Do skin infections in dogs go away

Yeast Infections in Dogs: What to Know

Yeast infections in dogs are common, especially in certain breeds or dogs with underlying conditions and compromised immune systems. While they can occur anywhere on the skin, they are often seen in your dogs ears. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing serious complications. Heres what to know about yeast infections in dogs to keep your dog healthy.

What Causes a Yeast Infection in Dogs?

Yeast is a live, single-celled microorganism classified as a member of the fungus kingdom. Its normally found on every dogs skin, but in small amounts. A yeast infection occurs when a substantial amount of yeast excessively builds up in one area.

Yeast infections often occur if there is an underlying medical condition, such as food sensitivities, environmental factors, or parasites, such as fleas, which can cause allergies, as well as the dermatological condition seborrhea. Bacterial infections or underlying hormonal problems may also throw the skins defenses off-balance. In the case of yeast infections of the ear, the most common causes are water or debris trapped in the ear or food sensitivities. Yeast infections of the ear could also be caused by underlying mechanical issues such as damage to the eardrum, a polyp, or even a mass or tumor in the ear canal.

Are Some Breeds More Susceptible to Yeast Infections?

Certain dog breeds are thought to be genetically predisposed to developing yeast infections. These breeds include the West Highland White Terrier, Basset Hound, Cocker Spaniel, Silky Terrier, Australian Terrier, Maltese, Chihuahua, Poodle, Shetland Sheepdog, Lhasa Apso, and Dachshund.

Dogs with floppy ears who swim often, such as Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers, are more likely to get yeast infections. Breeds such as Miniature Schnauzers, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu are also more susceptible to infections because the thick hair in their ear canals hampers the airflow necessary to keep ears dry.

Any dog with allergies is also more likely to develop yeast infections.

Types of Yeast Infections in Dogs and How to Recognize Them

Yeast Infections in Ears

The ear canal of a dog is L-shaped, dropping down and toward the head. This dark, warm, moist environment is the perfect setting for a yeast infection to thrive. The two types of yeast most often found in a dogs ears are Candida and Malassezia.

Yeast infections can occur in any part of the dogs ear. A dog with a yeast infection in their ear may exhibit these symptoms:

• Scratching and digging at the ear
• Rubbing the head on the floor, walls, or furniture
• Excessive shaking of the head
• Musty odor
• Brown, yellow, or bloody discharge
• Crusted skin or fur on the ear flap
• Swelling and redness
• Hair loss around the base of the ear

Early diagnosis and treatment of a yeast infection in the ears are critical before it spreads deeper. If a yeast infection spreads deeper into the ear, it can cause serious pain and complications, such as loss of hearing, vestibular imbalance, or neurological damage.

Yeast Infections on Paws

A dogs paws are susceptible to yeast infections because they encounter wet, dirty ground, which means moisture and dirt are likely to be trapped between the toes and pads. Contact with grass and weeds can also trigger allergies or result in cuts and scratches. Dogs are likely to lick their irritated paws, which doesnt help, instead adding even more moisture.

If your dog has a yeast infection on the paws, you may see the following symptoms:

Excessive licking and chewing of the feet

• Redness and irritated skin
• Brown discharge in nailbeds
• Pink salivary staining on the hair around the paws
• Hair loss

There could be many reasons a dog excessively licks their paws, including anxiety, boredom, injury, parasites, bacteria, or allergies, including food sensitivities. Early examination, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment by a veterinarian can relieve discomfort and prevent complications. This is made using a combination of their medical history and diagnostic swabs of the debris or accompanying cells.

Yeast Infections on Skin

Yeast dermatitis, a skin inflammation caused by yeast infections, can spread to any area of a dogs skin. But its most likely to occur at the site of a rash or wherever there are skin folds that can trap moisture. Wrinkly breeds, such as the Chinese Shar-Pei, are especially vulnerable.

Symptoms of yeast infections of the skin include:

• Intense itching
• Red, irritated, inflamed skin
• Greasy, crusty, or flaky patches
• Thickening (elephant-like) skin
• Darker skin color
• Hair loss
• Musty smell

Although a yeast infection of the skin may start in a very specific area, if left untreated, it can spread and affect the entire body, including the dogs face and mouth. Often, there may be a secondary bacterial infection accompanying the yeast infection.

How to Treat Yeast Infections in Dogs

Depending on how deep in the ear canal a yeast infection is, the treatment will vary. The veterinarian will prescribe a topical antifungal cream for an infection in the outer ear. An infection of the middle ear may require antifungal drops or oral medication. The vet is likely to recommend a thorough cleaning of the ear and possibly ongoing treatment with ear-drying solutions.

Yeast infections on the paws may require treatment with a disinfectant spray to kill germs, as well as daily application of a topical antifungal lotion or spray. It may also be necessary to use an Elizabethan collar to keep the dog from licking the paws so they can stay dry while they heal.

Skin infections may require topical and oral treatment. Cleansing shampoos may clean up the greasy skin. Your vet may recommend using a medicated, antifungal shampoo and leaving it on the dogs skin for about 10 minutes. Bathing may need to be repeated for up to 12 weeks. The veterinarian will also prescribe an antifungal medication, as well as an antibiotic, to treat any bacterial skin infection that may occur along with yeast dermatitis.

How to Prevent Yeast Infections in Dogs

The good news is that yeast infections in dogs are not contagious to other dogs or humans. The most important thing to remember to prevent yeast infections is to keep the area clean and dry.

Too much moisture is a common cause of ear infections, so thoroughly drying your dogs ears after swimming and bathing can prevent moisture build-up. If your dog has a skin rash, musty smell, or is scratching or licking excessively, taking them to the veterinarian can prevent an infection from spreading and becoming more serious.

The prognosis for yeast infections is good when you follow the treatments your veterinarian gives you. Its important to understand that unless an underlying problem such as allergies, hypothyroidism, or seborrhea is controlled, a yeast infection is likely to come back.

Ringworm in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Treatment

With so many parasites out there, it may be tempting to lump ringworm in the same category as hookworms, whipworms, roundworms, and tapeworms. Despite its name, however, ringworm is not actually a wormits a fungus. This fungal infection is common all over the world and infects almost all species of domestic animals, including dogs. Its important for dog owners to know the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for ringworm.

What Is Ringworm?

Ringworm, as the fungus is commonly called, is named for the round, raised, red ring appearance usually seen in human ringworm infections. Ringworm, scientifically known as dermatophytes, is a collection of pathogenic fungi. In dogs, 70% of ringworm cases are caused by the fungus Microsporum canis and 20% are caused by the fungus Microsporum gypseum. Just 10% of cases are caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes.

The fungus grows and lives in the outermost layer of skin and in the hair follicles of infected dogs. It also occasionally grows and lives in their nails. The infection is superficial, and in most cases only affects a few areas of the dogs body. Puppies, senior dogs, and immunocompromised dogs sometimes suffer from more widespread ringworm infections.

How Is Ringworm in Dogs Spread?

Ringworm in dogs spreads through direct contact with the fungus. This can happen when a dog comes in direct contact with an infected animal or person. It can also spread when a dog touches a contaminated object like a couch, comb, food bowls, bedding, or carpet. The fungal spores responsible for the spread can remain viable for up to 18 months. They typically spread through shedding or breaking of infected hairs.

Symptoms of Ringworm in Dogs

Ringworm isnt a life-threatening disease, but its very contagious and does require the intervention of a veterinarian. Knowing the symptoms of ringworm in dogs can help you catch the disease before it passes to humans or other pets.

In dogs, ringworm usually presents as circular areas of hair loss throughout the body. These lesions may start to heal in the center as they enlarge, creating a patchy appearance, and may become inflamed or scabbed.

Ringworm usually does not itch. The affected hair follicles are brittle and break easily, which helps spread the disease throughout your home. In some cases, the fungus infects the claws, making them brittle and rough.

Contact your veterinarian if your dog experiences any or all of these symptoms:

• Circular areas of hair loss
• Dry, brittle hair
• Scabby, inflamed skin
• Rough, brittle claws

Hair loss, changes in coat appearance, or inflamed skin could be a sign of another condition. Skin problems are associated with many serious underlying conditions in dogs, like Cushings disease, hypothyroidism, or a nutrient imbalance. They could also be symptoms of other skin conditions like allergies, a different parasite, or an infection.

Can Other Animals Get Ringworm?

Cats can get ringworm, too. The fungus responsible for most cases of ringworm in dogs, Microsporum canis, is also responsible for 98% of ringworm in cats. Since many dog owners also have cats in the home, this means that the risk of the fungus spreading from cats to dogs and dogs to cats is relatively high.

Most species of domestic animals can get ringworm, including livestock, so talk to your vet about the risk of spreading ringworm between your pets and other animals.

Can Humans Get Ringworm?

You might be familiar with ringworm by a different name, like athletes foot. Ringworm in dogs isnt just a problem for your pup. Humans can get Microsporum canis, too, which is another reason why its important to take this condition seriously. Young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems are at an increased risk of contracting ringworm from dogs. However, anyone can contract this unsightly and uncomfortable parasite.

In humans, ringworm presents as a roughly circular rash thats often red and itchy. If you or a family member notices a rash on your body after your dog has been diagnosed with ringworm, contact your primary care physician.

Treatment of Ringworm in Dogs

Your vet will diagnose your dog with ringworm by performing a diagnostic test, as well as a physical exam. They may take a sample of hair or skin cells for a fungal culture or examine infected hairs under a special ultraviolet light called a Woods lamp.

Once ringworm is diagnosed, your vet will discuss a treatment plan for your dog. This treatment plan depends on the severity of the case, the number of pets in the household, and whether or not there are children or immunocompromised adults in the home.

Treating ringworm in dogs usually consists of three steps:

1. Topical therapy
2. Oral medications
3. Environmental decontamination

Topical Therapy for Ringworm

Your veterinarian will probably recommend a topical therapy, like a cream, ointment, or medicated shampoo to help treat and control the infection. Your vet might also suggest clipping long-haired dogs to speed up treatment and shaving the hair from affected areas. Topical therapy can take several months to fully eliminate the infection, but does help prevent environmental contamination.

Oral Medications for Ringworm

Oral therapy is usually used in conjunction with a topical therapy. Anti-fungal oral medications help fight the infection and, like topical therapy, need to be administered for a minimum of six weeks, but in some cases could take months to take full effect.

Your vet will likely ask you if you have any other pets in the household. They might advise that you test and treat them for ringworm, as well, even if they are not currently showing signs of a ringworm infection. Its also very important that owners continue to treat for ringworm for the prescribed period of time. Just because the clinical signs go away doesnt mean that your dog is no longer contagious. Your vet will most likely want to retest your dog for ringworm before giving you the all clear.

Environmental Decontamination

The spores that live inside the hair follicles remain contagious for months at a time, surviving on couches, grooming tools, bedding, furniture, and clothing. Cleaning up all this hair is a part of treatment, but as many dog owners know, also a bit of a challenge.

Some owners keep their dogs in rooms that are easy to clean during the time they are infected with ringworm. This makes it easier to eliminate stray hairs and to mop with a disinfectant recommended by your veterinarian. If you cant contain your dog to hard floors, daily vacuuming with a pet hair vacuum and removal of hair from furniture and surfaces can help prevent ringworm from spreading.

Preventing Ringworm in Dogs

Most owners dont have to worry about ringworm prevention on a regular basis unless theyve already had a case of ringworm in one or more pets. The best ways to prevent reinfection of ringworm in dogs are to fully cleanse the environment of the home and any tools and bedding that the animals regularly come into contact with, and to follow the instructions of your veterinarian.

Knowing the symptoms of ringworm in dogs can help you prevent the spread of ringworm from dogs to people or other pets. For more information about ringworm or if you suspect that your dog might have ringworm, contact your veterinarian.