What Are The Treatment Options For A Dog Paw Yeast Infection
Once your vet has diagnosed your dog with a yeast infection, he or she will come up with a treatment plan that is specific to your dogs situation. It may sound simplistic, but the key to treating yeast infections is to closely follow your veterinarians instructions. Doing this will help prevent the infection from persisting or getting worse.
There are a few treatments that your vet might suggest. One option is to use an antifungal medication, which may be a pill that you give your dog by mouth. This can sometimes be challenging if your dog wont take pills well. Alternatively, your vet might recommend an antifungal cream, wipe, or ointment that you can apply directly to your dogs feet.
The vet might also send your dog home with a medicated shampoo. When using these antifungal shampoos, the directions might tell you to leave the shampoo on your dog for a specific number of minutes before rinsing. Most shampoos state that this should be about five minutes. But it is best to follow your veterinarians instructions and/or read the label when bathing your dog to ensure you use the product correctly.
Finally, the vet will discuss ways to address the underlying cause of the yeast infection. We will talk about that more in the prevention section since while it is an integral part of resolving yeast infections, it is arguably more important for preventing them.
Stop Feeding Your Dog Yeast
Yeast is a dimorphic organism that exists in two forms in your dogs body. It can exist as a benign single-celled organism that lives peacefully with the bacteria. Or it can sometimes grow out of control and become toxic. So the best way to stop the growth of yeast in your dogs gut is by removing carbs and sugar from your dogs diet.
Carbs are complex chains that are composed of sugar molecules. Therefore, when your pet consumes carbohydrates, it is broken down into sugar that feeds the yeast. So, limit dog foods that contain millet, oat, rice, peas, corn, wheat, and potatoes.
Alternative Treatments For Dog Infections Of Toes
In addition to conventional treatments for dog infection between the toes, many different natural or organic remedies may not only treat the symptoms, but address the cause as well. No matter the cause, manifestation of infection is generally due, in part, to a weakened immune system. There are several changes you can make in lifestyle, as well as adding certain supplements that may help to treat the underlyingcause of infection:
- Homeopathy – analyzes the sum total of all symptoms and uses a diluted solution to strengthen the immune system and treat the cause.
- Dietary changes – fillers and preservatives used in many popular dog foods can contribute to many health problems. Changing the diet to include organic or natural substances will improve the dog’s overall well-being over time.
- Supplements – many dietary supplements include vitamins, minerals and other natural substances that can help to prevent or treat specific health issues.
- Herbs – there are numerous herbs that can be safely appliedto skin to provide antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. Eucalyptus, goldenseal and tea tree are among the many options.
Also Check: Nature’s Plus Red Yeast Rice
How Does A Dog Get A Yeast Skin Infection
The skin is host to innumerable bacteria and fungi. Under normal circumstances, these organisms do not cause a problem and are kept under control by the immune system. If conditions on the skin change or if the immune system is suppressed, these bacteria and fungi can cause infection. These types of infections are termed opportunistic infections. If the number of yeast organisms on the skin increase, a yeast skin infection results.
“Yeast dermatitis is not contagious.”
A common cause of a yeast skin infection is an increase in the amount of oils produced on the skin. This is most frequently associated with allergic skin disease. Another common cause of excess skin oils is seborrhea oleosa .
Some dogs have an immune deficiency making them ineffective at fighting yeast infections resulting in chronic infection. Dogs that receive immunosuppressive drugs such as corticosteroids may also be unable to effectively prevent yeast infections, so may develop a chronic yeast infection.
Yeast dermatitis is not contagious your dog did not get this infection from another dog. Opportunistic yeast infections often recur unless the underlying allergy or skin condition is controlled.
There are certain breeds thought to be genetically predisposed to developing yeast infections. These breeds include West Highland White Terrier, Basset Hound, Cocker Spaniel, Silky Terrier, Australian Terrier, Maltese Terrier, Chihuahua, Poodle, Shetland Sheepdog, Lhasa Apso, and Dachshund.
Are Yeast Infections In Dogs Painful
Yeast infections in dogs are not typically painful, but they can be very uncomfortable for the dog. Yeast infections can make your dog’s skin itch and they may scratch or lick at their skin excessively. This can lead to secondary bacterial infections, hot spots, and hair loss. Yeast infections can also make your dog’s skin smell bad.
In conclusion, yeast infections on dogs skin can be uncomfortable and difficult to treat. It is important to take your dog to the veterinarian if you notice any symptoms of a yeast infection. Treatment options include topical and systemic therapy. You can help prevent yeast infections by maintaining good hygiene and grooming your dog regularly. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any further questions or are concerned that your dog may be suffering from a yeast infection.
Read Also: Natural Way To Get Rid Of Yeast Infection
Is There A Cure For Yeast Infection In Dogs
While yeast infections can be cured, some dogs are prone to recurrent infections. The best way to prevent a possible occurrence is to take care of your dogs immune system properly. When you treat the root of the problem, you are not only taking care of the possible yeast infection but other potential skin issues that are a result of problems that originate in the digestive tract.
Treating Dogs With Ear Yeast
The ears are probably one of the most difficult areas to treat for yeast. Dogs’ ears are prone to yeast especially dogs with floppy ears. Once they have a yeast problem it seems like its never-ending. However, there are lots of treatments you can try.
I cover a selection of treatments on a different page here that include a one-time treatment, over-the-counter ear-drops, natural ear cleaner, and a home remedy for yeast infections of the ears. I also have a separate page just for ear infections.
For more information on natural remedies, there is a great book entitled “Heal Your Dog Naturally”.
It was written by a Canine Naturopath, Research Scientist and Zoologist and includes how to heal repeated ear infections.
If you’re not happy with the book, for whatever reason, a full refund will be issued, no questions asked.
Recommended Reading: Yeast Infection Treatment During Period
Frito Paws And Stinky Dogs
Does your dog have an overpowering smell of Frito Paws? If he hasnt been secretly hoarding a bag of corn chips, that weird odor of Frito Paws may be an indication of a yeast infection.
Dogs have a normal amount of healthy levels of yeast that naturally occur on their body. The balance of healthy flora on the dogs body is kept in check by a healthy and balanced immune system. Balance is the operative word. An imbalance in a dogs immune system in either direction can lead to yeast overgrowth.
An underactive immune system can lead to yeast overgrowth. The immune system is unable to manage yeast blooms. An overactive immune system can also lead to yeast problems. When dogs have allergies or overactive immune system, they are often prescribed steroids which turn the immune system off and antibiotics can eliminate all the bacteria, they end up with a yeast overgrowth.
How do you know if your dog has a yeast infection?
Your veterinarian can determine if you pet has a yeast infection by performing a culture or cytology and viewing it under a microscope. Most people can smell the dog and immediately know he has a yeast problem because yeast has a very distinctive smell. A normal healthy dog should not smell. If your dog is itching and has a distinctive musty smell or if his feet smell like Corn Chips, or ears smell like musty mold, he may have a yeast infection.
How can you manage a stinky dog?
There are two major steps in managing yeast.
DIET
BATHING
Preventing Yeast Infection In Dogs
Activities that can contribute to yeast infections are things like swimming, especially in hot and humid areas. Your dog can stay moist for a long time after swimming, and this provides the perfect environment for a yeast overgrowth.
Too much running can also contribute to yeast infections, as moisture can get trapped in between your dogs toes from sweat, and yeast just loves to grow there.
If you live in hot or humid climates, and any of the above activities are a regular part of your dogs life, to avoid yeast dermatitis, you might consider making sure your dog gets a weekly bath, so that these areas are washed clean and dried properly.
Also Check: How To Treat Mild Yeast Infection
What Are The Treatment Options For Yeast Infection In Dogs
Treatment options for a yeast infection on dogs skin include systemic and topical therapeutic options.
Topical Therapy – Topical therapy is very beneficial for areas of the skin and paws that are affected by yeast. This therapy helps to soothe the skin and also has anti-fungal properties.
Various topical agents have been effective in the treatment of yeast infections, including:
– Antifungal wipes
– Topical antifungal creams or ointments
Systemic Therapy – Systemic therapy is used to treat yeast infections that are more widespread or severe. This type of therapy helps to target the yeast infection from the inside out.
Oral antifungal medications are typically used to treat systemic yeast infections. These include:
– Ketoconazole
– Itraconazole
– Fluconazole
Systemic therapy is typically reserved for more severe generalized cases of yeast infection, or for yeast infections that do not respond to topical therapy.
How Is Yeast Dermatitis Diagnosed
There are several techniques used to collect samples for diagnosing yeast dermatitis:
- Skin scraping – scraping the skin with a blade to collect yeast organisms
- Impression smear – pressing a microscope slide on the skin to collect yeast organisms.
- Cotton swab sample – rubbing a moistened swab on the skin to collect yeast organisms.
- Acetate tape preparations – applying a piece of clear tape to the skin to collect yeast organisms.
- Skin biopsy – obtaining a small piece of skin with a biopsy punch. This is the most invasive diagnostic test, but provides the most complete diagnostic information.
Once the sample is obtained, it is examined by a veterinary pathologist under the microscope.
Also Check: Best Food For Yeast Infection
Keep The Paws Clean And Dry
Remember that fungus likes warm and moist environments. So it is important to prevent these types of environments on your dog by keeping your dogs paws clean and dry. You might want to consider trying these at-home strategies:
- Shave/clip extra hair on your dogs feet , If you need help, be sure to ask your groomer or a veterinarian.
- Rinse then dry your dogs feet after he or she has been outside, especially if he or she walked in dirt or weeds. This will help clean the paw and remove any allergens or irritants.
- Dry your dogs paws if they are wet from swimming, being out in the rain, etc.
- Check your dog for grass awns such as foxtails.
- Ask your vet if you should use antifungal wipes on your dogs feet on a regular basis. These wipes can be a great way to remove debris and control the yeast population on the feet. Ensure you wipe between the toes on both surfaces of the paw and around the nail beds for maximal efficacy.
How Are Yeast Infections Diagnosed
Your vet will start by examining your dog. This could include looking down his ears with an auroscope , as well as checking his skin and paws.
Samples are sometimes taken for analysis. Cytology can be performed, where samples of skin or ear wax are examined under the microscope. This allows your vet to see the yeasts, as well as any bacteria. Swabs may be taken for culture to check for any concurrent bacterial infections. Your vet will also be looking to rule out other causes of skin disease such as parasites.
Don’t Miss: How Does Yeast Infection Look Like
Bathe Your Dogs Feet In A Weak Apple
The normal and beneficial bacteria that normally live on your dogs skin thrive in a slightly acidic environment, while yeasts usually prefer a slightly alkaline environment instead. So,
Most advocates of these treatments use a 50:50 combination apple-cider vinegar and water. Just be careful to avoid applying it to any area with broken skin and dry your pups paws thoroughly when you are finished.
Note that this treatment approach is only likely to be helpful with extremely mild cases of yeast infections, and it may actually exacerbate misidentified problems, such as bacterial infections. So, once again, it is always wise to touch base with your vet first.
Does your dog battle with yeast infections? Have you determined the reason he is susceptible to them? What types of things have you done to help alleviate the problem? Let us know about your experiences in the comments below.
Like it? Share it!
What Dog Breeds Are Prone To Yeast Infections
Any dog can get yeast infections. However, certain breeds are more likely than others to develop grease and phlegm buildup in their ears and body, which increases the likelihood of developing a yeast infection. This includes breeds with excess skin folds, floppy ears, and hair growing in the inner ear canal. Also, dogs with allergies have a higher chance of getting a yeast infection.
Breeds that are more prone to yeast infections include:
Recommended Reading: What To Use To Treat Yeast Infection
Home Remedies That May Help Prevent Yeast Dermatitis & Ear Infections In Dogs
Though yeast infections should be attended to by a veterinarian to make sure there are no secondary infections or complications, there are a few ways you can help to prevent your dog from developing yeast infections such as:
- Completely drying your pup after a bath or playing in the water
- Cleaning your dog’s ears of dirt regularly with a clean cloth or cotton ball
- Feed your pooch a healthy diet full of protein and other nutrients
- Brush your dog often as part of their regular hygiene routine to clear away dead skin and dirt
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet’s condition, please make an appointment with your vet.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Yeast Infection In Dogs
There are a few telltale signs that will help you figure out whether your dog has a yeast infection, leaky gut or allergies. One of the key signs is changeability yeast can change with shifts in pH or temperature.
Here are other signs of yeast infection youll want to look for:
- Chewing or licking the feet
- Dark rusty-red hair between the toes
- Bad smell and greasy hair
- Ear infections or head shaking
- Speckles on the underbelly
- Seasonal allergies
- Secondary bacterial infection
Its important to know these signs because the longer your dogs yeast infection goes untreated, the harder it will be to resolve.
If your dog has more than one of these signs, it might be time to treat the yeast. Here are the 4 steps you need to take to stop your dogs yeast overgrowth.
Also Check: Herpes Outbreak And Yeast Infection At Same Time
Destroy The Yeast Biofilm
Yeast cells have a protective shell made up of several layers. This tough outer shell is called a biofilm and its what makes yeast tough to kill. Once this protective biofilm is stripped off, the yeast no longer has a safe house to protect it from the immune system. Digestive enzymes are special proteins that help your dog digest his food. Theyre also the enemy of yeast they can digest yeasts biofilm. And while yeast can build up immunity to some antifungal meds, theyre always susceptible to enzymes.
The biofilm is mainly made of fiber, but also fats and proteins so its important to use digestive enzymes that break down all three of these substances. An important addition is cellulase, a plant-based digestive enzyme. Cellulase breaks down the fiber in yeasts shell but your dog doesnt manufacture it, so it needs to be given as a supplement. Other digestive enzymes will break down the fats and proteins in the biofilm.
Its important to give your dog digestive enzymes between meals. If given with meals, the enzymes will digest your dogs food and not the yeast cell walls. Enzymes will also make your dogs digestive tract more acidic, which makes it less hospitable to both yeast and harmful bacteria. Another benefit to digestive enzymes is that they can reduce the symptoms of yeast die-off. If your dog becomes too uncomfortable, you can increase the digestive enzymes or reduce the amount of anti-fungal foods.
Common Signs And Symptoms Of Yeast Infections In Dogs
Here are the most common areas for yeast infections in dogs and some common signs and symptoms to look out for.
Skin
In the early stages of a yeast infection, the skin begins to turn pink or red. When dealing with long term yeast infections, the skin may also become leathery and thick and resemble elephant skin.
The itch is extreme and uncomfortable and the odor can be especially troublesome. There is often a sweet or musty odor.
The affected skin may also be greasy or flaky, and there may be hair loss.
Paws
Yeast infections in dogs paws will cause the affected area to become red, irritated, and itchy. Your dog may also be licking their paws more than usual.
The underside of the paws, between the pads, is affected most often, but yeast can occur anywhere on the paws. Sometimes a brown discharge can be seen in the nail beds.
Ears
Dog ear yeast infections are common. If its a yeast infection in the ears, your dog may constantly shake and scratch at his head.
Yeast infections on the ears can cause a more pronounced odor in your dogs ears. The smell is described as sweet or musty.
There is usually redness around the affected area, which may extend onto the flap of the ear, and the discharge is usually brown. The ear may appear greasy, and the hair may be matted.
You May Like: Pills For Yeast Infection Walmart