Symptoms of Yeast Infections in Dogs

There are three different infections that can impact a dog's skin: yeast infections, fungal infections and combination infections. Yeast infections can be common or chronic in dogs, requiring occasional treatment and diligence in watching for symptoms. Fungus or yeast overgrowth often occurs when the stomach's pH balance is out of balance, and many things can cause this including antibiotic use, poor nutrition, stress, compromised immune system and hyperactivity.

  1. Skin Irritations

    • An example of an external expression of systematic yeast infection issues is irritation of the skin. This irritation of the skin can manifest in several ways including rubbing the nose, licking the paws or genital area, itchy feet or skin or itching of the mouth, throat or face. If the dog appears to be experiencing skin irritation or itchiness at all, and fleas are ruled out, then there is likely to be an underlying cause at play, such as a yeast infection.

    Redness and Inflammation

    • Another external expression of a yeast infection relates to inflammation and redness in the skin on various parts of the body. The dog may experience inflammation, irritation, redness and even odor under the arms and in folds of the skin. This same redness and inflammation may also exist between the toes, in the inner thighs and around the lips. This inflammation and redness may also be accompanied by joint pain.

    Secondary Bacterial Infection

    • Another indicator of a yeast infection in dogs is a secondary bacterial infection, which may or may not be on a reoccurring basis. These bacterial infections may present and occur in the ears, on the skin or feet, or in the bladder. These bacterial infections may cause sensitivity to sound or light, or sensitivity to movement.

    Internal Symptoms

    • Just as there are exterior symptoms associated with yeast infections, there are also several internal symptoms. A yeast infection can manifest with gastrointestinal tract issues, gas and bloating issues and torsion. A dog with a yeast infection may also seem lethargic or depressed or may experience fatigue. Dogs with a systematic yeast infection may be experiencing an inadequate absorption of the nutrients in their food, leading to a suppression of their immune system and other health issues.