How do you get rid of fungus on a dog s skin
How to treat a yeast infection in dog paws
Yeast infections in dog paws, particularly with specific breeds, are common but not inevitable. These steps will help you protect your pups paws from a yeast infection.
Make it a habit
Always dry your dogs paws off when they come in from a walk or the outdoors. This step is especially important during rainy seasons when your puppys paws are more likely to get wet.
Yeast and other types of fungus can thrive in damp environments, which is where a quick drying routine can come in handy. The less time your pup spends wet, the better whether theyre a bit damp on the back from a rainy walk or swim or splashed through a puddle on the way home.
Be thorough
As you dry your pup, spend time getting between the toes and take a few minutes when youre done to ensure theyre not licking after you dry them off. A no-heat blow dry set to the low setting can be useful, and so can plush dog-only towels.
We want to note that simply letting your dog walk it off may not dry their feet. A walk or hike after prolonged exposure to dampness may actually cause more irritation, and your dog will start to lick their paws when you get them back to the house which can fuel the growth of yeast.
Take a bath
Regular cleaning and baths can help prevent an inflammatory skin condition or yeast overgrowth. Again, make sure your pup is dry after youre done. Dont be afraid to go back over with the towel a few times until your dog is completely dry to the touch.
Watch for licking
If youre worried about a possible dog paw yeast infection, its essential to prevent your dog from licking their paws. The saliva from a dogs mouth easily gets trapped between the toes, leading to a moist environment for yeast to thrive.
Look for other symptoms
When theres a yeast infection involved, you might see certain symptoms that can co-occur, such as hair loss around their paw pads and red, angry-looking skin folds. It might be time to book a vet visit if you notice this or a cheesy, bread-like smell coming from your dogs pads.
Consider allergy testing
If your dog seems to get a never-ending stream of yeast infections, there might be something more at play. Consider taking the time to rule out allergy issues. If your dog does have allergies, they can be more prone to yeast infections which can escalate to a range of symptoms. Being aware of this possibility; diagnosing accurately, and knowing the signs of an allergic reaction can save your dogs life.
Work with your vet on a treatment plan
If your dog has an underlying condition, like a weakened immune system, work with your vet to manage it. Should your dog develop a yeast infection regardless of underlying conditions its important to seek prompt care.
Dont forget that the skin is an organ
Healthy skin is important to your pets health! Like the immune system, the skin protects our bodies, including internal tissue. A dogs skin regulates body temperature, and absorbs or secretes materials into and out of the environment. Skin is also one of the primary sensory organs.
A dogs skin is also a sensitive organ, and mild inflammation can cause discomfort and impact their quality of life. Pets can be susceptible to thousands of different skin conditions, varying from fungal to parasitic, or even bacterial or viral infections. The range of danger can escalate when an infection or threat is left unaddressed, compromising your furry friends quality of life. Its never just a skin thing. Its always vet-worthy!
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...
How to Get Rid of Dog Vomit Slime Mold
What is dog vomit slime mold?
Despite its unpleasant appearance, and equally unpleasant name, slime mold isnt anything to be too concerned about. There are more than 700 different varieties of slime mold that are most commonly found in warm and moist climates. Slime mold, such as the aptly named dog vomit slime mold (Fuligo septica), doesnt harm plants or the environment. Its also not actually mold; nor is it a fungus. Rather, slime mold is a primitive type of organism that survives by feeding on decaying or dead organic matter.
If you see something that looks like a yellow fungus on mulch in your yard, it might be slime mold. Slime mold is commonly found on hardwood mulch, especially in shaded locations. However, it can also appear on grass or other plants in a yard. In addition to the more common yellow and orange colors, slime mold may also be gray or black. While slime mold is pretty harmless, it still is unsightly and likely not something you want to keep around in your yard or garden area. Continue reading to learn the easy steps you can take to get rid of it.
Related: Solved! What to Do About Lawn Fungus
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
It is important to emphasize that slime mold is not harmful to people, pets, plants, or the environment. When youre trying to eliminate yellow mold growing in your yard, you want to avoid using any chemicals. The chemicals will likely do more harm than good by killing the grass or plants in the area and harming the environment.
STEP 1: Rake over the slime mold and surrounding area.
The solution for eradicating slime mold on your property may be easier than you think. Slime mold grows in moist areas, such as piles of mulch, and exposing it to more air to dry it out can stop it from growing. Raking over slime mold will break it up and incorporate more air that will dry it out more quickly. This will help stop it from growing and leave the area in your yard clean.
STEP 2: Adjust irrigation to reduce wetness.
Because slime mold is most commonly found in moist areas, reducing the moisture in your yard can help prevent it from growing on your mulch, grass, and plants. If you have an irrigation system or water your grass or garden, consider reducing the frequency with which you do so. Maintaining a drier space and eliminating excess water is important for controlling slime mold growth.
STEP 3: Hose off large patches of unsightly slime mold.
If you see a large patch of what looks like yellow vomit on your mulch or plants, you also can get rid of it using a hose. Spraying the slime mold will break it up and stop it from taking over your space. However, remember that slime mold thrives in wet areas, so after you spray it down youll want to dry the area out some. To do this, use a rake to add more air to the mulch or plants to help ensure the slime mold dries out.
STEP 4: Prune shade trees to introduce more sunlight.
In addition to thriving in moist areas, slime mold grows best in the shade, which dries more slowly than sunny spots. If the areas where you are finding slime mold are located beneath large trees in your yard, consider pruning the trees (or hiring a professional) to allow more sunlight to reach the ground. Decreasing the amount of shade in your yard will create less-desirable growing conditions and can reduce the prevalence of slime mold.
While it isnt dangerous to people, pets, plants, or the environment, dog vomit slime mold in mulch or gardens can look pretty gross. The steps shared above can help you eliminate slime mold from your property quickly. You also can just wait it out, and it should go away on its own. Remember, since slime mold isnt dangerous, you dont want to use toxic chemicals that could pose a threat to children, pets, plants, or the environment.
Related: This Lawn Fungus Might Be Lurking Beneath the Snow in Your Yard
