Yeast Infections on Dogs' Skin and Paws

What Is a Skin Yeast Infection?

The yeast that causes skin infections in dogs is Malassezia, not Candida, the yeast that causes thrush in people.^3,1 It feeds on skin oils, which is why greasy, inflamed skin lets it overgrow.² Some dogs, especially those with allergic skin disease, become allergic to the yeast itself, which can make the itch worse.^1,3

Signs of a Yeast Infection in Dogs

• Itching, licking and chewing, especially the paws^1,3
• Greasy, scaly, red skin, often in skin folds, armpits, groin and between the toes¹
• A musty or rancid smell¹
• Darkened, thickened, elephant-like skin in long-standing cases^1,3
• Red-brown staining of the fur and brown, waxy material at the base of the nails¹
• Ear infections with brown, waxy discharge. See yeast ear infections in dogs.

What Causes Yeast Infections in Dogs?

• Allergies (environmental and food allergies) are a common underlying cause.^1,3 See allergies in dogs.
• Skin scaling disorders and greasy skin conditions.¹
• Hormone diseases such as hypothyroidism and Cushing's are often mentioned, though studies haven't proven them to be independent causes.¹ See hypothyroidism in dogs.
• Skin folds and moisture, which trap warmth and oil.¹
• Breed: West Highland White Terriers, English Setters, Shih Tzus, Basset Hounds, American Cocker Spaniels, Boxers, Dachshunds, Poodles and Australian Silky Terriers are predisposed.¹

How Vets Diagnose It

Your vet presses clear tape or a swab on the skin and looks for the yeast under the microscope (cytology). It's quick and painless.^1,4 Because healthy skin carries some yeast, there's no exact count that proves infection, so response to treatment helps confirm it.¹ Your vet will also look for an underlying cause and for bacterial infection, which can occur at the same time.¹

Treatment

• Medicated shampoo: 2% miconazole with 2% chlorhexidine, used twice weekly, has the strongest evidence. Leave it on for at least 10 minutes before rinsing.^1,3
• Other topicals such as chlorhexidine shampoos, wipes and sprays for paws and folds.¹
• Oral antifungal medication for widespread or stubborn cases, prescribed by your vet. Compounded versions should be avoided because they may not be absorbed reliably.^1,3
• Treating the underlying cause, especially allergies, so the infection doesn't keep coming back.¹

Itching often eases within a week, but oral treatment can run for several weeks or months.³ Dogs with severe allergies may relapse a few times a year.³

Does Diet Cause Yeast Infections?

Many websites claim that sugar, grains or carbohydrates "feed" yeast and recommend grain-free or low-carb diets. There's no scientific evidence for this; the international guidelines don't link diet to Malassezia, and the yeast feeds on skin oils rather than sugar.^1,2 Diet does matter in one situation: if a food allergy is driving the skin problems, a strict elimination diet trial supervised by your vet can help.¹

Preventing Yeast Infections

• Control allergies with your vet's help.¹
• Keep skin folds and paws clean and dry.
• Use medicated shampoo or wipes regularly if your vet recommends maintenance therapy.^1,3
• Treat flare-ups early, before the skin thickens.

For reader questions, see a reader's question about a smelly dog with yeast.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a yeast infection look like on a dog?

Red, greasy, scaly skin with a musty smell, often on the paws, folds, armpits and ears. Long-standing cases turn dark and thick.

Why does my dog smell like yeast?

Often because of Malassezia overgrowth on the skin or in the ears, usually triggered by allergies.

Is a dog yeast infection contagious?

No. It's an overgrowth of yeast the dog already carries.

What causes yeast infections on dogs' paws?

Allergies are a common cause; licking adds moisture that helps the yeast grow.

Does sugar or grain cause yeast in dogs?

There's no evidence it does. Diet only matters if your dog has a food allergy.

How do you treat a yeast infection on a dog?

Usually with a medicated shampoo used twice weekly, sometimes with oral medication, plus treating the underlying cause.

How long does a dog yeast infection take to clear?

Itch often eases within a week; full treatment can take several weeks.

Why does my dog keep getting yeast infections?

Usually because an underlying cause, often allergies, isn't controlled.