Dogs can get many types of fungus, from external fungal skin and nail infections, to more serious infections in the respiratory tract. In most instances, your dog needs veterinary intervention and prescription medications to cure the fungus. There are also strategies you can take to prevent fungal outbreaks, and to manage an infection. You also need to be aware that you can catch a fungal skin infection from your dog̵2;and vice versa.
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Fungal Skin Infections
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Yeast infections in the ears or on the skin are fungal, caused by an over-proliferation of yeast. In extreme cases, they can be persistent, causing the poor dog to itch, lose her fur, her skin to thicken and also causing a strong, yeasty odor. Yeast infections are often secondary to food or inhalant allergies. Once you have the fungal yeast infection under control, managing your dog's allergies is the best strategy to prevent future skin or ear infections. You may need to feed a hypoallergenic or grain-free diet to your dog. Regular ear cleanings as directed by your veterinarian, combined with anti-fungal shampoo, will also help control yeast overgrowth.
Ringworm is another, somewhat less common fungal skin infection. It is zoonotic, meaning it can be passed between humans and animals. Ringworm presents in raised, circular scabs and is easy to diagnose with a black light because it glows. Keep dogs with ringworm segregated from other pets, and avoid touching the affected areas yourself. Conversely, be aware that if you have ringworm, your dog can catch it from you. Treatment entails applying an anti-fungal skin cream̵2;and if both you and your dog have it, you can use the same cream. If the cream isn't effective, you may have to give your dog oral prescription medication. Like yeast infections, persistent or recurrent ringworm can indicate another underlying problem; usually an immune mediated disease like Lupus or phemphigus.
Respiratory Tract Fungal Infections
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Airborne fungal infections can be inhaled or contracted through contact, such as the dog walking through infected soil. These can be difficult to prevent and hard to treat. They include aspergillosis, coccidiomycosis (Valley Fever), and blastomycosis. Depending on the type of fungal organism, your dog may need long term, even life-long, treatment to keep it under control. Since the symptoms of fungus in the respiratory tract can mimic some cancers, your veterinarian may suggest further testing, such as a biospy, to rule out something more serious.
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