What does fungus on dog skin look like

Dog Skin Infections: How To Spot The Signs & When To Seek Treatment

Is your dogs irritated skin giving you cause for concern? Youre not alone. Dogs are extremely prone to skin problems. In fact, skin conditions are the second most common ailment that dog parents face when seeking veterinary care.¹ We have had personal experience with skin issues in dogs before, too.

If your dog is itching or licking incessantly, has crusty dog skin conditions, or has patches of skin that dont look normal, your dog could have a skin infection. Find out what to look out for when its time to see your vet and other need-to-know information about skin infections.

Primary Causes Of Dog Skin Infections

There are two main types of skin infections in dogs: yeast and bacteria infections. Both yeast and bacteria normally reside on your dogs skin, but when something irritates them, they can proliferate, causing an infection. Many things can cause yeast and/or bacteria to multiply, but here are some of the most common causes:

• Excessive licking, chewing, or scratching
• Allergies to environmental factors, like pollen, dust, dust mites, mold, etc.
• Food allergies

As a pet parent, it can be difficult to determine whether your dog is suffering from a bacterial or yeast skin infection because symptoms can often be very similar. But well break down each type to help give you a better idea of what your dog may be experiencing.

Also, its fairly common for dogs to have both a yeast and bacterial skin infection simultaneously. So, keep in mind that its wise to seek veterinary attention if you suspect a skin infection because treatment can differ depending on the infection type(s).

Yeast Skin Infections

Yeast dermatitis, also called Malassezia dermatitis, is caused by the fungusMalassezia pachydermatis. Its an extremely common cause of skin infections in dogs. Yeast infections arent contagious. Although yeast infections can appear anywhere on a dogs body, some areas are especially prone: ears, skin folds, paw pads, or other hot, humid areas of the body.

Dogs with atopic dermatitis (allergic dermatitis) are more susceptible, as are immunocompromised dogs. An immune deficiency makes it hard for a dogs body to fight off yeast infections, resulting in chronic and recurring infections. Dogs who are taking steroids or antibiotics can also be more prone to yeast infections.

Predisposed Breeds

Some breeds are also genetically predisposed to developing yeast or fungal skin infections, including:

• Australian Terriers
• Basset Hounds
• Bulldogs
• Chihuahuas
• Cocker Spaniels
• Dachshunds
• Lhasa Apsos
• Maltese Terriers
• Poodles
• Pugs
• Shetland Sheepdogs
• West Highland White Terriers

Chronic conditions like yeast infections and skin diseases that require frequent vet visits and medication can drain your bank account. But, if you have one of these breeds thats prone to this ailment, you might consider investing in pet insurance from an early age (before a condition presents and becomes pre-existing). It is a great way to manage this risk along with other health and accident situations you and your pet may find yourselves in. Learn more about Pet Insurance.

Symptoms

The most prominent symptoms are excessive itching and inflamed skin, but other common symptoms of skin conditions include:

• Itching and redness
• Smelly skin
• Crusty, flaky skin
• Thickened skin
• Sores
• Sticky or yellow/green discharge
• Greasy coat
• Hyperpigmentation (darkly pigmented skin)
• Recurring ear infections

Treatment

Treatment for dog yeast skin infections depends on the severity of the infection. Its important to consult your vet so you can get a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Oral Treatment

In more severe or chronic cases of skin yeast infections, your vet may prescribe oral anti-fungal medications, including ketoconazole, itraconazole, and fluconazole.

Topical Treatment

You can use home remedies to treat cases of yeast infections that arent severe (just make sure you get a vets diagnosis first). Medicated shampoos are the best way to treat skin yeast infections. However, some dogs with especially oily or greasy skin may require an initial shampoo with Davis Benzoyl Peroxide Shampoo (or another pet shampoo containing benzoyl peroxide or selenium sulfide), which can help eliminate the excessive oil.

After you cut down the oil and grease, use an anti-fungal shampoo containing chlorhexidine, miconazole, or ketoconazole. We recommend KetoChlor Medicated Shampoo for dogs and cats.

• Make sure the anti-fungal shampoo stays on your dogs skin for at least 10 minutes.
• Dry your dog thoroughly after bathing with a clean towel.
• Repeat every three to five days until theres no sign of infection (this can take anywhere from 2 to 12 weeks).

Bacterial Skin Infections

A bacterial skin infection in dogs, also referred to as pyoderma or bacterial dermatitis, can occur in any breed or age, but older dogs are more susceptible due to a weaker immune system. Dogs with hypothyroidism are also more susceptible.The most common dog bacterial skin infection is a staph infection.

Symptoms

As we said above, some of the symptoms of bacterial skin infections are very similar to yeast infections. But there are some differences.

• Excessive scratching, licking, or chewing
• Red and inflamed skin
• Papules or pustules (pus-filled lesions on the skin that resemble human pimples)
• Dry or flaky patches of skin
• Patchy fur loss or bald patches
• Circular crusts that look like ringworm

Our Personal Experience With Bacterial Skin Issues On Dogs

One winter, my dogs skin became very red and itchy. A trip to the vet led us to discover it was a staph infection caused by skin allergies. Her dry skin was flaking off, and she had a bump on her belly that looked like a zit, which the vet said were both signs of a staph infection. She was prescribed an antibiotic and steroid, which helped immediately. Our vet said staph infections are the number one condition she sees during the winter months.

Kimberly Alt, rescue dog mom & Canine Journal pet insurance expert

Treatment

Dog skin infection treatments are similar for bacteria as they are for yeast.

Oral Treatment

In many cases, veterinarians prescribe an oral antibiotic to treat skin bacterial infections. Amoxicillin,cephalexin, andclindamycin are common prescriptions for this type of infection. It may be necessary for your vet to do a skin culture and antibiotic sensitivity test to make sure he prescribes the most effective antibiotic.

Thetypical treatment time is a minimum of three to four weeks, but in recurrent or chronic cases of infection, oral treatment can last as long as 12 weeks.

Topical Treatment

Although most cases require oral antibiotics, your vet may recommend a topical treatment if your dogs infection is mild. This can include antibacterial shampoosandsprays that you apply once or twice a week for three to four weeks.

You can also use these topical treatments in addition to antibiotics to help your dog recover from his infection more quickly.Its also important that your dog has clean, dry, and padded bedding.

Are Allergies The Culprit?

If your dog is frequently itchy or has recurring skin infections, allergies could be the reason. As we mentioned above, its important to consult your vet to properly diagnosis any skin allergiesyour dog is having. But you can also learn more about which foods and environmental factors could be causing your dog problems by giving him anat-home dog allergy test kit.

10 Home Remedies For Dog Skin Irritation

There are some home remedies you can try to alleviate symptoms and support your dogs skin health. Keep in mind that these remedies are not substitutes for professional veterinary care, especially if the infection is severe or doesnt improve with home treatment. Always consult with your veterinarian before trying any home remedies. Here are some suggestions:

1. Regular Baths: Keeping your dog sanitary is important for managing skin infections. Use a mild, veterinary-approved shampoo that wont irritate the skin further. Be sure to rinse thoroughly to remove all shampoo residue.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties. Dilute it with water (one part vinegar to one part water) and use it as a rinse after bathing your dog. Do not apply it to open wounds or raw skin as it may sting.
3. Coconut Oil: Coconut oil has moisturizing and antibacterial properties too. Apply a thin layer of organic, virgin coconut oil to affected areas to soothe the skin and potentially help fight off infections.
4. Oatmeal Baths: Oatmeal can help soothe itchy and irritated skin. Grind plain, uncooked oatmeal into a fine powder and add it to your dogs bathwater. Alternatively, you can use colloidal oatmeal products specifically formulated for dogs.
5. Honey: Raw, unpasteurized honey has natural antimicrobial properties. Apply a thin layer of honey to affected areas (avoiding the dogs eyes and mouth) and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes before gently rinsing it off.
6. Probiotics: Probiotic supplements or plain, unsweetened yogurt containing live cultures can help support your dogs immune system and promote healthy skin from the inside out.
7. Herbal Soaks: Some herbs, such as calendula, chamomile, and lavender, have soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. You can brew these herbs into a tea, let it cool, and use it as a skin rinse for your dog.
8. Aloe Vera: Aloe vera gel, especially when pure and free of additives like alcohol, can help soothe irritated skin. Apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel to the affected areas.
9. Keep the Area Clean & Dry: Moisture can exacerbate skin infections, so if your dog has long fur, consider trimming it to improve airflow.
10. Proper Diet: A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and a strong immune system. Ensure your dog is receiving high-quality, nutritionally complete food.

Remember, while these home remedies may offer some relief for mild skin infections, they are not a substitute for professional veterinary care. If your dogs skin infection is severe, persistent, or worsening, its essential to consult with a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.

How Can I Soothe My Dogs Skin Irritation?

If your dogs skin is itchy and painful, you may want to consider using a CBD topical product to alleviate his symptoms (with your vets okay). CBD topical treatments are all-natural and could help soothe your dogs skin without interfering with prescription meds. Weve reviewed the best CBD oil companies, many of which carry topical CBD skin ointments or creams that can help soothe irritated skin until it clears up.

Why Trust Canine Journal?

Sally has over 20 years of experience in human health sciences communications, including 10 years as an expert on pet health conditions and treatment. Shes also spent over a decade researching pet insurance as part of an expert team at Canine Journal. As dedicated canine professionals and long-time dog owners, we test and research the best pet products, not only for our own pups but for all of our readers.

Sources: [1] Healthy Paws

What Does Ringworm Look Like on a Dog?

Just like humans, dogs can also get infected by ringworm. If youre not sure what ringworm looks like on a dog, then below I will describe the signs and include pictures. After looking at the pictures or ringworm on a dogs skin, belly, or nose, please consult with a vet for next steps.

Ringworm on a dog looks like circular-shaped bald hair patches on multiple areas of the dogs body including their belly. The patches typically have a crusty covering like dandruff. In serious cases, ringworm isnt dry-looking. Instead, it appears as red, round-shaped patches of missing hair.

Below are pictures of what ringworm looks like on a dog, then further on how dogs get an infection, the signs, whether it spreads from dogs to humans, how to treat it, and most importantly, how to prevent re-infections.

What does ringworm look like on a dog (pictures)?

All the pictures are in this video:

All dogs can get ringworm

Young, old, long-haired, or short-haired: any dog can develop ringworm. Its a common infection as its very contagious. And contrary to what many think, ringworm isnt one of the usual intestinal worms. Its a fungal skin infection.

Sure, it may look like a worm curled up underneath a dogs skin. But thats simply how ringworm got its name. Its not a worm, its a fungus.

While there are over thirty fungi species known to cause ringworm infection, only three are responsible for almost all ringworm cases in dogs: Microsporum gypseum, Microsporum canis, and Trichophyton mentragrophytes.

Researchshows that the fungus Microsporum canis is the culprit in 70% of all ringworm infection cases in dogs.

The ringworm fungus lives on the outer layer of your dogs skin. It doesnt penetrate deep inside the skin. If your dog has this infection, you will notice circular-shaped bald hair patches on multiple areas like the ears, feet, face, chest, belly, nose, and claws.

Althoughringworm in dogs looks to mostly appears on these parts, it can show up anywhere else in your dogs body.

The skin on the circular bald patches will be dry (with a brownish or grayish color) and look like its peeling off. In serious cases, ringworm may appear as red, bald hair patches with tiny pimples (in the shape of a ring) surrounding the inflamed spot.

These patches start out as the size of a pea and, if left untreated, spread out into wider circular-shaped patches.

The fungus causing the infection may determine how mild or serious the ringworm will appear. A dogs immunity (whether weak or strong) will also influence the severity of the infection.

Though not life-threatening, ringworm can be uncomfortable as it may cause itchiness.

Ringworm infection can also attack the skin under your dogs nails (or the skin bordering the nails). After some time, the nail will become discolored and too brittle.

Handy Hint: Here are the odds of you getting worms from your dog.

How do dogs get ringworm?

Dogs get ringworm at any point in their life because of how easily this infection spreads. Your dog can get it through any of the following ways:

• If they have bodily contact with a person suffering from ringworm.
• If they have bodily contact with a pet that already has ringworm.
• If they lie on or touch any objects contaminated by the ringworm fungus. For instance, if your dog sleeps on the same bed with someone or a pet infected by ringworm.
• If they get into contact with contaminated soil. The ringworm fungus ends up in the soil if an infected pet lies on the ground or simply shakes off, dropping some of the fungus-carrying fur.

While in the soil, thefunguscan remain alive for close to 18 months! A healthy dog can easily pick up the fungus and develop a ringworm infection.

Most dogs contract ringworm from the dog park. Theres a high likelihood of them getting into contact with dogs carrying the fungus or playing on contaminated soil.

Its also worth mentioning that some dogs may also have ringworm but are yet to show the obvious signs. If your dog interacts with such dogs at the park, they will get infected.

What ringworm does when on your dogs body

Like every other fungal infection, the ringworm fungus must eat to survive on your dogs body. And the problem is that as it feeds, it causes damage.

Ringworm feeds on a dogs hair strands and a certain protein compound found on the fur and skin keratin.

This protein keeps your dogs hair, skin, and nails healthy and protects against damage. As the fungus eats up keratin and the hair strands, your dogs fur will become brittle and fall, leaving round-shaped bald patches.

Feeding also gives the fungus energy to reproduce millions, if not thousands, of fungal spores on your dogs body.

Think of these spores as dust particles of the ringworm fungus. If not treated, your dog will infect you and other pets because they will leave these spores everywhere.

Pro Tip:Always wear gloves when inspecting your dogs body for ringworm. Its also best to wash your hands afterward and disinfect the gloves.

Ringworm is azoonoticinfection, meaning dog parents can contract ringworm from their dogs.

If your dog is suffering from ringworm, you shouldnt touch them. Plus, if they leave hair on your curtains, couch, carpet, kitchen counter, or clothes, you (and your guests) risk developing ringworm if you touch these objects.

What to do if you suspect your dog has ringworm infection

As much as its said that ringworm in dogs clears up on its own, waiting for it to simply vanish will only cause more harm.

For starters, its not known how long it can take for ringworm to disappear naturally.

Waiting means your dog will develop more bald patches before they start recovering, and their coat will look worse. They will also infect you and others within that waiting period.

Early treatment will help kill the fungal spores on your dogs body, so your dog will have a better chance of becoming ringworm-free sooner than later.

If youve spotted what looks like ringworm on your dog, you should see the vet. They will perform diagnosticteststo confirm whether the skin infection is indeed ringworm.

Once they make a ringworm diagnosis, they will prescribe the most effective treatment that suits your dogs case (if its a mild or severe infection). Vets often treat ringworm using the following:

• Anti-fungal oral medications
• Anti-fungal topical creams
• Antifungal dog shampoo

As your dog recovers from home, you shouldnt discontinue the prescribed medication if your vet hasnt asked you to even if the missing hair has grown back. Otherwise, the infection will reappear in no time.

It can take a few or several weeks for your dog to heal from ringworm. As they recover from home, consider the following:

• Isolate them in a separate room so they dont leave their ringworm-infested hair all over the house. Even better, opt for a room that has minimal furnishing so that cleaning time isnt that hectic (its best if you clean that room daily to prevent hair-build up)
• Deep clean all the places in the house (and things) where your dog has been prior to the ringworm diagnosis. You should thoroughly vacuum every area that has traces of your dogs hair and clean your vacuum cleaner with a disinfectant afterwards.
• Clean their bedding with a disinfectant, and also disinfect their toys. Your vet can recommend an effective disinfectant.

How can I tell if my dog has ringworm?

As discussed earlier, you will notice circular, dry-looking bald hair spots. These round-shaped patches may be red if your dog has a serious ringworm infection.

How do I get rid of ringworm on my dog?

You should see the vet for professional treatment. Also, make sure to deep clean your house to get rid of your dogs fungus-carrying fur. These stray hairs can cause re-infection.

Where does ringworm usually appear on dogs?

Ringworm can show up anywhere on your dogs body, but it mostly appears on the head, face, legs, tail, and around the nail skin.

How contagious is ringworm from dogs to humans?

The short answer is, highly contagious. If your dog has this infection, you will get infected if you touch them or anything that has their hair.

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