From Lick to Sick: Stopping Yeast Before It Spreads”

Dog with a very bad case of a fungal yeast infection

🐾 Paws & Pens Monthly Bark — June Issue

 

 

“Fighting the Funk: Yeast & Fungal Infections in Dogs”


Hey Pet Parents! 🐶

With warmer weather settling in, many pups are dealing with more than just muddy paws—this is prime season for yeast and fungal infections, especially in the paws, skin, and ears. Let’s break it down and help your furry friend stay itch-free and comfortable this summer.

 

 


🌡️ What’s Really Going On?

Yeast (like Malassezia) and other fungi naturally live on your dog’s skin. But when conditions shift—like moisture, heat, or poor diet—they multiply and cause infections.

 


🛑 Common Causes:



  • Hot, humid weather
  • Allergies (food or environmental)
  • Weakened immune system
  • Overuse of antibiotics or steroids
  • Poor hygiene or dirty grooming tools
  • Trapped moisture (especially between toes, in ears, or under skin folds)
  • Underlying health issues like hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease



🔍 What to Look For:


🐾 

Paws



  • Redness between toes
  • Licking or chewing feet
  • Dark staining from saliva
  • Sour or musty odor


👂 

Ears



  • Head shaking or scratching
  • Waxy discharge
  • Odor like “corn chips” or sour dough
  • Crusty, inflamed ear canals


🐶 

Skin & Body



  • Greasy, flaky, or thickened skin
  • Hair thinning or bald patches
  • Darkened or reddish patches
  • Itching that doesn’t stop




🧼 

 

Simple At-Home Prevention Tips:



  1. Keep them dry:
    • Always dry paws and ears after swimming or walks in the rain.
    • Use clean towels and check between toes!

  3. Clean their ears weekly:
    • Use a vet-approved or natural ear rinse.
    • Avoid sticking anything deep into the ear canal.

  5. Feed a balanced, low-sugar diet:
    • Yeast thrives on sugars and carbs.
    • Talk to your vet about diet changes if infections are recurring.

  7. Regular grooming & maintenance:
    • Trim hair around paws, ears, and folds to let skin breathe.
    • Bathe with a gentle anti-yeast shampoo if prone to flare-ups.

  9. Watch for licking:
    • Licking can make things worse—redirect with toys or walks if it’s from boredom.
    • If it’s from itching, that’s your sign to look deeper.

  11. Wash bedding and bowls often:
    • Fungi and bacteria can live on soft surfaces and re-infect.


🩺 

 

 

 

Treatment Options to Discuss With Your Vet:



  • Antifungal or medicated shampoos
  • Prescription ear drops or oral medications
  • Allergy testing or food elimination trials
  • Supplements for immune support
  • Cold laser therapy or natural topical treatments



 

 

❤️ Final Thoughts:



Yeast and fungal infections are uncomfortable but manageable—especially when caught early. At Pooches Pets n Pals, we specialize in grooming dogs with sensitive skin, medical needs, and chronic conditions. Whether your pup is a senior, anxious, or just needs a little extra TLC, we’re here to help.


Together, we can keep the funk away—one paw at a time.




With love and wagging tails,

The Paws and Pens Team 🐾

“Where wellness meets wagging.”

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