Can I put antifungal cream on my dog

Can I use antifungal cream on my dog?

Fungal skin infections are common and can be uncomfortable for dogs. There are a few common triggers: skin mites, ringworm, or an overgrowth of yeast (Malassezia) on dogs with environmental or food allergies.

Allergies

Dogs with allergies are itchy and often lick their feet and other body parts. The constant licking can quickly create hot spots, lesions, or moist areas for yeast to grow.

Ringworm

The other common fungal skin infection that dogs are susceptible to is ringworm. Ringworm does not refer to a parasitic worm but instead, a fungus spread by spores found in the environment, on contaminated surfaces, or by coming into contact with pets or people that have the infection. Its named for the ring-shaped raised, red, and hairless skin lesions that form on a dogs skin.

Yeast infections

Yeast infections and irritation caused by yeast can be successfully addressed by antifungal medication. These are relatively common infection types in dogs, which can be caused by direct contact with yeast in your dogs environmentpossibly leading to subsequent overgrowth of natural yeast on your pups skin. To treat, your vet may recommend the usual dose of Zymox topical cream or similar products, all of which can be calculated for your pets weight.

Breed predisposition

Certain types of dog breeds may be more prone to yeast infections than others. Generally, these breeds have heavier coats or looser skin that can trap fungal cells, debris, moisture, and yeast against your dogs skin. Some breeds that fall into this category can include:

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Can I Use Antifungal Cream on My Dog?

Fungal infections are one of the most common issues that pet owners face and many wonder, can I use antifungal cream on my dog as a home remedy?

We reached out to Carol Young, a veterinary technician, to get her advice on certain fungal infections, how to treat them, and what creams are safe to use on your dog.

What causes skin fungal infections in dogs?

Allergies

Yeast skin infections are often caused by the production of excess skin oils, and this happens frequently in dogs with skin allergies.

Yeast dermatitis, for example, is extremely common in dogs and is caused by the fungus Malassezia pachydermatis.

According to VCA¹, even though this yeast is normally found on the skin, its abnormal overgrowth can cause dermatitis or inflammation of the skin.

This can create an environment in which bacteria can thrive and reproduce, creating what veterinarians refer to as a secondary infection.

However, this kind of yeast infection is not contagious.

Symptoms include hair loss, redness and itchiness, thickened, crusty skin, and a distinct musty odor.

In floppy-eared dogs, an overgrowth of yeast produced by a warm, moist environment can cause ear infections of both the middle and inner ears.

Ringworm

Other fungal infections occur when fungal spores in the environment come into contact with your dog via inhalation or through the skin.

There are many different types of these external fungi, including blastomycosis, a fungus that affects the lungs, or ringworm, which is caused by a fungus called dermatophytosis.

When most people hear the term ringworm, they think of worms. However, ringworm gets its name from the circular shape of skin lesions that the fungus creates on the skin.

The fungus that causes ringworm, dermatophytosis, lives on the skin, clothes, and furniture, and humans can also contract ringworm from infected dogs and cats.

How do you treat a fungal infection on a dog?

Once your dog is diagnosed with a fungal infection, your veterinarian will discuss a treatment plan appropriate for your dogs needs.

The treatment plan depends on the severity of the case, the nature of the fungus, and if there are any other pets in the household.

A vet can determine the identity of a fungus in several ways, such as by taking a skin-scraping sample, microscopic examination, or via a special ultraviolet light called a Woods lamp that can detect the fungus dermatophytosis.

Treating fungal infections in dogs usually involves the use of topical antifungal creams such as clotrimazole and miconazole, oral medications, and environmental decontamination if needed.

If the dog has an ear infection due to yeast overgrowth, treatment may involve a thorough ear cleaning and a round of antibiotics to fight possible secondary bacterial infections, as well as antifungal ear drops.

Other treatments may involve the use of medicated shampoos.

Many dogs with oily skin will first require cleansing with a shampoo containing benzoyl peroxide or selenium sulfide, or bathing with an antifungal shampoo that contains chlorhexidine and antifungal agents.

The good news is that most dogs make a complete recovery after several weeks.

So, can I use antifungal cream on my dog?

If you found that your dog has a fungal infection, you may be looking for a cream thats safe to use.

When using antifungal creams on your dog, make sure that you check with your veterinarian first about proper use and application.

There are several creams that veterinarians prescribe to combat fungal infections, and these creams are applied topically to your dogs skin where a fungal infection is located.

However, keep in mind that theyre only meant to treat small areas of the skin, and if your dog has a fungal infection that covers a large portion of their body, or areas that arent easily accessible, then creams arent going to be the best choice.

Common antifungal creams for dogs may contain the following active ingredients:

1. Miconazole. Monistat is an antifungal cream that is typically used for vaginal yeast infections in humans.

The active ingredient is Miconazole Nitrate, which is effective for the treatment of fungal infections such as ringworm, and for superficial skin and ear infections caused by an overgrowth of yeast.

Its also a common ingredient in medicated dog shampoos along with other antibacterial agents, such as Chlorhexidine.

Although Monistat is safe to use on dogs, its important to check with your veterinarian first before applying it to your dog or your dogs ears.

2. Clotrimazole. Also known by the brand name Canesten or Lotrimin, Clotrimazole is a topical antifungal cream used to treat athletes foot in humans and fungal infections in dogs and cats.

The cream is usually a 1% Clotrimazole concentration and it can be purchased over the counter. (However, dont use it on your dog without direction from a veterinarian.)

The usual dose is to apply a thin layer to the affected area twice a day for 14 days.

3. Ketoconazole. Sold under the brand name Nizoral, this cream is used to treat fungal skin infections, and can also come in the form of wipes mixed with the antibacterial solution Chlorhexidine.

4. Econazole. Econazole Nitrate cream comes in a 1% concentration and is used to treat ringworm in dogs, cats, and horses, as well as other fungal skin infections.

5. Itraconazole. This medication usually comes in the form of an oral solution, but its also available as a 1% concentration in a cream. It treats serious fungal or yeast infections in dogs.

Can my dog lick the antifungal cream?

Antifungal creams and lotions are meant for external use only, and veterinarians will recommend preventing your dog from licking and swallowing any of these medications.

Many veterinary formulations are designed for rapid absorption through the skin to minimize issues with ingestion.

Some veterinarians may also recommend the use of an e-collar to minimize the licking of treated areas.

Alternatives to antifungal creams

Medicated shampoo

Medicated shampoos are often used to treat fungal infections in dogs. They contain antifungal medications that can help control skin infections and eliminate the need for topical creams.

Your veterinarian may recommend using medicated shampoos twice a week, for up to 4 weeks.

Be sure to allow the shampoo to soak into the skin for at least 10 minutes before rinsing and dont allow your dog to lick off the product.

Its important to use only medicated shampoos that are designed for dogs and cats. Human shampoos can be harmful to pets.

Recommended reading: Can I Use Palmolive to Wash My Dog?

MiconaHex+Triz Shampoo is a popular product that contains Miconazole. This is the same active ingredient thats used in some antifungal creams intended for dogs and cats.

Medicated wipes

If your dog doesnt like baths, you can use medicated wipes instead. These wipes are ideal for treating mild cases of ringworm.

We love Dermabliss Medicated Skin Wipes by Vetnique Labs. This product contains Ketoconazole, which, again, is an antifungal drug thats also used in many antifungal creams.

Medicated spray

Similar to medicated wipes, you can use a medicated spray.

Here, too, we recommend Vetnique Labs Dermabliss Medicated Spray, which contains the same active ingredient as in their medicated wipes.

Fish oil

Although this isnt a treatment for fungal infections, the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil can help your dog with itching and inflammation and make them less susceptible to dry skin and allergies.

Sardines, mackerel, and salmon oil are all great sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

In summary

Antifungal cream is a great way to help your dog with skin infections, but it should be used after consulting with a veterinarian and if the fungal infection only covers a small area of your dogs skin that they cant lick off.

Other alternative treatments include medicated shampoos, wipes, and sprays, as well as dietary supplements such as fish oil to alleviate some of the symptoms and prevent future flare-ups.

Sources

1. Yeast Dermatitis in Dogs

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Can I put antifungal cream in my dogs ear?

If your dog has a yeast infection of the outer ear canal, the vet might prescribe a topical antifungal ointment or cream. Miconazole and ketoconazole are two antifungal medicines that are often effective.

Can I use human antifungal cream on my dog?

No, you should avoid using antifungal creams on your dog.

What ointment is good for dog ear infection?

Otomax is a prescription ear medication for dogs or cats that treats otitis externa, outer ear infection, caused by yeast and bacteria. Otomax contains gentamicin sulfate, betamethasone valerate, and clotrimazole an antibiotoc, an anti-inflammatory steroid, and an antifungal.

Flea dermatitis, food allergies and contact with toxic household and lawn chemicals can present like athletes foot as well. Scaly, flaky, irritated skin should be evaluated by a medical professional. Avoid treating your dogs symptoms with medications or creams designed for humans without your vets consent.

Can I use Lamisil on my dogs ears?

What is terbinafine? Terbinafine (brand name Lamisil) is a topical antifungal used occasionally to treat skin fungal infections in dogs. It is not as effective for treating fungal skin infections in cats. Terbinafine is also found in an ear solution in combination with other medications for use in dogs (e.g., Claro).

How can I get rid of my dogs ear infection at home?

Can I put Lotrimin on my dog?

Topical terbinafine (Lamisil) and clotrimazole (Lotrimin), are not recommended for use in pets as they do not reduce further growth of ringworm lesions.

Can clotrimazole cream be used on dogs?

Clotrimazole is a topical antifungal solution for dogs and cats used to treat fungal skin infections.

How can I treat my dogs ear infection without going to the vet?

Use a mixture of 50% organic apple cider vinegar and 50% water, soak a cotton ball and clean your dogs ears. If you notice your dog in pain or her ears drying out too much, discontinue use and see your vet.

Can I use hydrocortisone cream on my dogs ears?

You can use hydrocortisone cream on dogs to soothe minor irritations like bug bites and small rashes. Vets often recommend it to treat skin allergies, inflammatory skin diseases, infections such as hot spots, and to help decrease ear inflammation in dogs with severe ear infections, says Butzer.

Is it OK to put Neosporin in dogs ears?

Neosporin should never be used in the ears, eyes, or mouth. Neosporin may be good to have on hand in a pinch, but it is not designed for pets and should not be used often.

Can I put yeast infection cream on my dog?

Your vet might prescribe an oral anti-yeast medicine. However, topical treatments, such as prescription strength anti-yeast cream, lotion, shampoo and wipes, are also effective. If your dog has a yeast infection on their paws, medicated wipes or lotion can be effective.

How can I tell if my dog has a yeast infection in his ear?

1. Red or brown waxy discharge in the ear.
2. Itching, scratching & pawing at the ear.
3. A cheesy or musty smell coming from the ear.
4. Red or irritated ear.

Why does my dog keep getting yeast ear infections?

Causes Of Dog Ear Infections Your dogs yeasty ears stem from yeast overgrowth in your dogs body. Yeast is present in healthy ears, but there are a few factors that can cause it to grow out of control. Any processed kibble diet worsens yeast because carbohydrates create sugars that feed yeast.

Can I use vagisil in my dogs ears?

Do not mistake this product for another product on the market, such as Vagisil. While Vagisil relieves itching, it is not formulated to eliminate fungus (yeast is a fungus), so its not at all useful for your dogs yeast infection.

Does vinegar cure dog ear infection?

In the first instance, you can use a diluted apple cider vinegar solution to clean your dogs ears. Apple cider vinegar helps by acting as a cleanser and an anti-fungal and antibacterial agent. Dabbing this into your dogs ears sparingly can help to clean out the inside of their ears and treat the infection.

Will white vinegar help my dogs ear infection?

Both white or apple cider vinegar can be used. First, check the inside of your dogs ear to see if its been punctured. If you notice a puncture or bleeding, do not use a vinegar solution and contact your veterinarian immediately.

What antifungals are safe for dogs?

• Chlotrimazole.
• Econazole.
• Itraconazole.
• Ketoconazole.
• Miconazole.

Can I put clotrimazole in my dogs ear?

Clotrimazole Cream is an over-the-counter (OTC) product used to treat fungal infections such as ringworm. Do not use Clotrimazole Cream in your pets eyes, ears, or nose. Do not use Clotrimazole Cream longer than 14 days unless otherwise directed to by your veterinarian.

Can you put clotrimazole in dogs ears?

Uses of Clotrimazole for Dogs The clotrimazole containing preparation, Otomax, is indicated for the treatment of acute and chronic ear infections caused by bacteria or certain fungi (especially Malassezia). The product should be used in dogs only.

What if my dog licks clotrimazole cream?

Antifungal creams for human issues such as nail fungus, jock itch, athletes foot and yeast infection are poorly absorbed by the digestive tract, but they may still cause vomiting and diarrhea if ingested by a pet.

Can I give my dog Benadryl for ear infection?

Unfortunately the only thing Benadryl is good for is allergic reactions and to cause drowsiness, it has no action that will help an infection. For ear infections your pet will require a topical pet formulated ear antibiotic that can only be purchased from your veterinarian.

What is the brown stuff in my dogs ears?

Dark brown or blackThis type of earwax is commonly associated with yeast and/or bacterial ear infections. Its a good idea to consult with a veterinarian if earwax is this color. BrownLight brown earwax is normal and expected. If the wax is accompanied by odor or inflammation, it can be a sign of infection.

How can I soothe my dogs itchy ears?

1. Calendula lotion.
2. Apple cider vinegar (diluted)
3. Hydrocortisone ointment.
4. Mullein oil.
5. Antihistamines.

Can you put hydrogen peroxide on a dog?

DO NOT use soaps, shampoos, rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, herbal preparations, tea tree oil, or any other product to clean an open wound, unless specifically instructed to do so by your veterinarian. Some of these products are toxic if taken internally, while others can delay healing.