Do yeast infections in dogs go away on their own
What Happens If You Dont Treat a Yeast Infection?
Without treatment, a yeast infection could become more serious. Theres a chance that it could resolve on its own, but it could also worsen.
A vaginal yeast infection (vaginal candidiasis) is a relatively common fungal infection that causes thick, white discharge along with irritation, itchiness, and swelling of the vulva and vagina.
Keep reading to learn more about the downsides of ignoring yeast infections.
If left untreated, vaginal candidiasis will most likely get worse, causing itching, redness, and inflammation in the area surrounding your vagina. This may lead to a skin infection if the inflamed area becomes cracked, or if continual scratching creates open or raw areas.
Uncommon side effects of an untreated yeast infection include:
Invasive candidiasis
Invasive candidiasis occurs when the yeast infection affects other parts of the body, such as the:
Invasive candidiasis is usually associated with an open sore thats exposed to a yeast infection. It isnt typically related to vaginal yeast infections. It can cause serious health complications if not promptly treated.
Candidemia
According to the
Yeast infections are common during pregnancy due to fluctuating hormones. If youre pregnant and think you may have a yeast infection, see a doctor so that you can get the right diagnosis and treatment.
Topical antifungals are safe to use during pregnancy, but you wont be able to take oral antifungal medications.
According to the
A mild yeast infection is expected to clear up in a few days to a week. Moderate to severe infections may take 2 to 3 weeks.
Can yeast infections go away on their own?
Theres a possibility that a yeast infection can go away on its own. The probability varies from person to person.
If you decide not to treat the infection, however, it might get worse. Theres also the possibility that youve misdiagnosed your condition, and what you thought was candidiasis was a more serious problem.
According to the Mayo Clinic, 75 percent of women will experience a vaginal yeast infection at some point in their lifetime.
The
RVVC can occur in healthy women, but its more common in women with diabetes or weak immune systems from conditions such as HIV.
According to the
The symptoms may be caused by an allergic reaction or irritation due to sensitivity to tampons, soaps, powders, or perfume. Or they may have another vaginal infection, such as:
You should see a doctor if youre not 100 percent sure that you have a yeast infection. They may diagnose you with a yeast infection, or they may discover a more serious condition.
If youre treating what you think is a yeast infection without doctor diagnosis and it doesnt clear up in a week or two, see a doctor. The medication youre using may not be strong enough, or you may not have a yeast infection.
You should also visit a doctor if the infection returns in a couple of months. Having more than one yeast infection in a year could be an indication of an underlying medical condition.
Dont put off seeing a doctor if your symptoms include:
Vaginal yeast infection should be properly diagnosed and treated. If left untreated, a yeast infection may lead to health problems, such as:
- skin infections
- fatigue
- oral thrush
- gastrointestinal problems
- invasive candidiasis
Diagnosis is a critical step, as the symptoms of a yeast infection are similar to more serious conditions, such as:
- bacterial vaginosis
- chlamydia
- gonorrhea
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.
Dog Ear Infections
What Are Ear Infections in Dogs?
A healthy dog ear is clean and dry.
Its normal for small amounts of microscopic bacteria and yeast to live in a dog's outer ear canal, but when a buildup of debris occursor the normal, healthy ear canal is compromisedbacteria and yeast can overgrow and cause an infection.
Ear infections are one of the most common type of infections in dogs and typically affect the outer ear (otitis externa). Basset Hounds, Shar-Pei, Labradoodles, Beagles, and Cockapoos are the five breeds with the highest rate of ear infectionsbut any dog can have an ear infection.
Common clinical signs include head shaking, scratching at the ears, ear odor, and visible debris in the ear.
Types of Ear Infections in Dogs
The anatomy of a dog's ear starts outside the head and moves in as follows: Ear flap (pinnae), ear canal, ear drum, middle ear, inner ear.
Otitis is divided into three types based on the location of a dogs ear infection:
Otitis externainflammation of the ear canal
Otitis mediainflammation of the middle ear
Otitis internainflammation of the inner ear
Otitis externa is the most common infection, as this part of the ear is most exposed to the outside world. Ear infections can be acute (quick onset) or chronic (recurrent). Dogs may have an infection in one or both ears.
If your pup has chronic ear infections, treatment will require working closely with your veterinarian. It's important that your vet does testing on your dog to choose the appropriate medication. Chronic infections can require medication consistently for six to eight weeks.
After treatment, testing is needed again to ensure that the ear infection has cleared. If your vet stops medicating your dog too soon or doesnt treat underlying problems, the infection can return. It may even become resistant to certain medications.
Symptoms of Ear Infections in Dogs
Common signs of dog ear infections include:
Redness
Odor (a yeasty, corn chip-like smell)
Itching/scratching at ears
Pain
Shaking of the head
Head tilt
Discharge
Scabs or crusting around the ear pinnae
Dogs may also experience hearing loss or balance issues.
Rarely, a dog ear infection may affect a pups appetite if your pup is having system-wide effects. This is seen more often with otitis media or interna.
Causes of Ear Infections in Dogs
Several factors can cause dog ear infections.
Often, an underlying problem leads to the inability of the normal protective barrier of a dogs ear to work properly. Once the ear becomes moist or inflamed, it's easy for bacteria or yeast to overgrow and cause infection in a pup.
A few common causes of infection include:
These issues can make the ear canal vulnerable to a bacterial infection and/or a yeast infection.
When a dog is in pain and scratching and shaking excessively, an aural hematoma can develop. This is seen in the pinna or earflap, where ruptured blood vessels leak blood that clots. This causes swelling and pain.
How Veterinarians Diagnose Ear Infections in Dogs
Your vet will need to test the ear debris or perform scans of your dogs ear to choose the right treatment for your pup.
These tests may include:
- CytologyThis test uses special stains on the swab of debris to color the microscopic bacterial cells or fungus. Viewing these under the microscope can identify the specific cause of infection.
- Culture/sensitivity testingThis test uses special medium/broth to grow and identify the specific bacteria that are causing the infection. It also tests which antibiotics will be effective in eliminating the infection.
- Blood testingThis test may be needed to check for endocrine disease as an underlying condition.
- Skull x-rays, CT scan, or MRIThese tests may be needed to assess the extent of severe or inner ear disease in your pup.
Treatment of Ear Infections in Dogs
Once the details of your dogs ear infection are known, treatment will likely consist of multiple elements that may include topical, oral, or surgical therapies.
Topical
Depending on the type and severity of ear infection, an ear cleaner may be recommended that could be medicated or non-medicated.
Typically, cleaning a dog's ears with an ear cleaner will be recommended every day or every other day while treating an ear infection. It's important to follow your veterinarians instructions for ear cleaner.
Ear cleaner should be done before applying medicationsyou dont want to clean out the medications.
Ear medications will likely come in the form of ear drops that will come with an applicator for ease of getting the medication into your pup's ear canal. Depending on the type of ear infection, ear medications may be an antibiotic, anti-fungal, or both.
Some medications also include topical steroids to help with the itch. Ear medications are typically recommended once or twice a day for seven to 10 days, so its important to follow your veterinarians specific instructions.
Oral
Depending on the severity of your dog's ear infection, an oral antibiotic, antifungal, or a steroid medication may be used.
Surgical
Ears that have had severe chronic disease may no longer respond to medical treatments.
The goal of surgery for these ears is to open a pup's ear canal or sometimes to completely remove all diseased tissue.This procedure is called a total ear canal ablation (TECA) and ventral bulla osteotomy (VBO).
Recovery and Management of Ear Infections in Dogs
Most dogs recover uneventfully from ear infections.
However, if your dog is having frequent or chronic ear infections, your vet will likely recommend additional testing to determine if there is an underlying cause.
Long-term management may include weekly preventative cleaning of the ears and/or diet change.
Prevention of Ear Infections in Dogs
Regular grooming,ear cleaning, and ear maintenance are important parts of pet care. Routine ear cleansing is especially important if your dog swims often.
Cleaning is best accomplished with a vet-approved ear cleaning product made specifically for pups. These typically have been specifically formulated for effective pH ranges for dogs and contain drying agents.
Dog Ear Infections FAQs
How do I treat my dogs ear infection at home?
Dog ear infections require vet treatment and medication to restore a healthy ear canal.
After your vet has evaluated your pup, they will determine if any further home treatment is appropriate. This can be done if a small number of debris is present, and the eardrum is intact.
Can a dog ear infection heal itself?
Most often, a dog ear infection will not go away on its own. All types of otitis require a veterinarian to evaluate the infection and the eardrum.
If the eardrum is ruptured, certain cleaners and medications can be damaging to a dog's middle ear.
What happens if a dogs ear infection goes untreated?
Untreated ear infections can result in damage to a dogs hearing and ear. Ear infections can progress to systemic illness and cause additional symptoms such as not eating or lethargy.
Ear infections are painful for your pup. If you think your fur baby may have an ear infection, make an appointment to see the vet right away.
Can a dog ear infection spread to a pups brain?
It's extremely rare but possible for an ear infection to spread into the brain. Most ear infections in dogs are of the external earmeaning in the area from the ear flap (pinnae) to the ear drum.
However, dogs can also get middle and inner ear infections, though less commonly. If a dog has a severe inner ear infection, it's possible that the infection could invade or extend into their brain.
Are dog ear infections contagious?
It depends on the cause, but most dog ear infections are not contagious.
However, if the cause is ear mites, these parasites are extremely contagious. With ear mites, all pets in the home must be treated simultaneously.
Ear mites are relatively common in puppies and kittens and may not be noticed initially when adopting a new pet. However, shortly after bringing your new pet home, multiple pets in the house will be scratching and shaking.
Rarely, a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or possible other contagious infection can be cultured from an infected ear.
Practice good hand washing when interacting with and treating a pet with an ear infection. Limit other pets licking the infected pets ears.
Featured Image:megaflopp/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
References
Top Dog and Cat Claims of 2018. Embrace Pet Insurance,www.embracepetinsurance.com/about-us/press-media/press-release-detail/2019/01/10/top-dog-and-cat-claims-of-2018.
Brooks, W. DVM, DABVP: 9/30/2020 (revised) 1/1/2001 (published). Veterinary Partner, Ear Infections (Otitis) in Dogs.
Rothrock K. DVM: 5/19/2019 (revised), Morgan, RV. DVM, DACVIM, DACVO: 7/19/2003 (initial author). VeterinaryInformation Network, VINcyclopedia of Diseases: Otitis Externa, General Information.
Top Dog and Cat Claims of 2018. Embrace Pet Insurance,www.embracepetinsurance.com/about-us/press-media/press-release-detail/2019/01/10/top-dog-and-cat-claims-of-2018.
Brooks, W. DVM, DABVP: 9/30/2020 (revised) 1/1/2001 (published). Veterinary Partner, Ear Infections (Otitis) in Dogs.
Rothrock K. DVM: 5/19/2019 (revised), Morgan, RV. DVM, DACVIM, DACVO: 7/19/2003 (initial author). VeterinaryInformation Network, VINcyclopedia of Diseases: Otitis Externa, General Information.
WRITTEN BY
Amanda Simonson, DVMVeterinarian
I am a veterinarian passionate about helping animals. I practiced for 15 years in the hospital setting doing medicine, surgery, preventive...
