Signs Your Dog Has a Yeast Infection on Their Skin

Signs Your Dog Has a Yeast Infection. Being a vet, one of the most frequent skin problems I come across in dogs is a yeast infection, which is otherwise referred to as Malassezia dermatitis. Although it is a rather frustrating problem for both the dog and the owner, it is comforting to note that it is easily managed once diagnosed.

The following guide provides information on how to detect the symptoms of a yeast infection, the cause, and when professional assistance should be sought.

Signs Your Dog Has a Yeast Infection

What is a Yeast Infection in Dogs?

Fungus can be found in the name of yeast, which normally exists harmlessly in small quantities in your dog’s skin and ears. The most usual agent causing skin infections is known by the name of Malassezia pachydermatis. Issues are bound to happen only when there is a change in the condition of the skin, which will make the yeast reproduce fast enough to cause infection. You need to know that skin infections in dogs are usually secondary in nature.

Key Signs of a Yeast Infection on Your Dog’s Skin

This kind of infection cannot pass unnoticed since it displays some specific symptoms. Let’s see what they are:

1. The Classic “Frito Feet” Odor

Unusual smell is one of the most characteristic symptoms of yeast infection in animals. It is described in various ways such as similar to the smell of aged corn chips, spoiled milk or cheese. This smell comes from byproducts produced by yeast multiplication in the body of animals.

2. Persistent Itching and Scratching (Pruritus)

Yeast infection is extremely itchy. Your dog may display such behaviors as:

• Frequent scratching of the skin, ears or paws.
• Intense licking or chewing of the paws or the area infected.
• Frequent rubbing of the face, muzzle or the body on furniture and the floor.
• Frequent shaking of the head and ear rubbing on the floor if the infection is on the ears.
• All this scratching causes more harm to the skin thus perpetuating a “vicious cycle” of breaking down the skin which results in inflammation and even bacteria infection.

3. Red, Inflamed, and Greasy Skin (Erythema and Seborrhea)

Find patches of red, irritated skin. The skin may also be overly greasy or oily because of the yeast infection’s influence on the oil glands of the skin (seborrhea oleosa). You will also observe that there are yellow, white, or grey flakes on the skin.

4. Changes in Skin Texture and Color

For people with chronic conditions, or in very bad situations, the skin will be significantly altered by the inflammatory processes:

• Darkening: The skin becomes darkened, which may be either a grey, black, or reddish brown hue.
• Lichenification: The skin becomes leathery and thickened, sometimes called ‘elephant skin.’

5. Skin Lesions and Waxy Discharge

The presence of lesions such as scaling, crusting, or papules is common . There will be an observable yellow or sticky discharge from the affected area, especially those areas where there is a fold in the skin, including the ear canal .

Common Areas Affected by Yeast Infections

Yeast appear anywhere it thrives in warm moist environments. You’ll most commonly see signs in these areas :

• Ears: Ear infections or otitis externa are caused by yeast infection in many cases. The symptoms are reddened ears, dark brown to black discharge from the ear, bad smell and head shaking.
• Paws: Yeast pododermatitis is a very common condition. Red and itchy paws, brown discolored nails, discharge from nail beds (paronychia) and increased chewing and licking are the symptoms.
• Skin Folds: Breeds with creases in skin such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Shar-Peis are highly susceptible to yeast in their facial folds.
• “Armpit” Area and Groin Area: The axillae (armpit), groin and ventral neck area are other areas where yeast infections occur.
• Between the Toes: Yeast infections may also develop between the toes.

Which Dogs Are Most At Risk?

Infection of Yeasts can affect any breed of dogs; however, some particular breeds of dogs are more prone to this disease.

Some breeds of dogs susceptible to infection by Yeasts are as follows:

• West Highland White Terrier,
• Cocker Spaniel,
• Dachshund,
• Basset Hound,
• Boxer,
• Poodle,
• Shih Tzu,
• English Setter.

• Allergic Dogs: Atopy and food allergic dogs are very susceptible.
• Dogs with Floppy Ears and Folded Skin: Physiological factor which allows yeast to grow because of the moisture.
• Dogs with Underlying Diseases: Hypothyroidism, Cushing’s Disease, and Diabetes Mellitus reduce the immunity of dogs making them more prone to the condition.

Also Check: Most Comfortable Orthopedic Beds for Senior Dogs

When to See the Vet

If you have observed any of these symptoms, then you must visit your vet without delay. Avoid trying to treat yourself without being diagnosed first because this could lead to further aggravation of your condition.

A vet will be able to diagnose a yeast infection quickly by means of an easy test known as a cytology. The veterinarian will simply obtain some of your cells using either a tape preparation or skin scraping method.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)