So your dog has a yeast infection on their skin or paws. What do you do? After having your dog evaluated by your veterinarian, you may decide that bathing your dog with an antifungal dog shampoo for yeast infections is the best course of treatment for your dog.
This post will look at what a yeast infection is, signs and symptoms of a yeast infection, where yeast infections are more likely to develop on your dog, and the best dog shampoos to treat yeast infections.
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Disclaimer: This post is meant to be informative and should not be taken as medical advice. Talk to your veterinarian regarding any health concerns you may have for your dog.
What Is A Yeast Infection In Dogs?
All dogs have a certain amount of yeast, which is a microscopic fungi, on their skin. Sometimes, this yeast will grow abnormally on their skin. This is known as a yeast infection. In order for yeast to thrive, it needs a warm, moist place to grow.
What Causes Yeast To Grow On A Dog?
When yeast starts to grow abnormally on a dog, there is usually a reason this is happening. Other health conditions your dog has may be to blame. This can include:
- Underlying health issues.
- Allergies either to a specific food or to something in the environment.
- Hormone levels being off.
- Diseases that cause a suppression of the immune system.
What Are Signs And Symptoms Of A Yeast Infection In Dogs?
Signs and symptoms of a yeast infection in your dog can include:
- Red, itchy skin.
- Skin irritation.
- A sweet or musty odor.
- Skin that is thick and/or discolored.
- Greasy skin.
- Brown discharge coming from the nail beds.
- Hair loss.
What Are Common Areas On A Dog Where Yeast Infections Develop?
A yeast infection can occur anywhere on your dog’s skin, but is more commonly found on:
Folds of the skin
Due to the nature of some dog’s makeup, they may have excess folds of skin on their face or bodies. If these areas are not cleaned properly, yeast can grow in these areas.
Ears
Dogs that swim a lot are more likely to develop a yeast infection in their ears.
Paws
Paws are prone to develop yeast infections, especially between the toes. This can happen again if your dog swims a lot, but also if your dog has wet paws. Excessive licking of the paws can also lead to the development of a yeast infection.
How Do I Treat My Dog’s Yeast Infection?
After being evaluated by your veterinarian, you may opt to try one or more of the treatments available. These treatments include topical treatments, like a spray, wipe, or cream or oral treatments like antifungal medication for more serious infections.
You may also want to try an antifungal dog shampoo for yeast infections.
Can I Give My Dog A Bath If They Have A Yeast Infection?
Yes. A dog can still be given a bath if they have a yeast infection. Using an antifungal shampoo when you are bathing them can help decrease the symptoms of the infection your dog may be experiencing and help clear it up as well.
What Can I Bathe My Dog With For A Yeast Infection?
When treating your dog for a yeast infection with an antifungal shampoo, you will want to look for specific ingredients that treat yeast on your dog.
These ingredients include:
- Chlorhexidine.
- Miconazole.
- Ketoconazole.
Dog shampoos for yeast infections can include one of these ingredients or a combination of them.
Can You Buy Antifungal Shampoo For Dogs?
Yes. Antifungal shampoos for dogs are available to buy over the counter and do not need a prescription in order to get them.
How Do I Use A Fungal Shampoo On My Dog?
When using a fungal shampoo on your dog, you will first want to wet your dog.
Next, apply the shampoo to your dog. Gently work the shampoo on your dog into a lather. Make sure to get the shampoo into the skin folds and on the paws and between the toes.
Then, let the shampoo stay on your dog for 5-10 minutes. This will be the most difficult part: trying to get your dog to stay still while covered in shampoo.
Rinse the shampoo off your dog, making sure to get all of it off your dog.
Finally, dry your dog either with a home dryer or drying cloth.
How Often Should You Bathe A Dog With A Yeast Infection?
You should bathe a dog with a yeast infection according to the manufacturer’s instructions or per the recommendation of your veterinarian.
Generally speaking, a dog shampoo for yeast infections can be used on your dog 2-3 times per week for up to 4 weeks. After that, you can bathe your dog with the antifungal shampoo once per week.
Best Dog Shampoo For Yeast Infections
These are 5 of the top dog shampoos for yeast infections available. Product information is according to the manufacturer.
Virbac KetoClor Medicated Shampoo
This antifungal shampoo has a low lather formula and light fragrance.
- Treats fungal infection of the skin.
- Is an antiseptic and cleansing shampoo.
- Helps disrupt the colonization of microorganisms on the skin.
- Includes Chlorhexidine and Ketoconazole.
- Has a low lather formula.
- Mountain Flower fragrance.
- Use 2-3 times per week.
- Leave for 5-10 minutes.
Ventique Labs Dermabliss Medicated Shampoo
This shampoo relieves itching and deodorizes.
- Antibacterial and antifungal.
- Contains Chlorhexidine and Ketoconazole.
- Helps relieve itching.
- Promotes skin and coat health.
- Deodorizes.
- Soothes irritated skin.
- Produces a rich lather.
- Use 2-3 times per week.
- Leave for 5-10 minutes.
- Made in the USA.
PetMd Micoseb-CX Medicated Shampoo
This antifungal shampoo soothes skin and is fragrance free.
- Contains Miconazole and Chlorhexidine.
- Medicated shampoo contains Chlorhexidine and Ketoconazole.
- Soothes irritated skin.
- Cleans and degreases skin.
- Fragrance free.
- pH balanced.
- Eliminates organic growth.
- Made in the USA.
MiconaHex + Triz Shampoo
This shampoo moisturizes and is fragrance free.
- Antimicrobial and antifungal.
- Contains Chlorhexidine and Miconazole.
- Creates a rich lather.
- Fragrance free.
- Helps moisturize skin.
- Use up to 4 times per week.
- Made in the USA.
Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic And Antifungal Shampoo
This antifungal shampoo deodorizes and soothes skin.
- Contains Benzethonium Chloride (fights bacteria and fungi) and Ketoconazole.
- Antifungal, antibacterial, antimicrobial.
- Paraben free.
- Relieves discomfort.
- Deodorizes.
- Helps heal and soothe skin.
- Creates a thick lather.
- pH balanced.
- Soap free.
- For dogs 12 weeks and older.
- Safe to use with flea and tick treatments.
- Made in the USA.
Davis MicoHexidine Shampoo
This shampoo is fragrance free and soothes irritated skin.
- Antibacterial and antifungal.
- Contains Miconazole and Chlorhexidine.
- Minimizes infection.
- Soothes irritated skin.
- Fragrance free.
- pH balanced.
- Made in the USA.
Dog shampoo for yeast infections are available to help treat your dog’s symptoms, from red, irritated skin to itching. Antifungal shampoos can also help decrease any odors that might be a result of their yeast infection.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.