A yeast infection in dogs is a non-contagious common skin condition which is caused by an excess of a yeast fungus. It is normally on the skin but becomes excessive when triggered by such as an allergic response (sometimes seasonal), an immune deficiency, some medications and even a genetic link.
Signs are itching and the dog scratches which inflames the skin, removes hair and makes the skin crusty. Often seen around the claws and in the ears. A dog will chew their paws and scratch their ears which creates a “cauliflower “look.
Recognising it early can reduce the need for ongoing treatment, shampooing with a product that removes it on a regular basis before an overload occurs will help. If the condition is established and causing pain and discomfort, then see you veterinarian for help.
Seborrhhea is another disorder of the skin which shows up as flaking and scaly skin often greasy and sometimes with an odour. Normally the skin goes through keratinisation which is the natural process of cells dying off as new cells grow underneath. However sometimes there is excess of the protein keratin and that creates excess flaking, and a greasy skin.
The cause can be primary which is a genetic condition, or secondary which can be triggered by allergies, hormone imbalance, infections or parasites. The result is itchiness and so the dog scratches cause injury to the skin and damages the coat, a musty smell.
To ease the primary Seborrhhea it is helpful to shampoo the dog regularly with a shampoo that gets down to the skin and cleans off the flaking and removes the oily base. The secondary condition can be eased with the shampoo, but veterinary help should be sought to analyse a potential cause, e.g. an allergy to certain foods. or a fungal infection, allergy to some grasses and plants.
