Yeast Infection In Dogs – The Symptoms, Causes & Treatments 

Estimated Read Time: 3 minutes

Yeast overgrowth and subsequent infection is a common issue in dogs, and to be frank, it’s not the easiest of conditions to treat… 

Yeast Infection In Dogs: What Is A Dog Yeast Infection?

Yeast is a naturally occurring fungus that lives in your dog’s intestines, normally in small, balanced numbers. It’s normal and should be there! It helps your pooch digest their food.

Fungal yeast also exists on the body of a dog, and usually isn’t a problem until there’s an overgrowth of yeast… This will result in a yeast infection. When an infection takes hold it can be a significant problem for your pooch causing the cells lining your dog's gut to become inflamed and irritated and/or their skin to become very sore and painful.

A yeast infection can affect the urinary tract, mouth, and/or skin, particularly in the armpits, paws, wherever skin folds or wrinkles, and ears which are the most common area of yeast build up.

When yeast starts to overgrow like this, it is usually because there’s been a disturbance of the microbiome (which controls good digestion in the gut and in turn directly contributes to a good immune system), so something has thrown their natural bacteria balance off.

Petlab Co. Pro Tip: Yeast growth is usually triggered by a shift in environment pH levels or the temperature becoming warmer, so your dog may be more at risk in the summer months…

Yeast Infection In Dogs: What Are The Symptoms?

The longer your dog’s yeast infection goes untreated, the harder it will be to treat and rectify. So, being familiar with the following signs is essential as a pet owner…

• Severe chewing, licking, or scratching at the suspected infected area
• Red/Inflamed skin
• Greasy coat
• Open sores or greasy, crusty/scaly skin
• Hair loss (alopecia)
• Behavioural changes (aggression, low mood)
• Bad odour from the suspected infected area
• A grey or rust-like colouring around their genitals or between their toes
• Diarrhoea
• Black skin
• Seasonal allergies
• If they have a suspected yeast infection in their ear, they may shake their head frequently

Yeast Infection In Dogs: How Do Dogs Get Yeast Infections?

There are so many factors that can contribute to the development of a yeast infection. Some of our four-legged friends are predisposed to them because of their breed. They include German Shepherds, West Highland White Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, Dachshunds, Basset Hounds, Chinese Shar-Peis, Poodles, and Shih-Tzus.

Other reasons your dog may develop a yeast infection include:

• They’ve recently taken antibiotics or corticosteroids
• They have diabetes
• They have an insufficient diet
• They have a weakened immune system
• They’re receiving chemotherapy
• They’ve recently used a medical catheter
• They have food allergies
• They are being over-bathed (more than twice a week) and/or with a sulphur-based shampoo
• They are not being bathed enough
• They have been bitten and/or are allergic to mites, ticks, parasites, or fleas
• They have been exposed to very hot and humid weather
• They are being fed sugary snacks

Whatever the cause of your dog’s yeast infection, it can be distressing and uncomfortable for them so as a responsible pet parent, you must get them sorted… Pronto!

What To Do If Your Dog Has A Yeast Infection?

The first thing you should do is get them seen by a vet, stat. Your vet will be able to confirm the diagnosis and provide any necessary anti-fungal or anti-yeast medication and advice.

Dog Yeast Infection Treatment At Home

(And Stop It Happening Again!)

Dog Yeast Infection Treatment: Try A Vinegar Rinse...

Help soothe Fido’s itchy, irritated skin with a vinegar rinse! It will not only calm the skin’s inflammation but also help reduce the likelihood of yeast infections reoccurring if used on a regular basis thereafter.

Simply pour out a gallon of water and mix with a cup of vinegar. After they’ve been bathed, this mixture will help slightly acidify their skin to help minimise further yeast growth. Pour it over your buddy from collar to tail, avoiding their head and eyes, and towel dry it in – without rinsing. Make sure to focus on their armpits, inner thighs, and tummy!

Dog Yeast Infection Treatment: Try Probiotics...

If your dog has recurring yeast infections, it sounds like their gut health may need a regular boost of good bacteria! You’ve heard of probiotics for humans, and they can benefit dogs just as they benefit us too!

Poor gut health can have a negative effect on organ function, the immune system, energy levels, and lead to yeast infections – so ensuring the digestive system is in optimum condition by introducing a daily prebiotic or probiotic supplement can help you ensure they live a healthy, happy, and active life (without too much of a yeasty disturbance!)

Dog Yeast Infection Treatment: Assess Their Diet

Yeast thrives on sugar, so avoid cheap pet food and treats with high sugar content. That includes honey, corn syrup, corn, wheat, and potatoes. If your pup’s yeast levels are blooming, you simply don’t want to add fuel to the fire!

Keep them on a high protein diet to help diminish the excess yeast in their system. Discuss their long term diet options with your vet to reduce the risk of it happening again.

But, What About A Dog Ear Yeast Infection?

A dog ear yeast infection is incredibly common, so we’ve actually put together an entire blog on what to do in the case of one. Read it here.

And, Dog Urinary Tract Yeast Infections?

Suspect a urinary tract infection in your pup and think it might be yeast related? Read our blog on Urinary Tract Infections In Dogs here.

If your pup’s yeast infection doesn’t seem to be getting better or worsening, contact your vet as a matter of urgency. 

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Why Do Dogs Chew Their Feet?

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