What Causes Yeast Infections In Dogs. Yeast infection in dogs is a common problem and can have serious consequences if left untreated.
Yeast infections are caused by the yeast, Candida Albicans, and can be treated with an anti-fungal medication.
Candida Albicans is a type of fungus that lives on the skin and mucous membranes. It is a normal inhabitant of the human body and is present in small amounts.
What Causes Yeast Infections In Dogs
Causes of yeast infection in dogs include: Poor grooming habits Shedding Unhygienic conditions Lack of proper nutrition Allergies Poor oral hygiene. The most obvious symptom of a yeast infection in dogs is itching. Itching is often associated with other signs such as crusty scabs, or sores that are filled with a yellowish discharge.
Yeast Infection in Dogs
Yeast infections in dogs can be very difficult to diagnose. The symptoms can be similar to other skin conditions, and your veterinarian may need to do a biopsy of the affected area to confirm a yeast infection.
Some dogs have no symptoms, and a yeast infection can be identified only after a skin scraping is done to look for the fungus.
Signs of a yeast infection in dogs include:
Itching
Yeast infections can cause a variety of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe, but they usually start out as mild to moderate skin irritation.
They can also be accompanied by diarrhea and/or vomiting. The severity of the symptoms will depend on the type of Candida Albicans that is causing the infection.
Candida Albicans are typically not harmful to humans and are usually present on the skin or in the mouth. However, when it overgrows, it can cause various health problems including fungal vaginitis and yeast infections of the urinary tract.
Scabs
If it grows out of control it can lead to a yeast infection. The yeast can cause an infection in the mouth, vagina, penis, and anus. The dog can get this type of yeast infection when they lick or bite themselves.
It can also happen if the dog has been treated with antibiotics and the immune system is suppressed. The most common way that dogs get yeast infections is through oral sex.
When dogs lick themselves they can transfer the yeast from their mouth into their genitals. They can also lick each other’s genitals causing an infection.
Sores
Candida Albicans can also cause disease when it becomes overgrown and causes an infection.
If left untreated, Candida Albicans can lead to life-threatening systemic fungal infections such as sepsis, meningitis, and disseminated candidiasis.
Causes Of Yeast Infections In Dogs The most common cause of yeast infection in dogs is poor nutrition. Candida Albicans will multiply in a dog that has a poor diet or is eating too much or not eating at all.
Discharge
The only time that yeast infections become a problem is when there is an overgrowth of yeast. If this occurs, the yeast will begin to spread to other areas of the body.
This can cause problems such as an upset stomach, diarrhea, and even organ damage. Causes of Yeast Infections in Dogs Dogs are susceptible to yeast infections because they have moist skin.
When they walk around outside or exercise, their skin becomes wet and is more likely to get infected. Dogs also lick themselves clean and have a higher risk of getting a yeast infection.
FAQs
How does a dog get a yeast infection?
The most common cause of a dog yeast infection is allergies to fleas, food, or substances in the environment.
Some dogs can have allergies that lead to itching, redness, and sometimes itchy rashes. These reactions are most commonly seen in dogs with atopic dermatitis.
Conclusion
yeast infections are common in dogs. Dogs can get yeast infections by licking themselves, being scratched, or by having a poor diet. If your dog has a yeast infection, it is important to treat it immediately.