromised or suppressed with medications. Often this occurs during allergy season, especially if your dog is taking steroids or antibiotics. Some dogs are more likely to develop yeast infections based on their genetics or body traits like, for example, excessive skin folds.

These infections may need special treatments from the veterinarian to help soothe the skin and kill the yeast. Some remedies are also available to help manage yeast infections at home. Depending on the severity of the infection, these remedies may not be enough, but they can still be helpful in keeping them comfortable.

What Causes Yeast Infections in Dogs?

Yeast infections in dogs are usually secondary problems. This means that there is some other issue that is weakening the skin’s defense mechanisms to allow the yeast to grow in higher numbers than normal.

It is very common to see yeast infections in a dog’s ears or on their skin if they have food allergies or environmental allergies. Other underlying issues that may cause yeast infections in dogs include hormonal problems or other diseases that suppress the immune system.

Other causes yeast infections on a dog’s skin may include:

• Antibiotics: Just like yeast, good bacteria are also naturally present on the skin. They help keep yeast levels in balance. Antibiotics wipe out all bacteria, both good and bad. With bacteria out of the way, yeast numbers can grow out of hand.

• Brewer’s yeast

• Oatmeal shampoos

• Carbohydrates or sugar in food

Common Signs Of Yeast Infections In Dogs

There are a few telltale signs that will help you figure out whether your dog has a yeast infection, leaky gut or allergies. One of the key signs is changeability-yeast can change with shifts in pH or temperature.

Here are other signs of yeast infection you’ll want to look for:

• Chewing or licking the feet

•  Dark rusty-red hair between the toes

•  Black skin (often with hair loss)

•  Bad smell and greasy hair (seborrhea)

•  Ear infections or head shaking

•  Speckles on the underbelly

•  Hair loss on the tail and upper back

•  Grayish or rust color around the genitals

•  Diarrhea

•  Seasonal allergies

• Secondary bacterial infection

It’s important to know these signs because the longer your dog’s yeast infection goes untreated, the harder it will be to resolve.

Helpful Remedies For Yeast Infections in Dogs

There are a few things you can do to help your dog if it has a yeast infection. Many of these remedies are often used alongside prescription therapies recommended by your veterinarian but some may help to battle a mild yeast infection all on their own.

Apple cider vinegar

Vinegar changes the pH of your dog’s skin so that the yeast cannot grow when it is applied topically. A solution of half apple cider vinegar and half water can be used to bathe your dog or wipe onto the infected areas.

Beta-glucans

Polysaccharides are found in the cell walls of yeast, mushrooms, and cereal grains. If they are bioactive, they can help give your dog’s immune system a little help. Since the immune system is partially responsible for inflammation, beta-glucans can help support dogs that are prone to developing yeast infections.

Ear cleaners with drying agents

If your dog has yeast otitis, then an ear cleaner designed for dogs with a drying agent can help to keep your dog’s ears yeast-free. This cleaner can be used after baths and when your dog goes swimming to help decrease the moisture in the ears.

Avoid allergens

If your dog is sensitive to certain foods or things in the environment, avoiding them can help decrease the severity and likelihood of a yeast infection.

Degreasing shampoos

Shampoos with degreasers and even simple dish soap can help strip the excessive oils from a dog’s skin. These shampoos should not be used regularly unless instructed by a veterinarian but can help some dogs that are oily and prone to yeast infections.

Many other remedies are often touted as being safe options for treating yeast infections in dogs but little to no scientific evidence is available to support their use.

Preventive Care

Some dogs are prone to yeast infections and this may be because of their breed or because of another medical condition. Good ear care at home can help prevent ear infections, so try to make it a habit of giving your pup regular ear washes with over-the-counter products.

Considering a natural home remedy for your dog’s yeast infection may work to help suppress yeast growth. But the best thing move is to figure out what caused the problem in the first place. Most acidic agents like vinegar can help slow yeast growth but don’t kill it. 

To prevent a recurrence, you have to identify and treat the underlying disease, such as allergies or diabetes, It’s just as important as treating the yeast. So while these at-home remedies can be useful in preventing yeast infections, they don’t resolve them on their own.

In addition to vinegar, other herbal products like tea tree oil have mild antiseptic or anti-inflammatory properties which can help too. Be careful, tea tree oil is toxic to dogs, and only should be applied externally when diluted and never in a spot that your dog can lick.

As with any medical condition, your best bet is to consult your veterinarian who can help treat your dog’s yeast infections safely and effectively.