Is yeast a common dog allergy

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 16, 2024

Contributions sourced from

Dog Allergies: What You Need to Know

Allergies are quite common in dogs of all breeds and backgrounds. They occur when a dogs immune system has a hyper-reaction to a foreign substance, such as pollen, flea saliva, vaccines, spider bites, bee stings, or even certain foods that normally would cause little or no reaction in most dogs.

We suspect certain dog allergies, such as atopy or allergies to pollens and plants, are primarily hereditary in basis. Most of these dogs begin to show allergic signs between 1-3 years of age, often after they have previously been exposed to the underlying cause. While most allergies cant be cured, the goal is to manage them with treatments that can help relieve or control a dogs allergic symptoms.

Signs That Your Pet Might Have Dog Allergies

The signs of allergies vary depending on the type of allergic reaction a dog is experiencing and can vary from dog to dog. Most allergic signs in are dermatologic, which can range from itching and inflammation of the skin, feet and ears, to hives and possibly swelling of the face. Some allergic dogs can have clear watery eyes and nose, as well as sneezing.

Gastrointestinal signs can also occur such as vomiting and/or diarrhea with or without blood. In rarer cases, a much more severe and different allergic reaction called an anaphylactic reaction can occur. This is an immediate type of hypersensitivity and leads to a potentially life-threatening situation where a dog can acutely collapse due to shock and a severe drop in blood pressure.

Types Of Allergies Your Dog Might Have

There are several common types of allergies in dogs, including:

Fleas: Reaction to the protein in flea saliva, not the actual fleas. Therefore, a dog with only one flea can still have an extensive systemic allergic reaction due to their bodys reaction to just that one fleas saliva.
Canine Atopic Dermatitis: Also known as atopy or atopic dermatitis (AD), this is a very common canine allergy. This is usually an inherited predisposition to develop allergic symptoms after exposure to relatively common substances or allergens in the air such as pollens, grasses, weeds, molds, or fungi. Common signs of atopy are itching and inflammation in a dog often seen in the underarms, groin, face and feet. Atopy is often seasonal.
Food Allergies: Allergies to food can manifest with a chronic skin condition such as flaky, itching skin, chronic licking or biting of the paws, or chronic ear infections (often with secondary opportunistic bacterial or yeast infections). Dogs can develop allergies to a food or substance over a period of time, even if they may have had no previous issues with that food substance or protein.
Contact Allergies: Contact allergies are found when a dog has direct contact with a caustic surface or chemical, causing severe irritation to the skin. Household cleaners, carpet cleaners, fertilizers, topical medication, and essential oils may all potentially cause a contact allergy.
Bacterial Hypersensitivity: Bacterial hypersensitivity occurs when a dogs immune system overreacts to the normal bacterial flora on their skin. This often occurs when other health conditions are present, such as hypothyroidism, inhalant allergy, and/or flea allergy.

Diagnosis And Treatment of Your Dogs Allergies

The best method of controlling allergies is to know what the allergen is and to avoid it or control it. Your veterinarian can perform an extensive examination with history to try to help determine the most likely cause and formulate a practical treatment plan. The gold standard for diagnosing allergies in dogs is immunotherapy or allergy testing to determine the actual cause of the allergic response and to tailor an allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT).

There are several options for treating your dogs allergies, including:

Flea Prevention: Flea prevention is obvious, relatively easy, and will help dogs who suffer from allergies to fleas. Flea eradication through an extensive anti-parasitic protocol may be necessary to improve the allergy sufferer.
Antihistamines: This treatment is generally inexpensive and safe with few side effects, but different types can have variable effects and dont work on all dogs.
Medications: Cortisone products have been commonly used in the past with good effects on allergy sufferers, but these types of medications are not without side effects, so they need to be used judiciously and only for shorter periods of time. Newer medications such as cyclosporines (Atopica), Apoquel (an immunomodulatory), and Cytopoint (an immunotherapeutic) are currently being used extensively by clinicians with good results to minimalize the severe itching response the dog gets from allergies.
Dietary Changes/Hypoallergenic Diets: Dairy, beef, and wheat can be responsible for up to 80% of food allergies in dogs. Hypoallergenic diets utilize one novel protein (or only one new protein in a diet) as the protein source. Most pets with food allergies respond well when switched to a store-bought hypoallergenic diet, but occasionally an animal suffers from such extreme allergies that a homemade diet is the only option. In this case, the diet should be customized with the aid of a veterinarian, veterinary dermatologist, or veterinary nutritionist.
Environmental and External Aids: Air purifiers can help reduce certain molds. Dust and pollens are best controlled by using an air cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. Air conditioning can also reduce circulating amounts of airborne allergens because windows are then kept closed.
Medicated Baths and Supplements: Many medicated dog shampoos have compounds in them that are aimed at soothing the injured skin and skin barrier and calming inflammation. In addition, frequent bathing (weekly to every other week) can remove allergens from the coat, which may contribute to skin allergy flare-ups. These shampoos are often prescribed by your veterinarian, and directions for use should always be read completely and followed explicitly.
Supplements: Omega-3 and Omega-6 essential fatty acid supplements can be considered by your veterinarian. These fatty acids are naturally anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative agents.
Antibiotics and Antifungal Medications: Antibiotics are frequently needed to treat secondary skin infections. Anti-fungal medications are frequently needed to treat secondary yeast infections.

Each possible allergy treatment has its advantages and drawbacks. Finding the source of your dogs allergy and discussing a specific treatment plan with your veterinarian is recommended.

Yeast and allergies whats the link in dogs?

Itchy skin is a very common problem, especially in dogs. Unfortunately it can be a very frustrating problem too. Its not nice to see your dog uncomfortable and scratching, and sadly theres not always a quick fix treatment. This is because there are a host of conditions that can cause your dog to itch, and pinpointing the cause can be difficult. In order to figure out the cause of your pets itchy skin the vet will go through a step by step process to ensure the best care and treatment for your dog and to make sure as to not miss anything.

Once diagnosed, you will receive a curated collection of highly effective dog allergies treatments, precisely designed to address your pets unique needs and alleviate their symptoms.

Signs of yeasts and allergies

You may see your pet licking, nibbling or gnawing at their feet, scratching their ears or generally overgrooming. Some pets may do this in secret. For example, when theyre alone or at night, so we have to look for clues like red skin, hair loss or brown saliva staining between their toes. These are telltale signs that your dog may be suffering from an allergy.

A little more about allergies

Skin allergies can be caused by environmental allergens such as grasses, weeds, trees, moulds, dust mites and pollen. Or by an allergy to a protein in their diet for example, chicken. A blood test (or a skin test) can be performed to help identify if an environmental allergen is the cause. To rule out a food hypersensitivity, your vet may suggest an elimination food trial. This requires a prescription hydrolyzed hypoallergenic diet for a minimum of 8-12 weeks. This is a diagnostic test in itself.

So what about the yeast?

During your pets examination the vet will check for any evidence of a concurrent skin infection. Skin infections can be caused by bacteria or a fungi/yeast known as Malassezia. Malassezia is a type of yeast that is commonly found on the skin of normal healthy dogs (without causing any problems).

However, in dogs with damaged skin, a reduced immune system or an underlying allergy, this Malassezia is able to cause skin disease. They could have a reduced immune system secondary to an illness such as diabetes, cancer, an underactive thyroid or due to long term skin allergies. As the skins resistance to the yeast lowers, the yeast can multiply and spread. This results in red itchy yeasty smelling skin. This type of yeast infection is common in Basset Hounds and West Highland White Terriers.

Its not that the dog is allergic to yeast. Its that theyre allergic to something else which has allowed the yeasts to overgrow.

How are these diseases treated?

Malassezia yeast infections can be treated with special medical shampoos or creams, or in more severe cases a course of tablets. Its important to note that because Malassezia infections occur secondary to other problems, in order to resolve the problem the underlying cause will need to be successfully managed.

This will involve identifying other conditions (eg Diabetes or Thyroid disease) if your pet is showing other clinical signs seen with this disease. They can be picked up via a blood test and then managed appropriately.

In the case of skin allergies, there are a variety of treatment options available. Some treatments work by suppressing the immune system to reduce the inflammation or itch (eg immunosuppressant drugs). Others involve training the immune system to react differently (immunotherapy producing a vaccine specific to your dogs allergens). As with any medicines, each option comes with its pros, cons, and costs. This is something your vet can discuss with you to find the best option for you and your pet.

Yeast Dermatitis (Malassezia) in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Treatments

Humans and dogs both uncomfortable when the weather gets hot and humid. That combination creates the perfect environment for yeast to grow and multiply on your dogs skin. An overgrowth of yeast can lead to a condition called yeast dermatitis in dogs or Malassezia dermatitis.

Dogs with yeast dermatitis tend to have itchy and inflamed skin, and they may be very uncomfortable. Heres what you need to know about Malassezia in dogs, including causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment.

What Causes Yeast Dermatitis in Dogs?

Malassezia pachydermatis is a yeast (which is also a fungus). Its a normal inhabitant of a dogs skin, ears, and mucous membranes. A problem only occurs when theres too theres too much of this yeast, leading to secondary issues like a yeast infection, says Dr. Amy Attas, VMD of New York-based practice City Pets. Yeast dermatitis isnt a contagious disease, so a dog cant get Malassezia from another dog.

There are two main reasons why dogs develop yeast dermatitis: factors in the environment and factors in the patient. Being in hot and humid weather, as well as going for a walk on a rainy day, can increase the likelihood of a dog developing a yeast infection. In these circumstances, dirt and moisture can get trapped between their toes or skin folds, creating an ideal breeding ground for yeast. In addition to environmental factors, dogs may have some kind of issue that helps the yeast go from colonizing i.e., normal numbers to becoming infected, she says.

The most common cause of yeast dermatitis in dogs is allergies, including food sensitivities. Dogs with allergies tend to get a lot of yeast infections on their feet, their skin, and in their ears, she says. Another cause of yeast dermatitis in dogs may be problems with a dogs immune system. For example, if a dog has been on long-term antibiotics, their immune systems may be weaker, making the dog more prone to contracting an illness. In addition to treating harmful bacteria, antibiotics can also kill some of the ones that are keeping the Malassezia in check, Dr. Attas says. Yeast are opportunistic organisms that are going to take over if the patient has issues.

Symptoms Yeast Dermatitis in Dogs

Too much yeast in a particular area can cause the skin or tissue inside the ear to become inflamed. When this happens, dogs get uncomfortable and may seek relief by rubbing or scratching the affected area. Once a dog starts to get itchy, they can create an environment for a secondary infection in the ears or on the skin, Dr. Attas explains. Here are symptoms to look for in a dog with Malassezia:

Itchy or inflamed skin
Smelling like sour milk
Coat that feels greasy to the touch
Hair loss
Scaly skin
Skin turning black or become thickened if left untreated
Dark brown, greasy discharge with a foul smell

Diagnosing Yeast Dermatitis in Dogs

Sometimes, because of the sour milk odor, a veterinarian can tell that your dog has Malassezia dermatitis just by smelling them. But before administering treatment, theyll confirm the diagnosis by collecting a sample of the dermatitis. There are several ways they can obtain a sample for testing.

If theres abundant discharge in the ears or on the skin, you can use a Q-tip and make a very thin preparation on a slide, Dr. Attas says. Then you can look at it under the microscope with special staining. Another painless option is doing an acetate tape preparation, which involves taking a piece of tape, pressing it against the area that looks infected, and peeling off the tape. The vet will then place the tape on a microscopic slide for further inspection.

A third way to get a sample is with a skin scraping. The vet will take a scalpel blade and gently take off the top layer of cells, which doesnt hurt the dog. It doesnt bleed and that gives an abundant supply of organisms to check under the microscope, she says.

If necessary, your vet may conduct a diagnostic test called a punch biopsy to see if theres a lot of yeast in an area, she explains. The vet might need to examine a full layer of skin to make a proper diagnosis and come up with a treatment plan. A punch biopsy involves using a sharp cutting tool to remove a small, tube-shaped piece of skin for microscopic examination. In most cases, this test isnt necessary.

Treatments for Yeast Dermatitis in Dogs

Typically, the treatment for yeast dermatitis in dogs involves topical agents (meaning you apply them directly to the body), like medicated dog shampoo, leave-in conditioner, and mousse. If your dog has a skin infection and Malassezia is the only yeast present, your vet may recommend using an antiseptic cleanser with an ingredient like chlorhexidine or a topical cream or spray with ingredient like ketoconazole. Yeast dermatitis may take a bit longer to treat than a bacterial infection.

Depending on how bad the infection is, you may need to bathe your dog one to three times a week, Dr. Attas says. If a dog is really greasy, Dr. Attas suggests using a degreasing cleanser for dogs (with an ingredient to cut through the grease like benzoyl peroxide) in combination with an anti-yeast shampoo for dogs. Using a degreasing cleanser helps ensure that the anti-yeast shampoo is making good contact with the skin.

The decision to use topicals is made based on how much of the body is affected and where on the body it is, Dr. Attas explains. For example, you wouldnt want to use shampoo for a yeast infection around your dogs eyes. In such cases, the vet might recommend treating the infection with oral medication.

Your vet might also prescribe oral medications if your dogs infection isnt improving or if its making them very uncomfortable. These oral antifungals for dogs include ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole, and terbinafine. Theyre given orally and are metabolized through the liver, she says. If a dog needs to be on them for a prolonged period of time, well need to monitor their blood work.

Yeast Dermatitis: Prognosis and Prevention

To avoid chronic Malassezia infections, your vet may recommend early treatment. They may also recommend taking steps to keep yeast in check.

Breeds Predisposed to Yeast Dermatitis

Some dog breeds, like the West Highland White Terrier, Cocker Spaniel, Poodle, and Dachshund, are predisposed to developing yeast dermatitis. Other dogs that are prone to allergies and yeast infections are those with long, floppy ears or skin folds, great places for fungus to hide. They tend to be the same breeds that are overrepresented for allergies, Dr. Attas says. Thats the key thing here, if we dont address allergies, were not going to get these dogs better.

These dogs may also recover from yeast dermatitis, then contract another infection if the cause of the underlying allergy isnt addressed. So if your dog has allergies and recurrent yeast infections, be sure to talk to your vet.

Keep Your Dog Clean and Dry

Water can get into the ear canal when your dog goes for a swim. Then, if they have a floppy ear, weve just created a warm and moist environment thats very inviting to these organisms, Dr. Attas says. After your dog has a bath or goes swimming, make sure to dry their ears. You can use a cotton ball or sprinkle on an ear-drying agent that you put in the ear, rub around, and wipe clean.

Overweight dogs may be prone to allergies and yeast infections, as will dogs with long, floppy ears and dogs with lots of skin folds. Those folds tend to get moist and warm, so keeping them clean and dry will help prevent yeast from coming back, Dr. Attas says.

Bulldogs may be at higher risk of yeast on their feet because there isnt much space between their toes. If they go for a walk in the rain or mud, be sure to clean and dry their feet afterward.

Dr. Attas reminds owners that yeast is an organism that loves humidity. So once youve dealt with allergies, yeast dermatitis and infections will tend to be less of a problem. Cleaning skin folds and drying your dogs ears will make a less welcoming environment for yeast organisms and relieve some of your dogs discomfort.