Introduction
Yeast infections of the skin are extremely common in dogs and are most frequently caused by an overgrowth of the Malassezia species of yeast. Malassezia are normal residents on the skin, ears and mucocutaneous areas of dogs. If they reproduce abnormally, however, they can cause extreme pruritus (itching), with varying degrees of skin redness (erythema), hair loss (alopecia), scaling and greasy and oily, smelly exudates. Behavioral changes in dogs also commonly occur as a result of continual pain, itchiness and irritation.
Symptoms of Yeast Infections in Dogs
Yeast infections primarily attack a dog’s skin. As a result, the most obvious clinical sign of yeast overgrowth include raised, red and crusty areas on the dog’s skin, an oily texture and feel to the dog’s skin and coat (sometimes, so much oil is produced that the dog will leave greasy patches on its bedding), and in severe cases the skin may begin to coarsen and thicken. A classical clinical sign is pruritus – which is extreme itchiness in affected areas. This often presents with frenzied facial and other scratching and chewing that can lead to weeping sores around the neck, ears and tail base. These sores can become infected and contribute to depression, appetite loss, anxiety, aggression or other behavioral changes. An accompanying offensive odor is often overwhelming to owners.
Certain breeds are predisposed to developing yeast skin infections, including West Highland white terriers, Poodles, Basset hounds, Cocker spaniels, Shepherds and Dachshunds.
Typically, dogs with yeast overgrowth have severe infections in their ears. Yeast overgrowth in the ears causes a recognizable and very foul-smelling, yellow-green exudate (discharge) to accumulate in the ears. The skin on the ears may also become thickened and inflamed, and hair loss often occurs around the ears due to scratching and chewing.
If you suspect that your dog is suffering from a skin yeast infection, please consult with your veterinarian as soon as you can.