Dog Paw Yeast Infection: Signs, Causes and Treatment

Signs of a Paw Yeast Infection

• Itching, licking and chewing at the feet^1,2
• Red skin between the toes and pads^1,4
• Reddish-brown staining of the nail beds and nails⁴, and of the fur from licking⁵
• Greasy, waxy brown-black material on the skin and hair^1,4
• A musty or sour smell^2,3
• Thickened, darkened skin in long-standing cases^2,4

"Frito feet": is the corn-chip smell yeast?

A mild corn-chip smell on a healthy dog's paws usually comes from normal skin bacteria, not yeast. If the smell is strong, or comes with redness, staining or constant licking, see your vet.^8,2

Causes

• Allergies: environmental and food allergies are the most common trigger.^1,3 See dog allergies.
• Moisture: wet or muddy walks, hot humid weather, and tightly spaced toes, as in Bulldogs.³
• Skin and hormone conditions: some skin-scaling disorders, and possibly hormone diseases, though the link with hormone disease is less certain.^1,7
• Long courses of antibiotics.³

Breeds prone to yeast skin infections include West Highland White Terriers, Basset Hounds, Cocker Spaniels, Shih Tzus, Poodles, Dachshunds and Boxers.^2,4

Diagnosis

Your vet will usually press clear tape or a swab onto the skin and look at it under a microscope (cytology). This is quick and shows the yeast directly.^1,4,2 Your vet may also look for an underlying allergy or other condition, especially if the infection keeps coming back.^4,3

Treatment

• Medicated shampoos and washes: antifungal and antiseptic products, such as a chlorhexidine–miconazole shampoo, left on for a set contact time.^1,2
• Antifungal tablets for severe or long-standing infections that don't respond to washes. Your vet may monitor your dog's liver.^1,2
• Treating the cause, especially allergies, to stop the infection coming back.^4,3

Use only products your vet recommends, and follow the instructions exactly.

Is Paw Yeast Contagious?

Not in the usual sense. The yeast is already part of your dog's own skin, so it doesn't spread from dog to dog the way an infection does.^2,3 Owners' hands can pick it up, though, so wash your hands after treating your dog's paws, especially around newborn babies or people with weak immune systems.¹

Prevention

• Clean and dry the paws, including between the toes, after wet or muddy walks.³
• Keep allergies under control with your vet's help.^3,4
• Watch for early signs, such as licking and staining, and treat flare-ups promptly.

See also why dogs lick their paws and yeast infections on dogs' skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do yeasty dog paws look like?

Red or reddish-brown, greasy and smelly, often with brown-stained fur and nail beds.

Will a paw yeast infection go away on its own?

Usually not, because the underlying cause (often allergy) is still there. Most dogs need medicated washes or other treatment.

What naturally kills yeast on dogs' paws?

Home remedies aren't proven to work, and some, such as tea tree oil, can be toxic to dogs. Your vet can recommend an antifungal wash that is safe and effective.

What foods cause yeast in dogs?

There's no good evidence that sugar or carbohydrates in food feed skin yeast. A food allergy can trigger it, though, and a vet-guided elimination diet can test for this.

Can I use human antifungal cream on my dog's paws?

Ask your vet first. Dogs lick their paws, so products need to be safe if swallowed.

Is a paw yeast infection painful?

It is mainly very itchy, but red, inflamed or cracked skin can be sore.