How to Treat a Dogs Fungal Skin Infection

Many dog owners, veterinarians, and pet groomers have had to deal with the frustrating task of treating a dogs fungal skin infections. These infections are caused by the microscopic fungus that resides in soil, food, and sometimes in a dog’s moist environment. There are many different types of medication that work against these infections including oral pills, topical ointments, and powders. The most common culprit is Malassezia furfur which causes white pied infection on dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, horses, and birds. Find out how to treat skin infections!

What is a Fungal Skin Infection?

Fungi present themselves as round, white, yellow, gray-green, black spots on animals. They grow slowly and don’t cause much damage until they become very large.

There are many different types of dog skin infections, but not all of them are fungal. However, some are caused by fungi. These kinds of infections can be difficult to treat and resistant to treatment. Fungal skin infections in dogs are more common in hot climates, humid environments, and moist areas of the body that often have breaks in the skin. Fungal skin infections can be painful for your dog or cat, so it’s important to find ways to prevent these from happening in the first place.

Types of fungus in dogs

Mycoplasma, ringworm, and yeast are among the types of fungus that can affect your dog. Mycoplasma is a bacterium that gets into the skin and fur and then grows and spreads under the skin. Ringworm is a dermatophytic fungus that affects the skin, hair, and nails. Yeast is a type of fungus that affects the skin and coat. Yeasts thrive in warm temperatures and moisture. If you have an outdoor pet, it may be exposed to any of those types of fungus at any time. You will want to make sure your pet has regular bathings to keep their coats clean and trimmed. This helps prevent skin problems because it removes dead cells that could harbor bacteria. Bacterial skin infections occur when there are too many bacterial organisms growing on the surface of the skin. It is also possible for pets with yeast infections to get skin allergies. Your veterinarian can help diagnose and treat this condition.

How to identify a fungal skin infection in dogs

A fungal skin infection is an infectious skin disease caused by a fungus. Fungal skin infections often start as one or more red, swollen patches that develop into raised, round bumps. They can sometimes cause hair loss and frequently ooze or weep fluid.

The most common places for a fungus to grow on the skin are between the toes and in the folds of the skin such as underarms, groin, and behind the ears.

Fungal skin infections in dogs are often caused by ringworm, a fungus that can be transmitted from other animals to humans. Ringworm is a contagious infection and your dog may have it if he has hair loss or a rash on his skin, or if he has been in contact with another dog with the condition. Dogs who have been diagnosed with ringworm could also share the fungus with their human companions.

Many dogs are prone to skin infections. Fungal infections are not as common in dogs as bacterial or yeast infections but they should not be ignored. Often, fungal infections might be harder to detect because the pet does not have an itch. It is important to identify whether the infection is bacterial, yeast, or fungal because typically it takes different treatments for each type of infection.

How to treat a dogs fungal skin infection

Fungal skin infections are typically caused by yeast. The most common treatment for yeast is to use an antifungal shampoo. Other treatments may include oral medication, topical creams, or powders.

The first step is to do a careful examination of the pet’s skin. You will need to look for any red or other signs of irritation, scratching behavior, lesions like scales, crusts or scabs, hair loss, and pustules.

A dog’s skin is naturally dry, so when they are having an infection, it can be difficult to tell. Fungal skin infection in dogs can be caused by yeast or mold, and there are many ways you can treat the infection. First, buy a good ointment for your dog’s skin that includes both antifungal and antibacterial properties. You should also wash your pet daily with soap and water.

Many other over-the-counter treatments exist for dog fungal skin infections. If over-the-counter medication does not work, it is best to take your pet to the vet for a better diagnostic and the vet will prescribe the appropriate medication.

There are some things that can be done at home to help your dog feel better while they’re on medications. Make sure your pet has ample water intake and good nutrition. Here is a good option an antifungal/antibacterial shampoo

Prevention Tips for recurring infections

Many dogs are susceptible to recurring fungal skin infections due to their recurrent exposure to dirt, water, and other microbes. Dogs should be groomed regularly in order to remove excess dirt and debris from the coat. Grooming should also include brushing the dog’s fur with a natural bristle brush, which can help remove dead skin cells that may harbor fungus. Trim long hair periodically so that it does not fall into wet or dirty areas of the environment. If possible, avoid exposing the dog to soil, mud, manure, and feces during frequent outdoor walks as this could easily lead to a recurrence of a fungal infection. Nutrition plays a key role in keeping a dog free of recurring fungal infections. The diet must provide adequate protein, calcium, magnesium, zinc, vitamin D3, B12, probiotics, antioxidants, along with essential fatty acids and amino acids.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a dog’s skin can be compromised by a fungus. If you notice any signs of infection, it is important to take precautions before the condition worsens. For best results, consult a veterinarian and take precautions to avoid reinfection. There are many ways to prevent recurring fungal infections including choosing the right food, grooming, preventing contact with microbial sources, and proper treatment.

Remember, prevention is always better than cure!