YEAST INFECTION IN DOGS: CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS

Yeast infections in dogs can develop on their skin or in their ears when there is an abnormal overproduction of the yeast that is normally found on your pet's skin.

- Dr. Anshula

Yeast is a natural spore-producing fungus that does not generally cause illness unless there is too much of it.

Yeast infections can also be called. Malassezia dermatitis. or yeast dermatitis and they usually occur in a dog's ears, between its paw pads or in its skin folds. A yeast infection can make the affected area of your dog's skin red, itchy and irritated. Yeast infections in a dog's ear can lead to deafness if left untreated for a long time.

If your dog is tilting their head, scratching their ears, licking their paws or has a musty odour, it might have a yeast infection. A yeast infection is common in dogs whose immune systems have been compromised by medications. It can often occur during allergy seasons, especially in dogs who are taking antibiotics or steroids. Antibiotics do not cause this infection, but being on antibiotics for a long period can diminish the dog's normal flora, which helps to keep yeast under control. Steroids also affect the dog's immunity, which can result in an overgrowth of yeast.

CLINICAL SIGNS OF YEAST INFECTION IN DOGS

The most common clinical signs of a yeast infection in dogs are:

• itching and redness
• musty odour 
• scales and crusty, flaky skin 
• thickened skin (elephant skin)
• hyperpigmentation (dark-pigmented skin)
• chronic or recurrent otitis externa or ear infections.

YEAST INFECTIONS IN DOGS ARE CAUSED BY THE FOLLOWING FACTORS:

There are innumerable bacteria and fungi on the skin. Under normal conditions, these organisms do not cause any problems and are controlled by the immune system. If skin conditions change or the immune system is compromised, these bacteria and fungi can cause infection. These types of infections are termed "opportunistic infections". A yeast skin infection results when the number of yeast organisms on the skin increases.