Skin Yeast Infection is a fungal infection. It is caused by yeast organisms that overgrow on the surface of the skin. Skin yeast infection can extend to the entire body if left untreated. It causes hair loss, itches and the skin has a crusty appearance. Skin yeast infection treatment is very important for the well-being of your dog, so you are recommended to start treatment as soon as you spot the first signs.
Skin Yeast Infection in Dogs
Yeasts are spore-like fungi that cause skin infections in dogs. They are commonly found on the dog’s skin, in the ears and in the area of the anus. Skin pH changes can lead to yeasts proliferation. Excess production of skin oils or allergies to yeasts associated with a weakened immune system can easily cause skin yeast infections.
The infection manifests first around armpits, under the jaw, on the groin or the chest. It can easily spread to the entire skin surface causing hair loss. The infected skin has a bad smell.
The yeast infection can reoccur, especially if the underlying is not treated properly.
There are several breeds that are prone to skin yeast infection:
- White Terrier
- Australian terrier
- Silky terrier
- Maltese
- West Highland
- Cocker spaniel
- Basset hound
- Chihuahua
- Poodle
- Lhasa apso
- Shetland sheepdog
- Dachshund
Diagnosis of Skin Yeast Infection in Dogs
In order to confirm the diagnosis, the veterinarian needs to take some skin scraping samples and look for yeasts organisms. The samples can be taken either by swabbing the skin or by using a microscope slide which is pressed against the skin. Samples are afterwards investigated under a microscope. In some cases, the vet can choose to perform a skin biopsy. This consists of removing a very small skin sample. The sample is analyzed under the microscope. The procedure is performed using local anesthesia, so the dog does not feel any pain. The skin biopsy offers more information regarding both the infection and the underlying cause.
Treatment of Skin Yeast Infection in Dogs
The treatment of skin yeast infections is based on oral therapy, special shampoos, and topical remedies. Veterinarians usually recommend Ketoconazole or Itraconazole as oral treatments. Itraconazole is usually recommended for more severe cases. The treatment can last for several weeks and the dosage depends on the severity of the infection. It is recommended that owners keep to the administration protocol to ensure a successful treatment.Veterinarians also recommend the use of shampoos, which can reduce the excess skin oils. There are also specific anti-yeast shampoos. Usually shampoos need to stay on the skin for 10 to 15 minutes, so you should not rinse the dog during this interval. Topical remedies address the abnormal appearance of the skin as well as the symptoms. If the infection only affects small areas, you can wipe your dog with a mixture of water and vinegar. There are also products with local application for skin yeast infections. Treating the underlying cause is also necessary.