Yeast infections in dogs, also known as yeast overgrowth or fungal dermatitis, can occur when the natural balance of yeast and bacteria in the skin and ears is disrupted. Yeast infections are commonly caused by the fungus Malassezia pachydermatis. Clinical signs of a yeast infection in dogs can vary depending on the affected area, but they often involve the skin and ears.

Yeast is a type of fungus that belongs to the kingdom of Fungi. Yeasts are single-celled organisms that can reproduce through a process called budding, where a small portion of the cell grows and eventually detaches to form a new cell.

In nature, yeast can be found in various environments, including soil, water, and the surfaces of plants and fruits. They are also commonly associated with the fermentation of sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide. Humans have used yeast for centuries to make bread rise and ferment sugars in producing alcoholic beverages.

For all of the good properties of yeast, there exists the dark side of it: yeast infections! In dogs, the most common yeast species is Malassezia. While usually harmless, it can grow unchecked, causing problems for your dog’s health.

Yeast infections occur when your dog’s body cannot maintain the natural balance of yeast and bacteria in the skin and ears. Yeast infections are commonly caused by the fungus Malassezia pachydermatis. Clinical signs of a yeast infection in dogs can vary depending on the affected area, but they often involve the skin, ears, and paws. 

Clinical signs you will observe in your dog include itching (pruritus), redness, inflammation, an unpleasant odor, greasy or oily skin, discharge in the affected area, hair loss, skin texture, and color changes. 

Intense itching is a hallmark of yeast infections. Dogs may scratch, bite, or lick the affected areas excessively. Hair loss is expected with excessive scratching.

Skin infections are commonly caused by yeast overgrowth. Changes in your dog’s skin will include inflamed areas of redness and greasiness due to the excess production of oils by the yeast. Areas of the skin might become thickened, rough, or develop flaky patches. Hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) is also commonly seen in areas with chronic yeast infections. 

Breeds with skin folds, such as Bulldogs, Sharpies, and Pugs, are prone to yeast infections in these areas due to moisture buildup. 

Yeast infections commonly affect the ears, causing head shaking, ear scratching, redness, discharge, and a foul odor caused by the byproducts of yeast metabolism. The ear canal and ear flap (pinna) will become red, swollen, and inflamed.

A dark, waxy discharge resembling coffee grounds can be in the ear canal. This discharge is often a mixture of yeast, debris, and earwax. As your dog continuously scratches her ears, the ear skin may develop crusts, scabs, or areas of flakiness. 

If left untreated, ear infections can cause severe trauma. In some cases, the inflammation and swelling caused by the infection can narrow the ear canal, leading to decreased airflow and worsening symptoms. Extreme head shaking can lead to aural hematomas. 

An aural hematoma, also known as an ear hematoma or auricular hematoma, refers to the accumulation of blood between the skin and cartilage layers of the ear flap (pinna). This condition usually occurs due to trauma or injury to the ear, causing blood vessels within the ear to rupture and blood to pool within the space between the layers of tissue. Aural hematomas can be uncomfortable for dogs and typically result in swelling, pain, and discomfort. A veterinarian must treat your dog to resolve the hematoma and prevent recurrence. 

Your dog’s non-stop licking and chewing on the paws is another classic sign of a yeast infection. The paws will become inflamed and have a yeasty foul smell. Open sores can result from excessive licking and chewing. A waxy buildup can be seen between the toes and the bottom of the foot.

Yeast infections can produce a distinct, musty, or "yeasty" odor, especially in areas like the ears or paws. Affected areas can develop a sticky, yellowish discharge, particularly in skin folds and between the toes. 

The excessive licking and chewing of the paws can lead to hair loss and open sores that are prone to secondary bacterial infections. A “Frito-like” smell usually indicates a bacterial infection. 

The skin on the paw pads and between the toes might become crusty and flaky, darken in color, or develop a rough texture. 

If your dog’s paw infection is left untreated, it can become severe enough to cause limping or reluctance to walk. Excessive licking and chewing are often thought of as obsessive behavior due to boredom or anxiety, but should not be overlooked!

You want to get to the root of your dog’s ear and skin issues. Determining if the cause is a food intolerance  or a yeast infection can be challenging. Let’s compare the clinical signs to help narrow down the root cause of your dog’s issues.

Clinical signs of yeast infections in dogs manifest over time with various clinical signs, typically affecting the skin, ears, and occasionally other parts of the body. Dogs will exhibit intense itching, leading to frequent scratching, licking, or chewing of affected areas. The skin may appear red, inflamed, and irritated, especially in areas prone to moisture accumulation, such as skin folds, ears, and paw pads.

One of the distinguishing signs of a yeast infection is the distinct odor.  Yeast infections can produce a distinctive, unpleasant odor, often described as musty or “Frito-like.” This odor is more pronounced in areas where the yeast overgrowth is concentrated.

Look at the condition of your dog’s skin and hair coat. Yeast infections can make the skin appear greasy or oily, particularly in ear canals and face regions. Affected areas may experience hair loss due to excessive scratching and licking. In severe cases, the hair loss may be extensive. Your dog’s skin can become scaly, flaky, or crusty, resembling dandruff. In chronic cases, the skin can become thickened or hyperpigmented.

Clinical signs of a food allergy can manifest in the skin, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, cardiovascular system, and in the mouth. They are of a sudden onset, occurring soon after the food is consumed.  

Common signs that occur with the skin include hives, itching, eczema, or swelling. Gastrointestinal signs include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Dogs that display respiratory signs will experience wheezing, coughing, or congestion. A rapid pulse or drop in blood pressure and swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat can be seen in cases of a severe allergic reaction. 

Food intolerances typically have a slower onset of clinical signs, often occurring hours to days after your dog consumes the offending food. They result from your dog’s inability to digest or metabolize specific food components properly.

Clinical signs of food intolerance can occur in the gastrointestinal system, such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and cramping. Signs exhibited on the skin can be scaly patches or rashes. You may also notice behavioral changes in your dog that can indicate discomfort or fatigue.

A close look at all your dog's clinical signs will help you determine the root cause of the skin, ear, and paw issues. Keeping a log of what your dog eats, what signs he exhibits, and when the signs occur can further aid in diagnosing your dog’s problems.

Holistic Treatment of Yeast Infections in Dogs

Holistic treatments for yeast infections in dogs involve using natural approaches to address the underlying causes of the infection and promote overall well-being. These approaches focus on supporting the immune system, maintaining a healthy diet, and relieving clinical manifestations. 

There are times when you must seek conventional therapies, especially if there are extreme cases of open wounds that have become infected with bacteria. However, the best course of action is to treat the underlying cause, the imbalanced gut microbiome and weakened immune system.

A balanced and species-appropriate diet will support your dog's immune system and reduce inflammation. A fresh, whole-food diet with minimal carbohydrates is ideal, as carbohydrates contribute to yeast growth.

An appropriate diet would include high-quality proteins, healthy fats, natural antifungal foods, prebiotics, probiotics, organ meats, and fiber from low-glycemic fruits and vegetables or fur. The Real Ancestral 6X Diet™ contains the ideal ingredients to support your dog’s immune system, skin, and gut microbiome.

Muscle meats from organically pasture-raised animals comprise 63-65% of your dog’s meal—high-quality protein sources to support your dog's overall health and immune function. Feed a variety of protein sources, with the majority being red meats. Appropriate meat sources include:

Red meat: Beef, bison, lamb, pork, goat, elk, wild rabbit, venison, elk, ostrich, and wild birds

White meat: Chicken, turkey, farm-raised rabbit, partridge, pigeon, quail

Muscular organs and animal parts: Heart, trachea, aorta, gizzard, tongue, lungs, green tripe

Whole raw eggs, with or without the shell, up to three times per week

Read Understanding Protein In Your Dog's Diet  for more details about adding muscle meat to your dog’s bowl.

Raw meaty bones (RMBs) are critical to meeting  a dog’s nutritional needs. On average, dogs need about 10% bone in their diet, but some dogs may require up to 12%. Bone supplies a natural source of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and other trace minerals that support the immune system. RMBs include beef short ribs, pork ribs, poultry feet, necks, and wings. 

Seafood should  make up about 10% of a dog’s diet in the form of small, oily fish to supply Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 is a natural anti-inflammatory that will help calm your dog’s affected areas. Small oily fish and seafood to feed include anchovies, herring, smelt, sardines, mackerel, sprats, mussels, and oysters. 

When feeding grass-fed beef, the seafood requirement can be reduced as there is more Omega-3 in grass-fed meat.  Grass-fed beef is more nutrient-dense than grain-fed beef.

Organ meat, often known as offal, is essential for a dog's diet as it provides nutrients that may be deficient in muscle meat and raw meaty bones. Organs  have high levels of B vitamins, including B1, B2, B6, folic acid, and B12. Minerals like phosphorus, iron, copper, magnesium, and selenium are abundant in organ meats. They also contain small levels of vitamin D and crucial fat-soluble vitamin A. 

The Real Ancestral 6X Diet™ calls for 5% of the bowl to be liver and 5% to be another secreting organ like kidney, spleen, pancreas, or testicles. 

Adding fur and fiber to your dog's bowl  is another boost for your dog’s immune system. It has been discovered that fiber is essential to colonocytes to maintain the health and proper operation of the entire GI tract. Feeding furred animal parts, the ears of cows, rabbits, and lambs or rabbit feet, or low-glycemic vegetables as 5% of your dog’s meal will provide insoluble fiber to benefit the gut microbiome. 

The gut microbiome is likely imbalanced if your dog is prone to yeast infections. Incorporating prebiotics (fibers that nourish beneficial bacteria) and probiotics (beneficial bacteria) can help restore a balanced gut environment.  

Yeast infections in dogs, also known as yeast overgrowth or fungal dermatitis, can occur when the natural balance of yeast and <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/bacteria">bacteria</a> in the skin and ears is disrupted. Yeast infections are commonly caused by the fungus Malassezia pachydermatis. Clinical signs of a yeast <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/macrophages">infection</a> in dogs can vary depending on the affected area, but they often involve the skin and ears.

In nature, yeast can be found in various environments, including soil, <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/adenosine-triphosphate">water</a>, and the surfaces of plants and fruits. They are also commonly associated with the <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/fermentation">fermentation</a> of sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide. Humans have used yeast for centuries to make bread rise and ferment sugars in producing alcoholic beverages.

Clinical signs you will observe in your dog include itching (pruritus), redness, <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/inflammation">inflammation</a>, an unpleasant odor, greasy or oily skin, discharge in the affected area, hair loss, skin texture, and color changes. 

Skin infections are commonly caused by yeast overgrowth. Changes in your dog’s skin will include inflamed areas of redness and greasiness due to the excess production of oils by the yeast. Areas of the skin might become thickened, rough, or develop flaky patches. Hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) is also commonly seen in areas with <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/chronic">chronic</a> yeast infections. 

Yeast infections commonly affect the ears, causing head shaking, ear scratching, redness, discharge, and a foul odor caused by the byproducts of yeast <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/metabolism">metabolism</a>. The ear canal and ear flap (pinna) will become red, swollen, and inflamed.

If left untreated, ear infections can cause severe trauma. In some cases, the inflammation and <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/swelling">swelling</a> caused by the infection can narrow the ear canal, leading to decreased airflow and worsening symptoms. Extreme head shaking can lead to aural hematomas. 

An aural hematoma, also known as an ear hematoma or auricular hematoma, refers to the accumulation of blood between the skin and <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/cartilage">cartilage</a> layers of the ear flap (pinna). This condition usually occurs due to trauma or injury to the ear, causing blood vessels within the ear to rupture and blood to pool within the space between the layers of tissue. Aural hematomas can be uncomfortable for dogs and typically result in swelling, pain, and discomfort. A veterinarian must treat your dog to resolve the hematoma and prevent recurrence. 

If your dog’s paw infection is left untreated, it can become severe enough to cause limping or reluctance to walk. Excessive licking and chewing are often thought of as obsessive behavior due to boredom or <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/anxiety">anxiety</a>, but should not be overlooked!

You want to get to the root of your dog’s ear and skin issues. Determining if the cause is a <a href="https://feedreal.com/articles/allergies-in-dogs-how-to-determine-the-root-cause">food intolerance</a>  or a yeast infection can be challenging. Let’s compare the clinical signs to help narrow down the root cause of your dog’s issues.

Clinical signs of a food <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/allergy">allergy</a> can manifest in the skin, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, cardiovascular system, and in the mouth. They are of a sudden onset, occurring soon after the food is consumed.  

Clinical signs of food intolerance can occur in the gastrointestinal system, such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and cramping. Signs exhibited on the skin can be scaly patches or rashes. You may also notice behavioral changes in your dog that can indicate discomfort or <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/fatigue">fatigue</a>.

There are times when you must seek conventional therapies, especially if there are extreme cases of open wounds that have become infected with bacteria. However, the best course of action is to treat the underlying cause, the imbalanced <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/gut-microbiome">gut microbiome</a> and weakened immune system.

A balanced and species-appropriate diet will support your dog's immune system and reduce inflammation. A fresh, whole-food diet with minimal <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/carbohydrates">carbohydrates</a> is ideal, as carbohydrates contribute to yeast growth.

An appropriate diet would include high-quality proteins, healthy fats, natural <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/antifungal">antifungal</a> foods, prebiotics, <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/probiotics">probiotics</a>, organ meats, and fiber from low-glycemic fruits and vegetables or fur. The Real Ancestral 6X Diet™ contains the ideal ingredients to support your dog’s immune system, skin, and gut microbiome.

Read <a href="https://feedreal.com/articles/understanding-protein-in-your-dogs-diet">Understanding Protein In Your Dog's Diet</a>  for more details about adding muscle meat to your dog’s bowl.

<a href="https://feedreal.com/articles/myths-and-truths-about-airdried-bones-versus-raw-bones">Raw meaty bones (RMBs) </a>are critical to meeting  a dog’s nutritional needs. On average, dogs need about 10% bone in their diet, but some dogs may require up to 12%. Bone supplies a natural source of <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/calcium">calcium</a>, phosphorus, magnesium, and other trace minerals that support the immune system. RMBs include beef short ribs, pork ribs, poultry feet, necks, and wings. 

<a href="https://feedreal.com/articles/dive-into-seafood-for-your-pup">Seafood</a> should  make up about 10% of a dog’s diet in the form of small, oily fish to supply <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/omega3">Omega-3</a> <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/fatty-acids">fatty acids</a>. Omega-3 is a natural anti-inflammatory that will help calm your dog’s affected areas. Small oily fish and seafood to feed include anchovies, herring, <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/smelt">smelt</a>, <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/sardines">sardines</a>, mackerel, sprats, mussels, and oysters. 

Organ meat, often known as offal, is essential for a dog's diet as it provides nutrients that may be deficient in muscle meat and raw meaty bones. <a href="https://feedreal.com/articles/adding-organs-to-the-bowl">Organs</a>  have high levels of B vitamins, including B1, B2, B6, <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/folic-acid">folic acid</a>, and B12. Minerals like phosphorus, iron, copper, magnesium, and selenium are abundant in organ meats. They also contain small levels of <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/vitamin-d">vitamin D</a> and crucial fat-soluble <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/vitamin-a">vitamin A</a>. 

<a href="https://feedreal.com/articles/adding-fur-and-fiber-to-your-dogs-bowl">Adding fur and fiber to your dog's bowl</a>  is another boost for your dog’s immune system. It has been discovered that fiber is essential to colonocytes to maintain the health and proper operation of the entire GI tract. Feeding furred animal parts, the ears of cows, rabbits, and lambs or rabbit feet, or low-glycemic vegetables as 5% of your dog’s meal will provide <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/insoluble-fiber">insoluble fiber</a> to benefit the gut microbiome. 

The gut microbiome is likely imbalanced if your dog is prone to yeast infections. Incorporating <a href="https://feedreal.com/articles/prebiotics-and-probiotics-boost-your-dogs-health">prebiotics (fibers that nourish beneficial bacteria) and probiotics (beneficial bacteria)</a> can help restore a balanced gut environment.  

Microorganisms used for probiotics must pass the stomach–duodenum barrier without being destroyed to multiply and thrive in the large intestine. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are the two most widely known bacteria used as probiotics.  Both of these are usually produced from fermented milk products.

Akkermansia muciniphila has recently been shown to have remarkable benefits for dogs.  It promotes a healthy GI mucosal lining and supports the motility within the GI tract. This, in turn, prevents diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

<a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/kefir">Kefir</a> is an excellent food additive, especially when made from goat milk. It has both prebiotic and probiotic properties. Fermented foods such as Chaga and kimchi are also abundant in prebiotics and probiotics. However, the taste may be too tangy for your dog.

<a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/larch">Larch</a> Arabinogalactan is a type of <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/soluble-fiber">soluble fiber</a> that provides excellent prebiotic support. Look for high-quality larch that has at least 10 billion CFU. Follow the feeding directions for commercial products, but generally, the dosage is 1/4 teaspoon for small dogs, 1/2 teaspoon for medium dogs, and 3/4 teaspoon for large dogs. It is also important to rest your dog from larch occasionally, feed it for one month, and rest one week before providing it again. 

Probiotic supplements should contain prebiotics. Look at the label for “Contains Prebiotics” or a list of prebiotic foods in the ingredients. To be effective, probiotics need to be provided in the proper amount. Lactic acid bacteria are easily destroyed in the gut, so they must be supplied in large amounts, at least 10 billion CFU (colony forming units) for a healthy dog and up to 25-50 billion CFU for dogs suffering from digestive issues or immune disorders. Bacillus strains can be supplied at 1 billion CFU.

Mix the contents of the probiotic capsules with two tablespoons of full-fat plain yogurt and filtered water. Provide the mixture to the dog between meals on an empty stomach. Do not add to the dog’s meal, as the <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/digestive-enzymes">digestive enzymes</a> in the stomach will deactivate the bacteria. Because it is a liquid, the yogurt and water mixture will pass through the stomach quickly, avoiding the negative impact of the stomach acid and digestive enzymes on the bacteria.

Fresh, whole foods with antifungal properties can be a great addition to your dog’s bowl as he recovers from a yeast infection. Foods that naturally contain antifungal properties include <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/coconut-oil">coconut oil</a> and <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/garlic">garlic</a>. Antifungal herbs like oregano and pau d'arco can also be used.

Garlic is safe in small doses. It is a prebiotic source, natural antibiotic, antifungal, and anti-parasitic. <a href="https://feedreal.com/articles/the-truth-about-garlic-for-dog">Garlic contains an enzyme</a> , alliinase, the active medicinal ingredient released when the garlic is chopped, minced, or crushed. You must let it sit 10 minutes before feeding to help activate the allicin. Dosage is: 

Although addressing the root cause of the yeast infection is the long-term answer to curing yeast infections, topically treating the clinical signs can provide immediate relief to your dog. 

Medicated shampoos are an option for extreme skin and paw yeast infection cases. Antifungal shampoos, sprays, wipes, creams, or ointments containing ingredients like ketoconazole, chlorhexidine, or miconazole can help cleanse the skin, reduce yeast populations, and relieve itching, but not without side effects.  Skin irritation, inflammation, sun sensitivity, and allergic reactions are all possible consequences of using these shampoos. 

Natural remedies with antifungal properties, such as diluted <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/apple-cider-vinegar">apple cider vinegar</a> (ACV) or diluted tea tree oil (in minimal quantities), can be used to provide relief from itching and inflammation. 

Topical treatments for your dog’s yeasty ears include solutions made with apple cider vinegar ( a 50/50 mix with distilled water),  diluted tea tree oil (diluted in coconut oil at a ratio of 0.1-0.5%), chamomile tea, or liquid coconut oil.

With a dropper, apply a few drops of one of the solutions into the ear canal and gently massage the base of the ear. Next, stand back and let your dog shake her head to remove the excess fluid. You can then use a cotton ball or soft cloth to wipe out the visible parts of the ear. 

Keep your dog's ears clean and dry, as yeast thrives in warm and moist environments. After bathing or swimming, gently dry your dog's ears with a clean towel.

<a href="https://www.scielo.br/j/pvb/a/Q9MXskZvbvh4wMqKZyFYY8S/?lang=en">In vitro and in vivo efficacy of tea tree essential oil for bacterial and yeast ear infections in dogs</a> 

<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6294027/">Canine otitis externa — Treatment and complications</a> 

<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC227028/">Evaluation of the effect of pH on in vitro growth of Malassezia pachydermatis</a> 

<a href="https://www.academia.edu/35188297/Use_of_a_Topical_Spray_Made_of_Essential_Oils_and_Essential_Fatty_Acids_from_Plant_Extracts_for_the_Treatment_of_Microbial_Infections_in_Dogs_An_Opened_Multicentric_Study_of_47_Cases">Use of a Topical Spray Made of Essential Oils and Essential Fatty Acids from Plant Extracts for the Treatment of Microbial Infections in Dogs: An Opened Multicentric Study of 47 Cases</a> 

<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34189776/">Malasseziaotitis unresponsive to primary care:outcome in 59 dogs</a> 

<a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcimb.2020.00079/full">Malassezia Yeasts in Veterinary Dermatology: An Updated Overview</a> 

<a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02931403">Lactobacilli and enterococci — Potential probiotics for dogs</a> 

Dog Yeast? Natural remedies to try at home

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