How to Spot and Treat Yeast Infections in Dogs Before They Spread
Tanisha Kumari | Oct 07, 2025, 07:49 IST
Yeast infection in dogs
( Image credit : Freepik )
Here it teaches dog owners how to spot and treat yeast infections before they spread. It covers early warning signs like paw licking, scratching, strong odor and flaky skin, explains causes including allergies and moisture and guides on vet treatments, diet changes and prevention tips to keep dogs healthy and free from fungal infections.
If your dog is scratching a lot or licking its paws all the time and smells funny it might not be dirt. Many dogs can get yeast infections and it happens a lot of the time. When caught early they are easy to treat but if ignored they can spread fast and cause bigger problems.
Yeast naturally lives on a dog’s skin but sometimes it grows too much which can make your dog’s skin sore and uncomfortable. The fungus that causes it is Malassezia. It loves warm wet places on your dog’s body like the ears paws armpits and skin folds.
A dog with a yeast infection will feel itchy and keep scratching. They may also shake their head or chew one spot too much. This can make the skin red greasy or flaky. You might notice a strong smell like corn chips coming from their body which is a clear sign of yeast.
How Yeast Infections Start in Dogs
One common reason for yeast infection is allergies. Your dog can be allergic to food or things in the environment like grass or dust. Another reason is moisture on the skin especially in rainy or humid weather. Even a weak immune system or too many antibiotics can let yeast grow fast.
If a dog’s ears or paws stay damp yeast can turn into a big problem quickly. Dogs with floppy ears get them because air cannot flow well and moisture stays trapped inside which is why cleaning and drying after every bath or swim is so important.
Sometimes yeast infections start when a dog’s diet is too high in carbs and sugar. These foods can feed yeast inside the body and make the skin worse over time. That is why food choices play a big role in stopping yeast from coming back.
First Signs You Should Never Ignore
If your dog is licking or chewing their paws all day take a good look between the toes. Yeast can hide deep there and make the skin pink or swollen.
Dogs may also scratch their ears often and shake their head. This could mean yeast is inside the ear canal which needs quick attention before it spreads.
You may feel a greasy film on the dog’s coat or notice the fur looking dull. This is caused by skin oil mixing with yeast. Sometimes you will see tiny crusts or flakes on the fur.
The best way to treat yeast is to visit the vet right away. A vet can give antifungal shampoo cream wipes or ear drops that kill the fungus. Never stop the treatment early even if the skin looks better because yeast can come back stronger.
Changing the dog’s food can also help. Diets low in sugar and yeast friendly carbs can make yeast infections heal faster. Some vets suggest adding healthy bacteria called probiotics that fight yeast inside the body.
It is important to keep the dog’s skin clean and dry. After baths dry the fur well especially under the paws and ears. Avoid leaving the dog wet after swimming or rain.
Once the infection is gone it is easy to forget about it but yeast comes back if the root cause is not fixed. Groom your dog and give baths with the right shampoo that prevents fungus growth.
Make sure the dog has a balanced diet full of fresh clean food which keeps the immune system strong and ready to fight off fungi.
Always check your dog’s skin ears and paws when grooming. If you see signs early you can treat before it spreads.
Yeast infections can make your dog miserable. The itching the smell and the sore skin are hard on them and on you but if you spot the signs early and treat them fast your dog will be happy again. Regular care clean habits and the right food can keep yeast infections away for good.
Celebrate the bond with your pets, explore Health & Nutrition, discover Breeds, master Training Tips, decode Behavior, and set out on exciting Travel Tails with Times Pets!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yeast naturally lives on a dog’s skin but sometimes it grows too much which can make your dog’s skin sore and uncomfortable. The fungus that causes it is Malassezia. It loves warm wet places on your dog’s body like the ears paws armpits and skin folds.
A dog with a yeast infection will feel itchy and keep scratching. They may also shake their head or chew one spot too much. This can make the skin red greasy or flaky. You might notice a strong smell like corn chips coming from their body which is a clear sign of yeast.
How Yeast Infections Start in Dogs
Yeast
( Image credit : Freepik )
One common reason for yeast infection is allergies. Your dog can be allergic to food or things in the environment like grass or dust. Another reason is moisture on the skin especially in rainy or humid weather. Even a weak immune system or too many antibiotics can let yeast grow fast.
If a dog’s ears or paws stay damp yeast can turn into a big problem quickly. Dogs with floppy ears get them because air cannot flow well and moisture stays trapped inside which is why cleaning and drying after every bath or swim is so important.
Sometimes yeast infections start when a dog’s diet is too high in carbs and sugar. These foods can feed yeast inside the body and make the skin worse over time. That is why food choices play a big role in stopping yeast from coming back.
First Signs You Should Never Ignore
yeast infection
( Image credit : Freepik )
If your dog is licking or chewing their paws all day take a good look between the toes. Yeast can hide deep there and make the skin pink or swollen.
Dogs may also scratch their ears often and shake their head. This could mean yeast is inside the ear canal which needs quick attention before it spreads.
You may feel a greasy film on the dog’s coat or notice the fur looking dull. This is caused by skin oil mixing with yeast. Sometimes you will see tiny crusts or flakes on the fur.
The Right Way to Treat a Dog’s Yeast Infection
Changing the dog’s food can also help. Diets low in sugar and yeast friendly carbs can make yeast infections heal faster. Some vets suggest adding healthy bacteria called probiotics that fight yeast inside the body.
It is important to keep the dog’s skin clean and dry. After baths dry the fur well especially under the paws and ears. Avoid leaving the dog wet after swimming or rain.
How to Keep Yeast Away for Good
fungus growth
( Image credit : Freepik )
Once the infection is gone it is easy to forget about it but yeast comes back if the root cause is not fixed. Groom your dog and give baths with the right shampoo that prevents fungus growth.
Make sure the dog has a balanced diet full of fresh clean food which keeps the immune system strong and ready to fight off fungi.
Always check your dog’s skin ears and paws when grooming. If you see signs early you can treat before it spreads.
Yeast Infections in Dogs
Celebrate the bond with your pets, explore Health & Nutrition, discover Breeds, master Training Tips, decode Behavior, and set out on exciting Travel Tails with Times Pets!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How long does it take for a dog to heal from a yeast infection?
It can take a few weeks to a few months for a yeast infection to fully heal depending on the severity. - What foods should you avoid if your dog has a yeast infection?
Yeast loves sugar so avoid foods and treats loaded with refined carbohydrates like potatoes, corn, wheat, rice and honey. - What worsens a yeast infection?
Antibiotics decreases the levels of healthy bacteria in the body which worsens the yeast infection.