There are many common skin problems that dogs can have, like rashes, bacterial infections, and allergies. Fungal infections are one of these problems and are caused by fungi. Dogs can get these infections by touching another sick animal, being in a dirty place, or if too much fungus grows on their body. If your dog is very itchy, has a weird smell, or is losing fur, they might have a fungal infection.
There are many types of fungi, so there are also different fungal infections, like those that affect the skin, ears, or even the whole body. Each type can cause different symptoms, like scratching, hair loss, and skin irritation.
If you see any signs of a fungal infection, it’s important to take your dog to the vet right away, says Dr Wayne M. Johnson, a veterinarian at Birdneck Animal Hospital in the USA. He adds that early treatment is important because these infections can spread and cause more serious problems later on. Talk to your vet if you have any worries or see anything unusual with your dog.
Keep reading to learn more about fungal infections, their causes, how to spot them, how vets treat them, and how to prevent them.
7 Signs of a Dog Fungal Infection
Finding out early if your dog has a fungal infection can make it easier to treat, says Dr Kathryn Dench, a holistic and integrative veterinarian and chief veterinary advisor at Paw Origins.
Our experts say that some of the most telltale signs of a fungal infection in dogs are:
- skin irritation or redness
- scaly or crusty patches
- hair loss (patches of hair loss or thinning fur)
- bad smell (from the skin or ears)
- lethargy
- discomfort
- excessive scratching or licking
Since there are different kinds of fungal infections, symptoms can be different and might also include:
- coughing
- fever
- diarrhoea
- no appetite
- weight loss
- vomiting
- sores
- lumps
- problems with balance (like head tilting, walking in circles, or trouble moving)
- eye problems (like bleeding or eye swelling)
If your dog suddenly starts showing any of these signs, it’s important to take them to the vet right away.
Can Humans Get Fungal Infections From Dogs?
Thankfully, Dr Johnson says fungal infections don’t spread easily from dogs to people. But there are some exceptions. For example, he says ringworm can sometimes be passed from dogs to humans.
To lower the risk of infection, Dr Johnson suggests practising good hygiene and watching for any unusual symptoms if you or your family members have been around an infected dog.
What Are the Types of Fungal Infections?
Not all fungal infections are the same. Here are the different types:
- aspergillosis
- blastomycosis
- cryptococcosis
- eumycetoma (fungal mycetoma)
- fungal dermatitis (yeast infection or Malassezia dermatitis)
- geotrichosis
- histoplasmosis
- mucormycosis
- ringworm (dermatophytosis)
- sporotrichosis
- valley fever (coccidioidomycosis)
What Causes Fungal Infections?
There are different reasons why dogs get fungal infections. Dr Johnson says the most common causes are:
- Moist environments. Dogs who spend a lot of time in wet or humid places, like muddy gardens or damp bedding, are more likely to get fungal infections.
- Weakened immune system. If a dog’s immune system isn’t strong, maybe because they’re sick, on certain medications, or getting older, they’re more likely to get fungal infections.
- Poor hygiene. Not giving your dog enough baths or keeping their living space dirty can make fungal infections more likely. Dr Johnson says keeping your dog clean and their environment tidy can help prevent this.
- Contact with fungal sources. Dogs can pick up fungi from the environment, such as soil or other infected animals.
Are Some Breeds More Prone to Fungal Infections?
All dogs can get fungal infections, no matter their age, breed, or gender. However, some studies have found that certain breeds might be more likely to get fungal infections, like cryptococcosis, aspergillosis, and ringworm. Some of these breeds include:
- American Cocker Spaniels
- German Shepherds
- Rhodesian Ridgebacks
- Border Collies
- Greyhounds
- Dachshunds
- Rottweilers
- Retrievers
- Yorkshire Terriers
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How Do Vets Diagnose Fungal Infections?
Most dogs can get better from fungal infections if they’re found and treated early. However, it also depends on the type of infection and how healthy the dog is. Infections like ringworm and yeast infections aren’t very dangerous, but others, like blastomycosis and histoplasmosis, can be very serious and even deadly.
To determine if a dog has a fungal infection, your vet will perform a physical check-up, examine cells under a microscope, take a small tissue sample, perform a special DNA test (PCR), and conduct other fungal tests like the ELISA.
How Do You Treat Dog Fungal Infections?
Treatment for fungal infections is considered to be long-term and can consist of various approaches.
| Treatment type | Examples |
| Topical treatments | Medicated antifungal shampoos, lime sulfur, or enilconazole. |
| Oral medicines | Antifungal drugs like itraconazole, fluconazole, and voriconazole |
| Surgeries | Surgical excision, CO2 laser, or cryosurgery to remove diseased tissue or treat skin infections |
| Decontamination | Disinfect using pet-safe cleaning products, clip the fur over their affected area, keep them in an area that’s easy to clean, and remove hair with frequent dusting, mopping, or vacuuming. |
Fungal infections can be tricky to treat successfully. Because of this, complete the full treatment cycle as your vet recommends to prevent an infection from happening again.
Are Fungal Infections Preventable?
The good news? Dr Johnson says you can lower the chances of your dog getting a fungal infection. Here are some ways to help:
- Practise good hygiene. Regular baths and grooming keep your dog’s skin clean and healthy. Dr Johnson says to dry your dog well after they get wet.
- Go to the vet regularly. Taking your dog for annual checkups helps catch problems early and keeps them happy and healthy. Looking to save on checkups? Pet insurance can help with vet costs.
- Keep your dog’s space clean. Dr Johnson recommends keeping your dog’s living area clean and dry. Wash their bedding often and ensure there is no mould or mildew.
- Avoid sick animals and risky countries. Some fungal infections can spread from dog to dog, so it’s best to keep your dog away from sick animals, like those with ringworms. Check before travelling to find out if there are any additional risks in other areas or countries.
- Prioritise a healthy diet and exercise. “A balanced diet and regular exercise help keep your dog’s immune system strong, making them less susceptible to infections,” Dr Johnson says.
