Does your dog seem irritable? Does he or she spend a lot of time scratching and itching? Have you noticed a foul odor coming from his or her skin?
If so, chances are your dog has a yeast infection.
Yeast Infections in Dogs
Yeast dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition that occurs fairly regularly in dogs, especially in skin folds, ears, between paw pads or in other hot, humid areas of their body. These conditions encourage yeast to reproduce at increased rates until it becomes an overwhelming issue.
Yeast infections are more likely to occur in dogs whose immune systems have been compromised or suppressed with medications. Often this occurs during allergy season, especially if your dog is taking steroids or antibiotics. Antibiotics don’t cause yeast but being on long-term antibiotics will diminish the normal flora (bacteria) that helps keep yeast under control, which allows the yeast to proliferate and become a problem. In addition, steroids and illness can decrease an animal’s immune system, which will often allow yeast to proliferate.
Some dogs are more likely to develop yeast infections based on their genetics or body traits like, for example, excessive skin folds. These include, but are not limited to: