Can humans get yeast infections from dogs
Can Humans Get Yeast Infections From Dogs?
When we get a dog we know that there will be upsides as well as downsides.
And the downsides for some of us mean that we will need to treat our dog for yeast infections.
This is particularly true for those of you who own dogs with wrinkly skin (such as Bulldogs) or dogs with long ears (such as King Charles Spaniels.)
And as if treating these infections isnt hard enough another worry that some dog owners have is, can an owner catch a yeast infection from their dog?
A question that I will try to answer in my article today.
What are yeast infections in dogs?
Yeast infections are a fungal infection that affects certain body parts. While on humans they typically infect the female genital area, yeast infection can infect any part of a dogs skin.
The presence of yeast on a dogs body is actually normal.
It is only when theres too much of it that it leads to an infection.
In dogs, yeast infections are usually caused by Malassezia sp. Yeast usually infects moist areas, such as skin folds, armpits, ears, groin, paws, and stomach.
Are fungal infections the same as yeast infections?
While the terms are often used interchangeably, fungal infections are not the same as yeast infections. It is true that yeast infection is caused by fungal microorganisms.
However, yeast has different biological and physical properties than most fungal species, and theyre different from fungi that commonly cause fungal infections in dogs like Aspergillosis, Cryptococcosis, and Blastomycosis.
How do yeast infections spread?
Yeast infection is not contagious and therefore does not spread to other dogs, not even through direct contact with the infected site.
Your dogs yeast infection was caused by immunity and hygiene issues, not spread from other dogs.
Yeast infections dont spread to other animals or pets either.
Can humans get yeast infections from dogs?
Again, yeast infection isnt contagious and humans cant get yeast infections from dogs.
However, sometimes a yeast infection can cause a secondary fungal or bacterial infection and those are potentially contagious.
How do dogs get these yeast infections?
The most common cause of dog yeast infection is allergy. Allergic reactions on the skin compromise the dogs immunity, increase oil production, and cause a yeast infection. In fact, Malassezia infections are often a secondary condition to allergy reactions on the skin.
On top of that, medications for allergies alter the natural balance of good bacteria, thus potentially inducing yeast infections. Allergens like pollens, dust, or mold on their own too might cause yeast infections.
Dogs with low immunity become susceptible to yeast infection. Those that receive immunosuppressive treatment such as steroids have a higher risk of chronic yeast infection because theyre not able to fight off the infections.
While antibiotics are prescribed to certain dogs to alleviate certain conditions, they can also improve the chances of yeast infection. Antibiotics eliminate bacteria and this induces yeast growth.
A trigger of yeast infection is sweat or moist conditions in general. As stated earlier, yeast thrives in moist places. Therefore, high temperature and humidity also increase the chances of getting yeast infected. This is why some dogs have a seasonal yeast infection
In the case of ear yeast infection, the infection typically occurs because of earwax, trapped water or debris inside the ear canal, use of ear drops that alter the natural bacteria of the ear, or poor ear hygiene.
What are the main symptoms of yeast infections in dogs?
- Red, irritated spots in the infected area
- Musty odor
- Hair loss in the infected area
- Brown discharge in the infected area, especially in nail beds if the infection is on the paw
- Scales or crusty and flaky skin
- Thickening of the infected skin
- Excessive licking and scratching of the infected area
- Rubbing body against furniture
- Repeated head shaking
- Hyperpigmentation
- Ear infections
What is the most effective medication for treating a yeast infection?
- Topical treatments
If the infection is mild, it can simply be treated topically.
Antifungal shampoo normally reduces the symptoms. Bathe your dog every 3 5 days with the shampoo until the infection is under control. Leave the lather for around 10 minutes before rinsing.
If your dogs skin is oily or scaly, you can use degreasing shampoo. It will remove the filmy coating that prevents topical medications from working.
Apply antifungal cream directly to the infected area. Find ones that contain chlorhexidine, miconazole, or ketoconazole, there are some that you can buy over the counter. The cream should come with clear instructions.
Anti-yeast creams can also be applied inside the ear, but you should ask your vets opinion first.
Be careful when treating your dogs yeast infection. Not all antifungal medicines are suitable for yeast infections. To be sure, get a diagnosis from your vet to really determine whether its a yeast or fungal infection.
- Clean your dog
Sometimes yeast infection is a hygiene problem. Along with giving topical treatments, improving your pups hygiene is a sure way to alleviate the infection.
For yeast infections that occur in the ears, the most effective medication is to clean their ear canals. Use a tissue or cotton ball to clean your dogs ear with dog ear cleaning solution. It will lower pH levels, repelling yeast. Never use Q-tips to clean down the ear canal.
Just like humans with our hands, dog paws are the site of dirt and bacterias. Not only that, a dogs sweat glands are also mainly located in the paws. This means that theyre always dirty, sweaty, and damp. Keep their paws clean by wiping them after playing outside.
- Oral treatments
If the infection persists, the vet will prescribe your dog oral medications.
Pills will treat yeast infections faster than any topical medications. Some of the most common antifungal pills for yeast are ketoconazole, fluconazole, and itraconazole. However, the possible side effects are also greater, such as stomachache and liver problems.
In the case of severe infection, your dog will be given systemic antifungal therapy. Meaning they will be given oral antifungal treatments for a prolonged time.
Do any natural remedies cure yeast infections?
Vinegar helps alter skin pH, thus helping in creating an environment less favorable for yeast. However, its advised that you only apply the vinegar rinse under the direction of your vet. Vinegar can be harsh and you need to dilute it in an appropriate ratio to avoid irritation.
Are certain dog breeds more prone to yeast infections than others?
Because yeast commonly infects moist areas, wrinkly dog breeds with excess skin folds are more susceptible to yeast infections. Dogs with floppy ears and allergies also have a higher chance of getting infected. These breeds include:
- Bulldog
- Pug
- Shih Tzu
- Shar-Pei
- Terrier
- Bloodhound
- Golden Retriever
- Maltese
- German Shepherd
- Dachshund
- Poodle
- Chihuahua
For wrinkly dogs, its important to know how to maintain their skin folds daily to minimize moisture.
How to prevent yeast infections in dogs
Yeast infections is a tough condition to beat in dogs. Its not dangerous but it often becomes a recurrence. There are some simple things you can do to prevent your pup from getting a yeast infection or to prevent them from getting it again.
Use antifungal shampoo regularly when bathing your dog. Leave the shampoo lather on the dog for 10 minutes before rinsing.
It is not only the bathing thats important, but also the drying. Because yeast loves moist environments, you need to make sure your pup is dry after every bath.It is not only the bathing thats important, but also the drying. Because yeast loves moist environments, you need to make sure your pup is dry after every bath.
For wrinkly dog breeds, do a thorough cleaning and drying in their wrinkle areas. After a bath, dry your dogs wrinkles with a cloth. Repeat this with a soft cloth to really soak up all those moisture.
If yeast is a big problem, you can also add a little grooming powder to your dogs skin to get them dry. Its better to ask your vet first before doing so.
- Stay indoors during extreme weather
High temperatures might induce excess sweating which leads to an overabundance of yeast. To prevent this, keep your dog indoors and avoid extreme heat. This also applies when the weather is extra humid.
Because allergic reaction is a leading cause of yeast infection, make sure you know all of the things your dog is allergic to. Check the ingredients of all the food you give them.
As with any disease, one of the best ways to prevent fungal infection is to make sure your canines immune system is at its best. This way, they have less chance of getting infected even when theyre susceptible.
To prevent yeast infections, steer clear of foods with high sugar content including refined carbs such as potatoes and rice.
What diseases can humans get from dogs?
While humans cant get yeast infections from their beloved dogs, there are some diseases in humans commonly obtained from dogs, including:
- Tapeworm: infection that damages the intestines and other tissues.
- Rabies: a deadly virus that spread through the saliva of infected animals (from bites or scratches). Symptoms are fever, headache, spasms, paralysis, excess salivation, and mental confusion. By the time symptoms appear, its too late for treatment. However, rabies in humans is rare because of vaccination.
- Salmonellosis: Salmonella bacteria infection that causes diarrhea, fever, and stomach pain.
- Campylobacteriosis: messes with the digestive system inducing conditions like diarrhea and cramps, and also induces fever.
- Brucellosis: a sickness with symptoms similar to flu.
- Capnocytophaga: animal bite wound disease that causes blisters, swelling, and pain.
Photo credits
Photo by MacheMache on Flickr
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...
