Can diet cause yeast infections in dogs
Yeast Infections in Dogs
What Are Yeast Infections in Dogs?
Does your dog frantically itch their skin? Have you noticed a bad smell or greasy fur when you pet them?
If so, they may have a yeast infection.
Yeast are fungal organisms that normally live on a dogs skin without causing problems. However, when a dogs immune system weakens or an underlying health condition, such as hypothyroidism, is present, yeast can overgrow and cause an infection.
The yeast that commonly causes skin infections in dogs is Malassezia, which grows on warm, moist areas of the skin. Yeast infections cause extreme itchiness and changes to the skin, such as thickening and discoloration over time.
Yeast infections in dogs are common among pups of all ages.
While yeast infections in dogs are not considered medical emergencies, they should be treated by a veterinarian immediately to prevent symptoms from worsening. If left untreated, yeast infections can cause extreme discomfort, which can lead to a decreased appetite and lethargy, necessitating prompt veterinary care.
Because yeast infections typically develop secondary to an underlying illness or suppressed immune system, they are not contagious among dogs or to pet parents.
Types of Yeast Infections in Dogs
Yeast infections can affect various areas of the skin, including the ears, skin folds, paws, armpits, vulva, and groin.
EarsYeast infections of the earalso referred to as yeast otitiscause a thick, brown discharge and strong odor in the ear canal. Affected dogs repeatedly scratch their ears to try to relieve the discomfort. They may also shake their heads and develop a head tilt. Ear infections are commonly related to food allergies.
SkinYeast dermatitis refers to a yeast infection anywhere on the skin. Affected dogs have a musty odor, greasy coat, flaky or thickened skin, and hair loss. They tend to lick the affected areas of the body, which leads to brown discoloration of the skin over time.
Dermatitis, which is often due to allergies or a suppressed immune system, can affecta dogs skin folds, armpits, vulva, and groin.
PawsYeast infections that affect the paws are generally related to environmental allergies, such as allergies to grass or pollen. Dogs constantly chew or lick their itchy paws, which leads to brown discoloration between the paw pads. Over time, open sores can develop on the paws.
Symptoms of Yeast Infections in Dogs
Signs of yeast infections in dogs can vary depending on what area of the body is affected.
Symptoms of yeast otitis may include:
Symptoms of yeast dermatitis may include:
Itchy skin
Small, red bumps on the skin
Brown discoloration of the skin
Frequent licking or chewing of the affected area
Greasy hair coat
Thickened skin
Strong odor
Symptoms of a yeast infection affecting the paws may include:
Licking and chewing the paws
Brown discoloration of the skin and fur
Red, moist areas between the paw pads
Causes of Yeast Infections in Dogs
Yeast is opportunistic, which means that although it is naturally present on the skin, it can cause an infection when conditions are favorable.
Yeast infections in dogs can develop if a pup has a weak immune system or an underlying health condition. Underlying environmental or food allergies can predispose dogs to developing yeast infections.
Skin parasites, including fleas and mites, can cause dogs to repeatedly itch their skin, which disrupts the normal skin barrier, making an infection more likely.
Some breedssuch as Pit Bulls, Boxers, and Cocker Spanielsare more frequently affected by yeast infections.
How Veterinarians Diagnose Yeast Infections in Dogs
A vet may use several tests to diagnose a yeast infections in dogs.
First, they will gather a through medical history, including when the symptoms started, if your pet is taking any medications, and if they have previously been diagnosed with any health conditions.
Next, your veterinarian will perform a full physical exam to check your dogs overall health. They may also perform blood work to check for any abnormalities.
Additional tests will depend on what your veterinarian finds during the initial exam, but may include the following:
Tape impressionDuring this test, your vet presses a piece of clear tape to the affected area of skin to collect a sample. Its then stained and examined under a microscope to identify yeast.
CytologyA cotton swab is used to collect a sample from the affected area, and it is then rubbed gently onto a microscope slide. The sample is then stained and examined under a microscope to look for yeast.
CultureA sterile cotton swab is used to collect a sample from the affected area. It is then sent to a lab to identify the type of organism present.
Skin biopsyFor chronic infections or those that are unresponsive to treatment, a small sample of skin can be taken and sent to a lab for a more accurate diagnosis.
Treatment of Yeast Infections in Dogs
Treatment for yeast infections in dogs will depend on the location and severity of the infection. Yeast dermatitis is often treated with antifungal medications and prescription shampoos.
If the infection affects only one area, a topical medication may be all that is needed. For more widespread infections, oral medications and frequent bathing can help resolve the issue.
Yeast otitis is typically treated with topical antifungal medications and steroids to reduce inflammation. Your veterinarian may recommend that you use a medicated ear wash prior to instilling ear medications.
Paw yeast infections may benefit from medicated antifungal wipes and oral medications, including antifungals and steroids.
Recovery and Management of Yeast Infections in Dogs
Because yeast infections in dogs often develop secondary to another health condition, they will not resolve without veterinary treatment.
Determining the underlying cause of the yeast infection and treating it accordingly improves treatment success. For example, if your dog has an underlying food allergy, an accurate diagnosis and treatment can help their skin improve.
It can take a few weeks to a few months for a yeast infection to fully resolve, depending on the severity. Most dogs start to feel relief from their symptoms in a week or two, but it can take several additional weeks for a pet parent to notice significant improvement to their skin and coat.
Prevention of Yeast Infections in Dogs
Ensuring your dog receives regular preventive care and vaccinations keeps them healthy and less likely to develop infections.
Additionally, health conditions that can lead to yeast infections in dogs can be caught and managed early during routine wellness visits.
Yeast Infections in Dogs FAQs
What food causes yeast infections in dogs?
Most of the food ingredients that cause allergies in dogs are proteins. Chicken is the most common food allergen related to yeast infections.
What happens if dog yeast infections go untreated?
If a dogs yeast infection is left untreated, it will progressively worsen and lead to extreme discomfort. Over time, the discomfort can cause the dog to become very sick.
What should I feed my dog when they have a yeast infection?
Unless the yeast infection is due to an underlying food allergy, its generally fine to continue your dogs usual diet. However, it is best to follow your veterinarians recommendations when deciding what to feed your dog.
Featured Image:SerhiiBobyk/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
WRITTEN BY
Brittany Kleszynski, DVMVeterinarian
Dr. Brittany Kleszynski is a veterinarian and freelance medical writer who specializes in creating meaningful content that engages readers...
Can chicken diet cause ear infections in dogs?
Poultry can include meats like chicken, one of the most common food allergens for dogs, as well as options like duck which has lower incidences of allergic reactions. Food allergies can cause distressing skin conditions in dogs as well as chronic disorders such as indigestion, ear infections, and breathing troubles.
Can dog food cause ear infections in dogs?
A common cause of ear infections in dogs is an allergic reaction to something in the dogs environment or food. With food, the culprit is often an excess of grain and/or sugar . Sugar feeds the yeast naturally present in the dogs body, so when a dog has too much sugar in their diet,.
You and your veterinarian might decide to do a food trial or an elimination diet. A food trial would consist of feeding your dog a novel protein and carbohydrate that your dog has never eaten. Boar and rice, or rabbit and potato might be appropriate options.
Does chicken in dog food cause allergies?
Unluckily, the answer is yes, dogs can be allergic to chicken. In fact, not only is chicken by far the most popular poultry ingredient in dog foods, but it also happens to be the most likely ingredient to stimulate allergies in canines.
Is chicken bad for dogs?
There are two things to be aware of before serving your dog chicken. Some dogs are allergic to chicken, and it ranks among the top 10 allergy-inducing ingredients. The most common allergens are beef, dairy, wheat, egg, chicken, lamb, soy, pork, rabbit, and fish. Be sure to take cooked chicken off the bone.
What foods cause allergic reactions in dogs?
Any individual ingredient can cause an allergic reaction, but certain foods, including chicken, dairy, beef, and egg products, tend to induce canine allergies more often than others. Food intolerance Food intolerance is different from a food allergy because the reactions in food intolerance are not caused by histamine.
What foods are allergic to dogs?
Food form: Dry Food. These grain-free, limited ingredient dog foods help against dogs skin allergies and food allergies. The formula does not contain soy, wheat, corn, and other common allergens that trigger allergies in a dog., and more items.
What foods should I avoid if my dog has a yeast infection?
There are certain foods that your dog simply must avoid when placed on an anti-yeast diet. These foods can be avoided long-term to prevent reoccurance of a yeast infection, or short-term in order to clear a current yeast infection. Foods to remove from your dogs diet include buttermilk, cheese/cottage cheese, packaged cereal,.
Yeast infections in dogs: Treating ears, paws, and body
Yeast infections can be uncomfortable for your furry friend. Unfortunately, its easy for them to return if the primary cause isnt treated. For example, if your pup is allergic to poultry but continues to eat dog food with chicken, the yeast infection may return. Dog breeds that have wrinkly skin are more prone to yeast infections, but keeping the folds clean can help prevent future yeast infections.
Keep your dog indoors during hot, humid days Yeast flourishes in moist environments. Skin folds or even the spots between the toes can quickly become warm and moist on hot, humid days, creating a breeding ground for yeast.
Frequently clean your dogs ears and paws Keep your pups ears and paws clean and dry to avoid a yeast infection. To prevent infection and/or mites, consider using some of betterpets favorite ear cleaners, like Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleanser or QualityPet Ear Nectar Organic Ear Cleaner.
Use a balm to clean your dogs wrinkles and skin folds Yeast thrives in the warm, moist folds of a dogs skin. Natural Dog Companys Wrinkle Balm is an all-natural, organic product that allows you to easily clean between the folds of your dogs skin. Simply apply it to a towel and swipe through the folds to clean and soothe the area.
Dry your dog off after a bath or swim (ears too!) Again, yeast will overpopulate in a moist environment, even in the ears. Make sure after you thoroughly dry your dog off, making sure to dry the ears and feet, too.
Keep an eye on your dogs diet and appetite Food allergies are a common trigger for a yeast infection in dogs. Ask your veterinarian if they think it may be helpful to switch your dogs food to a specialty diet, or a formula with a hydrolyzed or novel protein, like venison. A novel protein is a protein that your dog has never been exposed to. Especially after making a change to dog food, watch your pup for any signs of an allergy, including itching, inflammation, weight loss, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Watch for seasonal sneezes and itches Environmental allergies are also a common cause of yeast infections. Dogs with seasonal allergies may sneeze, excessively scratch their skin, or have red, itchy ears that are often hot to the touch.
Keep your dogs flea prevention up-to-date Flea allergy dermatitis can wreak havoc on your dogs skin, predisposing them to yeast infections. In addition to skin issues, fleas can also give your dog intestinal worms. Even if your dog is on flea prevention, you should monitor their coat if you live in a warm climate. Flea prevention certainly helps, but it might not be 100% effective in infested areas.
