How do you get rid of yeast on a dog

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 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.

Yeast Dog Smell: How to Get Rid of the Smell

Yeast is a normal inhabitant of your dogs skin. When all systems are healthy, you wont even know its there. But when something gets off with your dogs normal balance, those yeast numbers can really bloom, creating a yeasty smell and possibly other signs. Heres what you need to know:

Overview of yeast smell in dogs: what does it smell like?

Frito Feet, stinky ears, and the doggy smell might be characteristic odors for many dog owners. Sometimes the smell gets overwhelming or appears on a dog youve never noticed it on before. Yeast smell in dogs is often recognized as a musty, cheesy odor and can be quite distinct. While its natural for dogs to have a smell of their own, a strong and persistent yeast odor may indicate an underlying issue that needs attention.

How do you know if your dog has a yeast infection?

Some dogs naturally have a very mild yeasty odor. Others will only have it when they have an infection going on. Other signs of a skin yeast infection include:

• Skin redness or thickening
• Itchiness or discomfort/ pain
• Unusual discharge, a build up of unpleasant looking or smelling material, especially in skin creases or skin folds
• For yeast infections i

Causes of yeast smell in dogs

While some degree of doggy odor is normal, any change or increase in odor may indicate that somethings wrong and treatment is needed:

1. Normal body odor: Dogs have a smorgasbord of normal, healthy bacteria, yeast, and other organisms. So a mild odor that isnt paired with other signs of illness might just be a dogs normal smell.
2. Yeast overgrowth in the skin: While some amount of yeast on the skin is normal, an overgrowth of yeast is recognizable by greasy or flaky skin, itchiness, and redness. All of this will be accompanied by a stronger-than-usual odor that you may smell even from a distance.
3. Ear infections: A yeasty smell coming from the ears, though, is not normal and should be treated professionally before it gets advanced. Foul-smelling ears, head shaking and scratching, and ear discharge may suggest an ear infection. Leaving an ear infection untreated could allow it to be severe enough to cause hearing loss. A veterinarian should always be consulted because of the risk of damaging the ears.
4. Environmental factors: Allergies or poor hygiene can contribute to a yeast smell. Skin that is constantly sensitive and inflamed from allergies is more prone to overgrowth of smelly organisms. Dogs that are frequently wet or dirty and arent well cleaned after a messy event may end up with bacterial or yeast overgrowth in areas that dont then get groomed by the dog as a normal practice. Addressing the root cause is important.

Can yeast dog smell be a sign of an underlying health issue?

Chronic yeast smell, or the sudden appearance of a yeasty odor in a dog who has never had it before, may indicate an underlying health problem. This may include allergies, hormonal imbalances, immune system issues, or an underlying disease thats leaving them prone to infection or causing bodily imbalances.

What owners can do at home:

When it comes to ear infections, treatment at home shouldnt be considered. However, a mild or moderate yeasty smell in a dog who is otherwise happy, healthy, and comfortable might be manageable at home:

• Spot-clean any affected areas with a pet-safe product meant for gentle cleansing

• Bathe your dog as needed using a gentle, skin-friendly shampoo

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• DID YOU KNOW DOG SKIN DIFFERS FROM HUMAN'S - Dogs' skin is less acidic than human skin, so human shampoos destroy a dog's skin protective barrier, leaving your pet vulnerable to itchy flaking

• Dont bathe your dog too often (see below) or you may put them at greater risk for skin infections
• Maintain proper hygiene and grooming practices, such as keeping long fur trimmed, and brushing dogs regularly

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• Consider OTC or veterinary probiotic products meant for dogs, which can help balance overall health and amounts of healthy bacteria

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View our recommendations for the best probiotics for dog yeast infections.

Bathing dogs to prevent or manage yeasty smells: how often should I do it?

Because of the wide variety of dog breeds and mixes, coat types, animal sizes, and health histories, its impossible to pinpoint one solid guideline for any individual dog. In general, you can stick close to these timelines when making a plan to bathe your dog:

1. Regular Dogs: For most dogs with a healthy coat and skin, bathing once every 2 to 3 months is typically sufficient. Regular brushing and grooming can help keep their coat clean and free of debris in between baths.
2. Short-Coated Dogs: Breeds with short hair or coats, such as Beagles or Boxers, usually require less frequent bathing, about every 3 to 4 months. They can still benefit from gentle brushing occasionally.
3. Long-Coated Dogs: Dogs with longer hair, like Shih Tzus or Golden Retrievers, may benefit from more frequent bathing, approximately every 6 to 8 weeks. They should be regularly brushed between bathings, and extra care should be taken if they get dirty or wet.
4. Active Dogs: If your dog is very active, enjoys outdoor adventures, or gets dirty frequently, you may need to bathe them more often. In this case, bathe as often as needed to keep their coat clean but consider water rinses and conditioner, instead of regularly shampooing, which might dry their skin out. Dry shampoos may be an option as well.

Frequent unnecessary bathing can damage the integrity of healthy skin, making over-bathed dogs more prone to skin infections including yeast. If your dog gets dirty between normal baths, you can spot-rinse with water or use a little dry shampoo. Be sure to get your dog completely dry after a bath or any other time they get wet. Having moisture against the skin can lead to irritation, hot spots, and yeast overgrowth as well.

When to visit the vet for a yeasty dog smell

Contact the vet if:

• Home remedies dont improve the smell after a few days.
• Your dog shows signs of discomfort or pain.
• The odor is accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

When my pet goes to the vet for a yeast infection, what can I expect?

At a vet visit for yeasty smells, you can expect:

1. Veterinary examination: Costing $50-$100 on average, an exam is the first step in determining the cause and appropriate treatment for the issue.
2. Tests for underlying conditions: While treatment may be straightforward in some cases, a more severe issue or a persistent one that isnt resolving might require testing. Sometimes its a gentle surface-swab of the skin to see what bacteria or other organisms are present. This might cost up to $100. In some cases, more advanced testing is needed including allergy panels or skin culture, and these may cost a couple hundred dollars or more.
3. Medication for yeast infections: The treatments for yeast infections can vary depending on cause, severity, and individual veterinarian preference based on their experience. A simple topical treatment might be less than $50, though in some cases a regimen of products may be recommended. This often includes topical sprays or ointments in combination with specialized shampoo/ conditioner products, and can cost upwards of $100. If treatment for more severe infections with secondary issues like damaged skin is necessary, additional medications to keep your dog comfortable will be prescribed alongside the topical medications and bathing products.
4. Treating underlying conditions: Dogs that have underlying immune system disorders or other chronic diseases may require additional treatments, including changes in diet and other medications. This may cost $20-$100 per month and may be lifelong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use human antifungal creams on my dog?

Without explicit veterinary instruction, its not safe to use human antifungal creams on dogs. Many human healthcare products are hazardous or even deadly for use in dogs, and even using a pet-safe human healthcare product incorrectly can spell disaster. Consult with your dogs veterinarian before trying to use any human or dog antifungal creams, or learn more about fungal skin infections in dogs.

Can I bathe my dog to combat yeast smell?

Bathing can help clean soiled skin, remove shed fur, and maybe even rebalance skin bacteria, all of which can help manage the risk for a yeast infection. But be sure to choose a well rated pet-safe product meant for sensitive skin. Do not use flea/tick shampoos or sprays, medicated shampoos, or products meant for humans.

Bathing too frequently can put your dog at risk for further skin issues, so avoid bathing any more often than every 6 8 weeks (less often for dogs with short coats) or unless visibly soiled.

Are there any dietary changes I should make to address yeast issues?

Consult your dogs veterinarian before making any diet changes. Food allergies in dogs are less common, but the signs are much more obvious, than many people believe. Changing a diet rapidly or frequently can cause more harm than good.

How long does it take to eliminate the yeast smell in dogs?

The timeline for getting rid of a yeasty smell varies based on the underlying cause and the chosen treatment plan. Improvement may be seen in a few days to weeks if successfully managed by your dogs veterinarian, but it may take longer if you try to manage it at home and arent addressing the underlying cause.

Its also possible that your dogs personal balance of bacterial/ yeast on the skin is just one that promotes slight overgrowth of yeast. Many dogs live their entire lives with frito feet without experiencing any health difficulties because of it.

Are certain dog breeds more prone to yeast overgrowth?

Some breeds are predisposed to skin issues that can lead to yeast overgrowth. These may include:

• Bulldogs
• Basset Hounds
• Cocker Spaniels

• Dr. Chyrle Bonk received her Master in Animal Science from the University of Idaho and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from Oregon State University in 2010. She has over 10 years of experience in small animal veterinary practice, working for a veterinary clinic in Idaho.

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• Kate Howard lives in Upstate New York, and received her degree in Veterinary Technology from Alfred State College of Technology in 2010. She has been a veterinary technician for 13+ years, and spent her career working primarily in general practice and veterinary emergency care. Kate has 3 dogs, a cat, and keeps a small flock of backyard poultry.

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Disclaimer: This website's content is not a substitute for veterinary care. Always consult with your veterinarian for healthcare decisions. Read More.