Yeast infections in pets, medically known as candidiasis, occur when yeast begins invading damaged tissues due to suppressed immune systems. Yeast, or candida, is a natural substance found in an animal’s nose, ears, mouth, gastrointestinal tract and genital tracts. At normal levels, yeast will not harm your dog or cat. However, under the right conditions, candida can quickly increase to high levels and become a minor pet health concern.
How Yeast Infection Affects Your Pet
When yeast infections result in sores, it can become quite painful for your pet. Sores are typically caused by constant scratching, and since lesions can weaken the skin’s outer layers, they provide an excellent environment for additional yeast growth. Furthermore, the combination of pain and incessant itching can cause a lot of stress for your dog or cat.
Common Symptoms of Yeast Infection
Symptoms of this condition in dogs and cats will vary depending on where the infection takes place. For examples, signs of an infection in the mouth will be different from symptoms of an infection in the ears. However, the most common signs of yeast infections in animals are listed below: Excessive Scratching, Chewing and/or Biting the skin or ears, Excessive Licking, Weeping Sores, Inflamed, Scaly and/or Oily Skin, Hair Loss, Greasy Fur, Bad-Smelling Skin, Darkened and Thickened Skin, Ear Infections, With or Without Smelly Discharge, Raised and Crusty Areas On the Body, Depression and/or Anxiety, Lack of Appetite and Weight Loss and Aggression.
Treatments for Yeast Infection
There are many different treatments available for yeast infections in animals. These are typically anti-fungal, anti-yeast, anti-seborrheic or antibiotic medicines, and they come in the forms of medicated shampoos, dips, lotions, rinses, sprays, creams, powders and wipes. Most of these medicines are applied to the pet’s skin several times a week. However, some need to be applied daily. In severe cases, your veterinarian may prescribe oral anti-fungal medication such as ketoconazole, terbinafine, itraconazole and fluconazole. Pets with secondary bacterial infections will be given oral antibiotics.
Breeds Affected
Yeast Infections can occur in both dogs and cats; however, some animals are more prone to these infections than others.
Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
