- 5.1 Anti-fungal shampoos
- 5.2 Topical anti-fungal creams
- 5.3 Oral (systemic) anti-fungal medication
- 5.4 Common systemic anti-fungal medications and their side-effects
- 6.1 Preliminary Steps
- 6.2 Optimizing Your Dog's Diet
- 6.3 Essential Supplements
- 6.4 Detox and Cleanse
- 6.5 Flea and Tick Control
- 6.6 Reduce Itching and Inflammation
- 6.7 Spinal and Muscular Health
When I am out and about walking with Pax I really enjoy speaking with other dog lovers we meet along the way. Something I often hear is that their dog has been diagnosed with yeast, and then it usually continues with a story about how difficult the treatment has been and that it hasn’t worked very well.
Perhaps your dog is one of those dogs who suffer from a yeast infection, if so, this article is for you. If your pooch is lucky enough to be able to keep yeast at bay, I suggest you also continue reading because It never hurts to have extra knowledge in your arsenal, just in case your vet ever says: “Your dog has a yeast infection and needs to be put on drugs.”
This blog will help you make your dog’s yeast infection a story of the past, allowing them to live a much happier and healthier life.
What Is Malassezia Yeast Infection in Dogs?
Malassezia is a harmless yeast species that lives on skin, and is the most common microorganism on healthy skin, however when given a chance, its population can get out of control and cause a lot of damage when the right (wrong) conditions arise. Malassezia loves skin that is inflamed, weakened, or traumatized.
A yeast infection in dogs, also known as Malassezia dermatitis or Yeast Dermatitis, is a common skin condition primarily caused by the overgrowth of the yeast species Malassezia.
It typically manifests in areas like a dog's ears, between paw pads, or within skin folds. This condition is characterized by symptoms such as intense itching, redness, and irritation of the affected skin. In more severe cases, especially when the ears are involved, it can lead to complications such as deafness if not treated promptly.
Yeast infections in dogs represent a significant discomfort and can indicate underlying health issues that need addressing.
The immune system of healthy skin normally keeps Malassezia yeast in check, but when the defences fail, yeast infiltrates deeper skin layers, aggravating the immune system and causing serious chronic skin disease.
This problem is so common that some people assume the yeasty smell is normal for dogs — but it isn’t!
How Is Malassezia Yeast Infection in Dogs Diagnosed?
Unlike bacteria, which is quite easy to cultivate in a petri dish, yeast and fungi are very difficult to grow in vitro.
The diagnosis of a yeast infection in dogs (Malassezia) is rather tricky because its presence does not necessarily mean it causes the pathology to be seen.
Note: Skin biopsies are not a reliable diagnostic method and microscopic examination of a skin sample collected by skin scraping, swabbing, or using acetate tape is more helpful.
The problem is that yeast is the most numerous microorganism on healthy skin, which makes the diagnosis of a true “yeast infection” difficult. Also, Malassezia yeast infections are always secondary to an underlying cause.
The most important question that you and your veterinarian should ask is:
“What is the primary cause of the skin yeast infection and why does yeast, which normally lives in harmony with the body, “go rogue” and cause serious problems?”
What Are the Symptoms of a Yeast Infection in Dogs?
Before I describe the symptoms, remember that Malassezia yeast infections are always secondary to an underlying cause that deserves your primary focus. In a healthy dog, yeast exists in harmony with the host despite being the most common microorganism on the skin’s surface.
However, when the defences fail and the yeast population grows out of control this leads to actual skin disease.
In such cases, dogs present with either generalized or localized symptoms of hair loss, and itchy, greasy, red and flaky skin that can thicken and increase in pigmentation over time.
Yeast and fungal infection can also affect the nails and ears, which can be seen as an extension of the skin, and therefore the same approach to treatment can be applied.
Yeast Infection in Dogs Ears
Yeast infections in your dog's ears, a condition that's far more common than many pet lovers realize, can be a real annoyance for your canine companion.
These infections, often referred to as Canine Otitis Externa, are usually caused by an overgrowth of naturally occurring yeast.
If your dog is frequently shaking their head or scratching their ears, or if you notice an unusual smell, these could be the signs to check for dog yeast infection.
Breeds with floppy ears are especially susceptible, as their ear structure can create a moist environment ideal for yeast infection to thrive. It's crucial to be proactive and vigilant, as neglecting these signs can lead to serious ear infection complications, including impaired hearing.
Understanding and promptly addressing yeast infections in your dog’s ears is key to their well-being. Regular ear checks, ensuring a dry ear environment, and a well-balanced diet to bolster your dog’s immune system are proactive steps you can take. Also, be alert to allergies that can aggravate yeast overgrowth.
Yeast Infection in Dogs Treatment
CAUTION!
This is where you as a dog lover must be on guard.
When a dog is given a yeast infection diagnosis, the typical response is to use topical or oral anti-fungal drugs, which are often ineffective and come with an array of undesirable side effects that can seriously affect your dog’s health and lifespan.
To illustrate what each of the common treatments does, let me explain in detail.
Anti-Fungal Shampoos
Conventional treatment protocols recommend bathing with shampoos containing anti-fungals like miconazole, ketoconazole, in addition to chlorhexidine. The condition may subside for some time, but usually, it comes back, the treatment has to be repeated and eventually stops working.
Cons: Such treatment doesn’t consider the underlying primary causes of disease that I will mention later on in this article. Also, medicinal shampoos do not act selectively, instead they also destroy other beneficial microorganisms living on the skin, which comes with further negative consequences and disrupts the eco-system of the skin.
Topical Anti-Fungal Creams
The cons I mentioned about anti-fungal shampoos also apply to creams.
The only additional problem is that dogs generally lick ointments and creams off, which makes them ingest petroleum products as well as the anti-fungal medicines within the cream.
Oral (systemic) Anti-Fungal Medication
I am always cautious when it comes to oral “anti-anything” medication, and have experienced only a few situations where they would be truly needed, after the true and primary cause of fungal and yeast infections is addressed.
I would like to emphasize that the term “side-effects” stands for the effects of the medication that have just been put in a separate category.
The irony is that many people assume that side-effects do not happen to them or their dogs when they administer drugs, and I believe this is one of the biggest reasons why conventional drugs are still so widely used.
Common Systemic Anti-Fungal Medications and Their Side-Effects
The biggest group of anti-fungal drugs are those ending with “-azole” and indeed they are called “azoles”:
Ketoconazole is one of the most commonly used anti-fungal medications that also suppresses the body’s immune system and inflammation.
At first, this may seem beneficial, however, such effects have a greater impact on the healthy functioning of the body.
15 out of 100 patients will experience side effects such as vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and elevated liver enzymes. Ketaconazole is hepatotoxic — meaning, it can damage the liver.
Itraconazole and Fluconazole are other antifungal agents that penetrate deeper into the tissues and have a longer half-life than ketoconazole. The side-effects are the same, including digestive issues and hepatotoxicity. Drugs that stay in the system longer can have a greater negative impact on the body.
Terbinafine is different from -azoles, however the range of side-effects is similar: vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, liver enzyme elevation, and excessive panting.
If you are wondering what anti-fungal drug I would choose for a dog with a fungal or yeast skin infection, the honest answer is NONE!
Treating one problem while causing another, such as liver disease, should be a concern for every practitioner who should at least discuss such risks with the owner and warn about the high likelihood of side-effects. Sadly, this often doesn’t happen.
As I mentioned above, fungal or yeast infections frequently reappear when the anti-fungal drugs are stopped, unless the primary disease cause is addressed.
To summarize, anti-fungal and antibiotic medication should be used as the very last resort, as they carry numerous risks, and further disturb the metabolic and microbiome balance of the body.
Natural and Drug-Free Treatment of Yeast and Fungal Infections in Dogs
A closer look at the true causes of yeast (Malassezia) infections
Yeast infections in dogs are often a symptom of deeper imbalances. Here is a list of primary contributing factors:
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Poor diet (processed food, grains, and high-carb treats)
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Deficiency of essential nutrients
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Endocrine issues (hormonal diseases like hypothyroidism or Cushing’s)
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Weakened immune system
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Toxicity and poor detoxification
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Skin health compromise due to poor circulation, nerve issues, or injuries
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Stressful living conditions
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Too frequent bathing or use of harsh shampoos
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Overuse of anti-fungal medication and chemical shampoos (disrupting microbiome)
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Use of steroid medication
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7 Step Complete Guide to Treating Yeast Infections in Dogs
1. Preliminary Steps
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Rule out underlying conditions: Ensure your dog doesn’t have diseases like Cushing’s or hypothyroidism. Conduct blood tests, urine exams, parasite checks, and endocrine testing
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Skin Exam: Check for parasites (mange, fleas, lice) and intestinal worms via fecal samples.
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2. Diet
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Switch to a cooked or raw diet using the Healthy Dog Food Recipe Maker.
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Avoid all processed food, grains, pasta, and flour in meals or treats.
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3. Essential Supplements
4. Detox & Cleanse
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- Repeat a LiverTune detox once a month for seven days.
5. Flea Control
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Use natural flea and tick products like FleaHex and TickHex.
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Avoid pesticides and chemical cleaning products.
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6. Reduce Itching and Inflammation
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Use a gentle, non-chemical shampoo no more than twice a month - I use Weleda Calendula Soap and Weleda 2-in-1 Gentle Shampoo + Body Wash.
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7. Spinal & Muscular Health
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Use a shock-absorbing leash, like the Gentle Leash.
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Use a well-fitted harness, like the Perfect Fit Harness, to keep your dog safe and prevent any neck injuries.
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Have your dog assessed by a chiropractor or physical therapist for spinal alignment, which is closely related to skin health.
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SUMMARY - MALASSEZIA NATURAL TREATMENT PROTOCOL
By following these steps and recommendations, you can effectively address yeast infections in dogs while promoting overall health.
