What You Need to Know About Yeast Infections in Dogs

Yeast is commonly known for its role in making bread rise, and I even used it myself last night to make a pizza crust! However, while yeast helps in baking, there are certain species of yeast that can affect our pets, causing discomfort. The type of yeast I’m concerned about is the one that can lead to excessive itching, irritation, and unpleasant odors in our dogs.

What Is Yeast?

Yeast refers to spore-like forms of fungi. One particular yeast species, Malassezia, causes a fungal infection of the skin known as Malassezia dermatitis.

Why Should You Suspect Yeast?

Yeast infections are often characterized by extreme itchiness, crusty skin, and an overpowering smell. Typically, a dog with a yeast infection will start with a rash or mild itching, but over time, the skin may thicken and develop a rough texture, often referred to as “elephant skin." The itching becomes intense, and the odor can be especially bothersome.

Yeast infections can affect any part of the body, and in severe cases, the entire body may be involved. While yeast infections are more common in dogs, cats can also experience them.

Yeast are normal inhabitants of the skin, but they can overgrow and become problematic when there’s an underlying issue, such as an allergy.

You should suspect a yeast infection if your dog exhibits any of the following symptoms:

• Chronic allergies

• Increased itching and scratching

• Limited response to treatments (like prednisone)

• A strong dog odor that reappears shortly after a bath

Certain breeds are more predisposed to yeast infections due to their genetic makeup. These breeds include:

• West Highland White Terrier

• Basset Hound

• Cocker Spaniel

• Silky Terrier

• Australian Terrier

• Maltese

• Chihuahua

• Poodle

• Shetland Sheepdog

• Lhasa Apso

• Dachshund

How Is a Yeast Infection Diagnosed?

Your veterinarian can confirm a yeast infection with ease. The process involves applying a small piece of tape to the affected skin (for example, in skin folds), staining the tape, and then examining the yeast organisms under a microscope. I’ve performed this test hundreds of times in practice, and it’s an effective way to get a diagnosis.

How to Treat Yeast Infections in Dogs

The cornerstone of treating yeast infections is regular shampooing, but it’s important to leave the shampoo on for at least 10 minutes to be effective.

Initially, I recommend shampooing your dog twice a week to start, then reducing to once a week for about 4 weeks to fully eliminate the yeast. After this, you can shampoo as needed.

1. Conventional “Vet" Shampoos

There are several effective shampoos for treating yeast infections:

• Benzoyl peroxide shampoos (such as OxyDex or Pyoben)

• Sulfur/salicylate shampoos (like SebaLyt or Sebolux)

• Chlorhexidine shampoos (such as ChlorhexiDerm Max or Malaseb)

These shampoos help strip the skin oils that feed the yeast and have antifungal properties.

2. “People" Shampoos

Certain anti-dandruff shampoos designed for humans can also be effective against yeast:

• Selsun Blue

• Miconazole shampoo

• Nizoral shampoo

I’ve used Selsun Blue in practice with great results.

3. Homemade Dog Anti-Yeast Shampoo

You can make your own dog-friendly anti-yeast shampoo with these simple ingredients:

• ¾ cup water

• 2 tablespoons Castile Soap

• 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar

• 10 drops Lavender Essential Oil

Castile Soap is a natural, oil-based soap that’s great for cleaning, and Apple Cider Vinegar kills yeast and bacteria. Lavender Essential Oil adds a pleasant scent and helps with yeast control.

Mix everything together, and after soaking your dog, apply the mixture, focusing on the skin folds where yeast often hides. When you add the Apple Cider Vinegar, it will turn white, which is perfectly normal.

4. Topical Treatment

For localized treatment, you can use a diluted Apple Cider Vinegar solution. I recommend a mix of:

• ¾ cup water

• ¼ cup Apple Cider Vinegar

Put the solution in a spray bottle and apply it to the affected areas. Adding lavender oil will also leave your dog smelling nice.

You can also use Canesten or Monistat (anti-yeast creams for humans). These contain active ingredients like clotrimazole or miconazole, which are often used in veterinary medications. Apply these creams topically twice daily for 7-10 days for effective treatment.

5. Feed Your Dog Anti-Yeast Ingredients

Certain ingredients can help fight yeast from the inside out:

• Garlic: Known for its anti-yeast properties, you can safely give your dog ¼ clove of garlic per 20 lbs of body weight daily.

• Apple Cider Vinegar: Add 1 teaspoon per 10 lbs of your dog’s weight, twice daily. It not only combats yeast but also aids digestion.

Conclusion: Heal Your Pet at Home

Yeast infections in dogs can be uncomfortable, but with proper treatment, you can manage and eliminate the infection. Using shampoos, topical treatments, and adding anti-yeast ingredients to your dog’s diet can significantly help.

P.S. If your dog suffers from allergies, I highly recommend trying our new Quercetin supplement. It’s been receiving rave reviews!

P.P.S. For excellent skin support, check out our Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Bioactive Quercetin for Dogs and Cats. It’s an excellent addition to your pet’s health regimen.