Yeast (Candida) Infections in Dogs

The fungus Candida albicans occurs naturally in your dog's body and is kept in check by "good" bacteria. Yeast infections in dogs most often occur when the immune system is suppressed due to medication or an underlying condition.

Yeast infections may affect the ears, skin, paws, and other areas. Treatment is usually straightforward and involves topical medications or oral antifungals.

Yeast infections can range from mild to severe. Some dogs are more sensitive and prone to developing yeast infections than others. If you notice your dog exhibiting unusual behaviors or excessively licking and biting a specific area of their body, take them to the vet.

You'll find several home remedies on the internet for yeast infections in dogs. However, many of these remedies are not backed by medical research and may end up worsening your dog's condition. Consult your vet before administering any treatments at home.

Symptoms of yeast infection in dogs can manifest in a variety of ways. Symptoms may include:

• Yellow, brown, or black buildup of debris in one or both ears
• Excessive shaking of the head
• Excessive scratching of the ears or other places on the body
• Hot spots
• Skin rashes and infections
• Excessive licking of the paws, legs, tail, or other areas
  
• Dull or greasy coat
• Hair loss
  
• Odor

Many environmental and biological factors can cause a yeast infection, including:

• Humid environments
  
• Skin folds
• Skin diseases
• Bacterial infections
• Medications or conditions that suppress the immune system

Some breeds have a higher risk of developing yeast infections, including, but not limited to:

• Golden Retrievers
• Shih Tzus
• Basset Hounds

Please note this isn't a complete list. Any breed with excess skin folds is more prone to developing a yeast infection. Curious about whether your dog might be predisposed? Consult your vet or chat with a vet now.

There's a common misconception that antibiotics cause yeast infections. This isn't necessarily true — there is a correlation, but not causality. Taking antibiotics for an extended period of time can reduce the "good" bacteria that usually regulates yeast populations in the body. This reduction allows the yeast populations to grow, which causes an infection.

Your vet will perform a thorough physical examination to assess the severity of the condition. Tell your vet about any symptoms you've observed, as well as any pre-existing conditions and current medications.

To rule out other bacterial and fungal infections, your vet may swab or take a skin scraping from the affected area. This process is known as cytology. The vet will then examine the sample under a microscope to confirm that Candida is causing the infection.

The treatment will vary depending on the location and severity of the condition. Topical treatments are usually the first line of defense for yeast infections in dogs. Your vet may prescribe a medicated ointment, ear drops, spray, or shampoo. Bathing your dog with antifungal shampoo can also help prevent future yeast infections, especially in dogs that are predisposed to them. Never use antifungal shampoos or topical treatments designed for human use on your dog unless explicitly instructed to do so by your vet.

If your dog's infection doesn't respond to these treatments, your vet will prescribe an oral antifungal like ketoconazole in conjunction with topical treatments. It can take up to two weeks to start seeing an improvement in your dog's condition. Oral antifungal treatment typically lasts up to four weeks.

With prompt treatment, the prognosis is typically good. With the proper treatment, dogs suffering from dermatitis resulting from a yeast infection typically recover fully within four weeks.

Your vet may schedule a follow-up appointment to assess your dog's recovery progress. Let your vet know if your dog's symptoms aren't improving or start getting worse. Be sure to follow all treatment guidelines exactly to prevent a future flare-up.

If your dog suffers from chronic yeast infections, talk to your vet about prevention and treatment options.