Malassezia Dermatitis + Otitis: Yeast Infections in Dogs

No, canine yeast infections are not contagious to other dogs or humans.

Yeast infections, especially yeast dermatitis, tend to arise due to an underlying allergy or other skin problem, such as seborrhea, which causes an excessive amount of oil on the skin that yeast feed on.

That said, while the yeast infection itself is not contagious, an underlying condition that brought about the yeast infection - or has come along in tandem with it - could be contagious.

While there is a slight chance for a dog's immune system to counter a yeast infection, it is far more likely that the infection will continue to spread. It is also more likely that a secondary infection - either bacterial or fungal - will set in as your dog scratches at the itch.

Bottom line: It's far better to seek professional treatment for a canine yeast infection than to let it (hopefully) go away on its own. The earlier you can catch and counter the infection, the more likely it will be eliminated sooner.

At this time there is no vaccine to prevent or cure a canine yeast infection.

Yes, Lavengel® can be helpful with spot treatments on yeast dermatitis, such as on paws, between pads, in ears, and isolated patches on the skin.

That said, for infections that have spread and become more generalized, it's simply not very economical in its current form. We're working to address this.

The length of time to eliminate a yeast infection in your dog can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending heavily on several factors:

• Location, severity, and spread of the infection
• How early the infection is accurately diagnosed
• How quickly treatment is started and diligently its regimen is followed
• If there is a secondary infection (bacterial pyoderma or other fungal), which can require additional medications or therapies
• If your dog has any underlying allergies
• If your dog has a history of contracting yeast infections
• If your dog has an underlying autoimmune or hormonal disease, such as hypothyroidism, Cushing's disease, or diabetes

Yeast infections are caused by a fungus (Malassezia pachydermatitis), and mange is caused by two types of parasitic mites, with each causing a different form. Yeast and mange require very different forms of treatment. You can get a lot more info on the two types of mange on our Mange Resource page.

Since both types of conditions - in their severe forms - can result in hair loss, severe itching, hyperpigmentation (dark coloring), and scaly skin, these two conditions are often confused. In fact, a severe mange mite infestation can lead to secondary pyoderma and yeast infections.

It should be noted that, in general, mange is rather uncommon, and occurs much less frequently than yeast dermatitis.

Though they are both fungi, yeast infections are caused by Malassezia pachydermatis, and ringworm (dermatophytosis) is caused by one of three species of fungus:

• Microsporum canis (about 70% of cases in dogs)
• Microsporum gypseum (about 20%)
• Trichophyton metagrophytes (about 10%)

Both fungi can feed on dead cells and hair follicles and spread quickly, creating hairless patches.

Unlike yeast dermatitis, ringworm is extremely contagious, even across species, and its spores can live on abiotic surfaces for months.

Each fungal infection is diagnosed differently, though both may be treated using anti-fungals with similar ingredients. The big difference in treating ringworm is that the dog must be quarantined, and all bedding, clothing, harnesses, and articles that they come into contact with must be sterilized or discarded.

See our Ringworm Resource page for much more info.

Foods themselves don't necessarily "cause" yeast infections, but they may bring about an allergic reaction that makes a dog more likely to contract a yeast infection.

In dogs, yeast infections of the ear (yeast otitis) are most commonly linked with food allergies - though it certainly does not account for all cases.

In general, the most common foods that canine allergies are linked to are:

• Chicken
• Beef
• Dairy
• Wheat
• Soy
• Eggs

In addition, feeding your dog foods that are high in sugar and carbs can be conducive to yeast growth.

That said, canine food allergies are understood to be less prevalent in dogs compared to seasonal or environmental allergies.

If you're feeling studious, learn (way) more in our Complete Guide to Food Allergies in Dogs.

Unless you are aware of a food sensitivity in your dog, it is more likely that a seasonal/environmental allergy, change in temperature or humidity, or another aggravating factor (e.g., bee stings, flea bites, bacterial infection in cut or scrape, lack of bathing, etc.) has distressed the skin and brought about the yeast infection.

As we mention in our Dog Frito Feet article, a light corn chip smell is completely normal for a dog's paws and does not signal a yeast infection.

It is caused by a natural odor given off by the bacteria and fungi - yes, including yeast - that take up residence on your dog's tootsies. Regular bathing and washing between their pads and toes will help keep the "corn chip factory" aura from being too overpowering.

Now, if the odor turns rancid and begins to smell more like rotten cheese, THAT will likely signify an infection - unless of course, your dog didn't actually step in rotten cheese.

Ear mites and yeast otitis (ear infection) have very similar symptoms with very minor differences.

Ear mites are barely visible to the naked eye, and they tend to cause a classic dark discharge that resembles coffee grounds or dirt. They are also very contagious to other animals, whereas yeast infections are not.

The most accurate way to determine if your dog has ear mites or a yeast infection in their ear is for a veterinarian to perform a cytology (examination under a microscope).

Canine ear infections - yeast or bacterial - can be painful, especially if there is enough buildup.

Much of the pain, however, tends to come from the dog trying to alleviate the itch by repetitively scratching and shaking their head, causing trauma that can worsen the infection.

Scratching your inner ear flaps with your foot isn't an exact science, after all.

In severe, untreated cases of canine yeast otitis (ear infection), it is possible for hearing loss to occur.

As the dog attempts to scratch, it can further damage the inner ear canal, not only exacerbating the yeast infection, but allowing for a bacterial infection to develop simultaneously.