Yeast infections in dogs

Yeasts are everywhere. They make bread rise, ferment drinks and live on your pup’s skin and yours. But sometimes, they grow out of control. Of the 1,500+ species of yeast, one in particular causes problems for dogs: Malassezia pachydermatis. Let’s explore how yeast infections happen, how to spot them and what to do about them.

What are yeast infections in dogs?

Malassezia naturally lives on your pup’s skin, so a yeast infection doesn’t mean they’ve picked up anything contagious. It’s simply an overgrowth, often triggered by underlying issues like allergies, excess moisture or inflammation, which can upset the skin’s natural balance.

Yeasts thrive in warm, damp environments, and Malassezia is a fat-loving yeast perfectly suited to life on a dog. It particularly favours areas rich in oil-producing sebaceous glands – think ears, paws, lip folds, skin folds, nail beds and spots where skin rubs together, like the armpits and groin.

You’ve probably heard of Candida infections in humans, and while dogs can get them too, they’re rare. Unlike Malassezia, Candida isn’t well-suited to life on a dog and is usually present in very low numbers, if at all. Candidiasis typically occurs after antibiotic or immunosuppressive treatments and affects areas like the mouth lining or gut. Since it’s uncommon, we’ll focus on Malassezia – the more likely culprit.

Just to clarify – all yeasts are fungi, but not all fungal infections are caused by yeasts. For example, ringworm is a fungal infection, but it isn’t yeast related. Other, rarer fungal problems like Aspergillus can affect internal organs, but that’s a different issue entirely.

Signs of yeast infection in dogs

There are two signs that strongly suggest a yeast overgrowth:

Strong, musty odour
Dark, greasy or waxy buildup

These signs often appear alongside other symptoms, but the ones below aren’t exclusive to yeast infections:

Itching, licking and head shaking
Red inflamed skin
Flaky, dry or greasy skin
Thickened or darkened skin, often described as elephant-like
Crusty and/or hairless patches, especially in skin folds or around the lips

Pictures of yeast infection in dogs’ ears (and elsewhere)

You can’t diagnose a yeast infection based on appearance alone. Why? Because yeast overgrowth often happens for a reason – and it can turn up alongside bacterial overgrowth or inflammation. What looks like yeast could actually be a mixed infection, or something else entirely. Swabs or samples are usually needed to confirm the cause and guide treatment.

Still, here are a few visual clues that could point to a yeast problem:

This dog has a generalised concern, but the ear is thickened, with darkened skin and thick, waxy discharge – changes that could point to possible yeast overgrowth.

This little dog has very inflamed, dry skin with dark patches and thickening. While there may be an underlying condition, this type of skin can be prone to yeast overgrowth.

How do dogs get yeast infections

Malassezia is a type of yeast that’s normally present on your dog’s skin. It tends to cause problems only when the natural balance is disrupted, creating an opportunity for it to overgrow. Common triggers can include:

Skin injuries or damage
Moisture buildup in ears, paws, folds or nail beds
Allergies (environmental or food-related)
Medication (especially antibiotics or steroids)
Immune system issues or long-term inflammation

How to treat dogs with yeast infections

Effective management involves more than targeting the yeast itself – it’s about helping restore balance and addressing the factors that may have contributed to the overgrowth.

Identify and treat the underlying cause

This may involve:

Skin swabs or scrapes
Blood tests
Allergy investigation

Keep the area clean and dry

Ears: Use a vet-approved ear cleaner only after your vet confirms the eardrum is intact - read our guide on how to clean your dog's ears
Paws: Medicated shampoos or paw soaks
Skin folds: Medicated wipes are especially handy here

Use the right medication

Topical antifungals: Ear drops, antifungal creams, gels, nail bed treatments or shampoos can clear surface infections
Oral medication: Reserved for severe, widespread or recurrent cases
Anti-itch or anti-inflammatory medications: Help stop scratching and inflammation, allowing for healing
Additional meds: If bacteria or another illness is involved, other treatments may be added

Support long-term skin health

If your pup has areas of concern, regular at-home checks plus gentle cleaning and thorough drying can be helpful. Providing a high-quality diet and skin-supporting supplements may also help maintain healthy skin and its natural defences. Malassezia typically lives on the skin’s surface – so unless your dog has a rare Candida-type infection, low-carb diets are not usually needed for managing yeast balance.

Dog yeast infection home remedy

You may have heard of vinegar rinses to help with yeast concerns. And yes, slightly acidic solutions can make the skin less welcoming to yeast. But even diluted vinegar can sting sore, inflamed skin, and it won’t address the underlying cause. That’s why it’s best to involve your vet. Home remedies may have a place, but only as part of a plan that considers both the yeast and what’s driving the overgrowth.

Yeast issues can be greasy and smelly, signalling that the skin’s balance may be off. The right approach can help support your pup’s skin back to a healthier state – so if something smells unusual, a vet check is worthwhile. Healthy skin makes for a happier, tail-wagging dog.

Dr Nicole Olewinski BVSc MRCVS

Straight after a youthful ballerina phase, Nicole set her sights on becoming a vet—and never looked back. A 2006 Liverpool Graduate, she spent a decade in small animal practice before an adventurous move to Poland with her husband and two kids, followed by COVID, changed the course of her career. Stepping away from clinical work wasn’t planned, but it did open an exciting new door—connecting through the written word. After years of developing verbal communication skills in practice, she embraced the challenge of refining her writing in a commercial environment. Now, she thrives on transforming the complicated into the comprehensible, blended clarity with compelling narratives to inform and inspire.