A dog that develops a yeast infection can face mild to serious itchiness and other discomfort, so it's important to seek treatment at your local veterinary hospital if this type of infection is present. Like humans, dogs can get yeast infections in several different areas of their bodies. It's important to familiarize yourself with the common symptoms of this condition — skin redness, frequent scratching at the area, and even a noticeable odor — so that you can get your pet the professional care it deserves. Here are some areas where a dog can develop a yeast infection.
Paws
A dog can develop all sorts of ailments in its paws. While acute abrasions that occur while out on walks can be serious, a yeast infection is also something that can affect this part of the pet's body. You can often get an indicator that something is wrong if you notice that your dog is spending more time than usual licking its paws. Upon closer inspection, you may notice redness around the nails, between the toes, and in other areas. The yeast infection can affect just one paw, but it's also possible that it could be present in multiple paws.
Skin Folds
Some dogs have noticeable skin folds due to their breed type, and the space between the folds of skin can sometimes be susceptible to yeast infections. For example, if the dog has several folds of skin on its chest or belly, you should get in the habit of periodically checking these areas. If you notice redness when you gently separate the folds of skin, a yeast infection is likely present. This type of infection in this area can be unpleasant for the dog because the friction of the skin during movement exacerbates the itchiness.
Ears
A dog's ears can be another site for a yeast infection. You'll often get a warning sign that something is wrong if the dog is scratching at its ears and shaking its head more than usual. A yeast infection in a dog's ear can be easier to spot in certain breeds but is always possible to identify if you take a moment to lift the ear and look inside. Healthy ears are typically light in color, but pink or red skin can quickly reveal that a yeast infection is present. For more info about how a pet hospital can help, contact a company like Indian Creek Veterinary Hospital.
