Can Humans Get Yeast Infections From Dogs?

In this research you will know the answer to the query “Can Humans Get Yeast Infections From Dogs?“.

We know that getting a dog will have both advantages and disadvantages.

For some of us the downside is that our dogs will need to be treated for yeast infections. 

Those of you who own dogs with wrinkled skin (such as Bulldogs) or dogs with long ears (such as King Charles Spaniels) should take extra precautions.

As if treating these infections wasnot difficult enough some dog owners are concerned about catching a yeast infection from their dog.

My research today will attempt to answer this question. 

What are yeast infections in dogs?

Yeast infections are fungal infections that affect certain parts of the body. Human yeast infections usually affect the female genital area but dog yeast infections can affect any part of the dogs body.

It is actually normal for dogs to have yeast on their bodies. 

It only gets infected when there is too much of it.

A yeast infection in dogs is usually caused by Malassezia sp. Skin folds armpits ears groins paws and stomachs are all common places to find yeast.

Are fungal infections the same as yeast infections?

There is a difference between fungal infections and yeast infections despite the terms being often used interchangeably. Candida infections are caused by fungal microorganisms. 

But yeast has different biological and physical characteristics than most fungi and they’re not the same as the fungi that cause Aspergillosis Cryptococcosis or Blastomycosis in dogs.

How do yeast infections spread?

Dogs with a yeast infection cannot spread it to other dogs even directly from the infected site. 

Your dogs yeast infection was not caused by other dogs but by an immune system problem and hygiene issues. 

Infections caused by yeast do not spread to other animals or pets.

Can humans get yeast infections from dogs?

Dogs cannot contract yeast infections from humans and yeast infections are not contagious. 

In some cases yeast infections can cause secondary fungal or bacterial infections which are potentially contagious.

How do dogs get these yeast infections?

• Allergy

Allergies are the most common cause of dog yeast infections. In addition to compromising the dogs immunity allergic reactions on the skin increase oil production and cause a yeast infection. Malassezia infections are often a secondary condition to allergic reactions on the skin.

On top of that medications for allergies can alter the natural balance of good bacteria resulting in yeast infections. Yeast infections can also be caused by allergens such as pollen dust or mold.

• Steroid medications

Yeast infections are more likely to occur in dogs with low immunity. Those who take immunosuppressive drugs like steroids have a higher risk of chronic yeast infections because they can not fight off the infections.

• Antibiotics

Antibiotics are prescribed to certain dogs to treat certain conditions however they can also increase the risk of yeast infections. By eliminating bacteria antibiotics encourage the growth of yeast.

• Excess moisture

A yeast infection can be triggered by sweat or moist conditions in general. In most environments yeast thrives. Thus high temperatures and humidity also increase the chance of getting infected with yeast. Dogs that suffer from seasonal yeast infections do so for this reason.

• The dirt Ears

A yeast infection in the ear is caused by earwax trapped water or debris inside the ear canal ear drops that alter the natural bacteria in the ear and poor ear hygiene.

What are the main symptoms of yeast infections in dogs?

• There are red irritated spots on the infected area
• Musty odor
• There is hair loss in the infected area
• If the infection is on a paw there may be brown discharge in the affected area especially in the nail beds
• Scales or crusty and flaky skin
• The thickness of the infected skin
• An excessive amount of licking and scratching of the infected area
• Rubbing body against furniture
• Shaking head repeatedly
• Hyperpigmentation
• Ear infections

What is the most effective medication for treating a yeast infection?

Topical treatments

The infection can simply be treated topically if it is mild.

• Medicated shampoo

The symptoms are usually reduced by antifungal shampoo. Once the infection is under control bathe your dog every 3 – 5 days with the shampoo. Before rinsing let the lather sit for about 10 minutes.

Use a degreasing shampoo on your dogs oily or scaly skin. Topical medications will no longer be prevented from working by a filmy coating.

• Creams or sprays

The infected area should be treated with antifungal cream. There are some that can be bought over the counter such as chlorhexidine miconazole and ketoconazole. These creams should come with instructions.

The anti-yeast cream can also be applied inside the ear but you should consult your veterinarian first.

If your dog has a yeast infection you must be careful. Every antifungal medicine is not appropriate for yeast infections. You should seek a diagnosis from your vet to be sure whether its a yeast or fungal infection.

Clean your dog

Yeast infections are sometimes caused by poor hygiene. In addition to topical treatments improving your pups hygiene is one of the best ways to alleviate their infection.

• Clean the ears

Cleaning the ear canal is the most effective treatment for yeast infections in the ears. Your dogs ear should be cleaned with a dog ear cleaning solution using a tissue or cotton ball. It lowers pH levels repelling yeast. Q-tips should never be used to clean down the ear canal.

• Clean the paws

As with human hands dog paws are a breeding ground for dirt and bacteria. Additionally the sweat glands in a dogs paws are mostly located there. Therefore they are always dirty sweaty and damp. Make sure they keep their paws clean by wiping them after playing outside.

Oral treatments

If the infection persists your veterinarian will prescribe your dog oral medications.

• Antifungal pills

Yeast infections can be treated faster with pills than with topical medications. Ketoconazole fluconazole and itraconazole are some of the most common antifungal pills for yeast infections. However there are also more risks of side effects such as stomachache and liver damage.

A systemic antifungal treatment will be administered if your dog has a severe infection. This means they will receive oral antifungal treatments for a long period of time.

Do any natural remedies cure yeast infections?

• Vinegar rinses

The pH of the skin can be altered by vinegar giving yeast a less favorable environment. Nevertheless you should only apply vinegar rinses if your veterinarian recommends it. Vinegar can be harsh so you need to dilute it appropriately to avoid irritation.

Are certain dog breeds more prone to yeast infections than others?

Wrinkly dog breeds with excess folds of skin are more prone to yeast infections because yeast commonly infects moist areas. Floppy-eared dogs and dogs with allergies are more likely to become infected. Among these breeds are:

• Bulldog
• Pug
• Shih Tzu
• Shar-Pei
• Terrier
• Bloodhound
• Golden Retriever
• Maltese
• German Shepherd
• Dachshund
• Poodle
• Chihuahua

It is important for dogs with wrinkles to maintain their skin folds daily in order to reduce moisture.

How to prevent yeast infections in dogs

Dogs with yeast infections have a difficult time overcoming the condition. It isnot dangerous but it often recurs. In order to prevent your pup from getting a yeast infection or to prevent them from getting it again you can do some simple things.

• Routine bathing

When bathing your dog use an antifungal shampoo. Rinse the shampoo lather off the dog after 10 minutes.

• Dry thoroughly

In addition to bathing drying is also crucial. Yeast loves moist environments so make sure your dog is dry after every bath. The importance of the bath goes hand in hand with the importance of drying. You should ensure your pup is completely dry after every bath since yeast loves moist environments.

• Clean wrinkles every day

Make sure you thoroughly clean and dry the wrinkled areas of wrinkly dog breeds. Using a cloth dry the wrinkles on your dogs body after a bath. Do this several times to really soak up as much of the moisture as possible.

You can also add a little grooming powder to your dogs skin to dry it out if yeast is a big concern. Before doing so you should consult a veterinarian.

• Stay indoors during extreme weather

A high temperature can cause sweating which can lead to an overabundance of yeast. If possible avoid extreme heat and keep your pet inside. You should also do this in humid weather.

• Watch for allergies

Make sure you know everything your dog is allergic to as an allergic reaction is a leading cause of yeast infections. Ensure that all the food you feed them is wholesome.

• Healthy diet

An important part of preventing fungal infections is to make sure your dogs immune system is functioning at its best. Whenever they are susceptible to infection there is a lesser chance of their getting infected.

Avoid foods with high sugar content including refined carbs such as potatoes and rice to prevent yeast infections.

What diseases can humans get from dogs?

Although dogs cannot give humans yeast infections there are some diseases in humans that can be contracted from them including:

• Tapeworm: A parasite that damages the intestines and other tissues.
• Rabies: Animals infected with this virus spread it through their saliva (by biting or scratching them). Flu symptoms include fever headache spasms paralysis excess salivation and mental confusion. Treatment isnot available by the time symptoms appear. Because of vaccination rabies is rare in humans.
• Salmonellosis: An infection caused by Salmonella bacteria that causes diarrhea fever and stomach pain.
• Campylobacteriosis: This affects the digestive system causing diarrhea and cramps as well as causing a fever.
• Brucellosis: This affects the respiratory system causing coughing and fever.
• Capnocytophaga: An infection caused by animal bites that cause blisters swelling and pain.

If you want to read more about dog health tips read here: Dog Health Tips and Tricks.

Can Humans Get Yeast Infections From Dogs? (Watch Video)