Yeast infections in dog’s paws are, frankly, not out of the ordinary.

Have you noticed an unusual and stinky smell coming from your dog but you don’t know why? Maybe your pup has started to increasingly bite its legs like they are itchy? These things indicate there might be something wrong, but don’t worry.

As you go along this article, you will find out how you can diagnose and treat the infection before it becomes a problem.

What Are The Symptoms Of a Yeast Infection?

If you are reading this, chances are you are probably already suspecting an infection. However, the quicker you diagnose the problem, the quicker the healing process will be.

Let me give you a bit of an idea of what to look for.

Here are the 5 main symptoms that you can check for yourself that may indicate your dog has a yeast infection on their feet:

1. 1. Redness and Change in Texture:

      In the earliest stages of a yeast infection, the skin on the paws will most likely be pink or reddish. In later stages of the infection, the skin will thicken into an almost leathery texture, and usually gray or even black.

   2. Dog’s Chewing Paws:

      Is your dog tirelessly biting its paws? This is one of the main indicators you should look out for if you are suspecting an infection of this sort.

   3. Dog’s Licking Paws:

      Some dogs will try to relieve the symptoms such as itchiness by licking the area that is infected.

   4. Nasty Smell:

      Regardless of the area of the infection, you will be able to smell something wrong.

   5. Swelling and Pain:

      Swelling and pain are symptoms that often accompany a yeast infection. Swollen, warm and painful paws may cause your dog to walk with difficulty.

Have you noticed any of these symptoms?

Let’s find it out in this article what the main cause of this, and how to treat yeast infection in your pup’s paws.

What Causes a Yeast Infection?

There are several different types of fungi that can cause yeast infections in dogs. In most cases, it could be Microsporum canis or Microsporum gypseum, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes in rare cases.

The disease is transmitted through direct contact with a sick animal.

But wait, it doesn’t stop there… It can also happen through various objects from the dog’s environment which contain fungal spores.

Make no mistake about it, spores are resistant and can live up to 18 months if the environment suits them.

Young dogs, as well as dogs with an impaired immune system, are more susceptible to the onset of the disease. Infections are also more frequent in the winter and in autumn. Yeast infections usually occur in environments that are hot or moist.

So what are you doing wrong?

Keeping dogs in dark and humid conditions is suitable for the onset and development of the disease. In order to keep your pup happy and healthy, here are some tips on best puppy diets.

How to Diagnose a Yeast Infection?

Diagnosis can be established in several ways. It can be based on the characteristic clinical image of the animal, an orientational method that is commonly used is Wood’s lamp which has an accuracy of about 50%. This device uses black light and any if bacteria or fungi are present, the skin will change color when under the light.

In truth: Microbiological tests are undeniably more reliable. Hair and skin samples are taken from the edges of the affected area, between the dog’s paws for example, and then the sample is observed microscopically.

This is the most reliable way of diagnosing a yeast infection, but don’t take my word for it. Fungi can be cultivated if the sample is placed on a base that will stimulate its growth.

However, the problem is the cultivation of fungus lasts from 2 to 14 days. If there is a suspicion of a yeast infection, therapy should begin before the lab results come in.

How to Treat a Yeast Infection in Dog’s Paws?

Curing a yeast infection in a dog’s paws usually starts at home with the local application of products that have antifungal properties, contain hydrocortisone like Zymox Pet Spray with Hydrocortisone, and that can soothe the itchy and inflamed area like this Hot Spot Treatment.

Usually, this type of treatment should suffice. In case the infection is persistent, the vet will usually introduce a combined type of therapy: this includes both oral medication and a local application of a cream or a spray.

Medicine that you can use for this type of treatment includes Fluconazole, Ketoconazole tablets or you can get dog yeast infection solution to help with the treatment.

In order to fully cure a yeast infection in the dog’s paws, you should make sure you complete the entire treatment regime to prevent the infection from coming back.

In most cases, we try to avoid therapy that involves oral administration of medicine without first consulting the vet.

But there is just one small catch… for the duration of the therapy, you must keep the animal in good condition.

Here, sunlight is of particular importance and remember to disinfect the keeping space and dog’s toys.

Most importantly, keep the animal in isolation to prevent the spreading of the disease.

In Conclusion

Do you have any doubt of a yeast infection in dog’s paws?

Or have you already identified one or more of the symptoms that include stinky feet, redness, or your pooch constantly chewing on its paws?

Are you still unsure? You’d rather be safe than sorry?

We advise you to start therapy at home and apply something that would relieve the symptoms before heading to the vet for a certain diagnosis.

Listen, we are not kidding around. Think about the conditions in which you keep your dog.

Bottom line is:

Make sure there is enough sunlight and that the dog’s paws are dry. And, of course, don’t forget to disinfect the dog’s toys to prevent the infection from spreading.

Have you ever had any experience with these issues? How did you notice them if you did and what kind of treatment did you use? Don’t hesitate to share your stories with everyone else in the comments below!