Spore-producing yeasts or fungi normally live on canine skin without causing problems, but can sometimes spread out of control. When this happens, a dog’s paws become very itchy, causing the dog to lick them. In a very short time they become red and irritated, may develop a cheesy, musty or pungent odor, and brown discharge may develop on the nail beds.
The culprit is usually Malassezia pachydermatis, a kind of yeast that multiplies in warm and humid environments. This overgrowth is most often associated with allergies, which also cause itchiness, leading the dog to lick its paws; moisture and skin damage cause yeast overgrowth. A cut, abrasion, or other injury to the paw can also trigger licking and a Malassezia infection.
Diagnosis
The appearance and smell of the paws make it easy to diagnose a yeast infection, but a vet can confirm it by examining some of the dog’s skin cells under a microscope.
Dogs with skin folds, excessive hair between their toes, and underlying health conditions or autoimmune disorders may be susceptible. The breeds most associated with yeast foot pad infections are Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, Retrievers, Shih Tzus, Poodles, English Setters, West Highland White Terriers, English Springer Spaniels, and Dachshunds.
In general, fungal infections are secondary rather than primary: they develop after another disorder has weakened the dog’s overall health, allowing fungal cells to multiply. If your dog suffers from recurring infections, your vet will look for signs of an underlying medical condition that is contributing to your dog’s problem. Various conditions, including hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease, food allergies, an autoimmune disorder, and skin cancer, have been associated with recurrence. Malassezia infections
deals
Medications that treat canine fungal infections include chlorhexidine, miconazole, ketoconazole, and itraconazole, which should be applied according to your vet’s instructions and may include soaking affected paws. Be sure to dry your dog’s feet thoroughly after treatment. Keeping your dog’s paws clean and dry and seeing your vet when symptoms appear can prevent fungal infections from spreading.
In severe or recurring cases, oral antifungal medications such as fluconazole or itraconazole work systemically to prevent yeast cells from multiplying.
Frequently suggested home remedies such as vinegar foot baths, Epsom salt baths, hydrogen peroxide, or witch hazel sprays are ineffective and not supported by clinical research. Other unproven strategies include adding yogurt, probiotics, or coconut oil to your dog’s food, switching to a “yeast-free” or “anti-yeast” dog food, or reducing carbohydrates in your dog’s diet.
A better nutritional strategy is to improve your dog’s diet. Feeding him higher quality protein sources and other ingredients can improve his skin’s health by strengthening its defenses against yeast and fungus. Also, if food allergies are suspected, a food elimination test is required; talk to your vet about how to perform an effective food elimination test.
