What are the clinical signs of vaginitis in dogs?
The most common clinical signs of vaginitis include increased frequency of urination, licking of the vaginal area, vaginal discharges of mucus, pus, or blood (rarely), and scooting or rubbing of the vaginal area. The vagina will often appear red and swollen.
Diagnosis is most often based on medical history and clinical signs. Diagnostic tests can include blood and urine tests (which are often normal), urine culture and antibiotic sensitivity tests, vaginal cultures, vaginoscopy (looking inside the vagina with a camera), and vaginal cytology studies. Additional tests, such as ultrasound or contrast x-rays, can help rule out anatomic abnormalities.
Treatment is based on the specific cause of your dogs condition. Many pets receive antibiotics based on sensitivity testing or the source location of the problem and vaginal douches (0.05% chlorhexidine or 0.5% povidone-iodine solutions) are performed twice per day. Your veterinarian will develop a precise treatment plan for your dog. In most cases where a dog develops vaginitis before she reaches puberty, it will resolve after the first heat cycle.
What Causes Yeast Infections in Dogs?
Yeast infections in dogs are usually secondary problems. This means that there is some other issue that is weakening the skin’s defense mechanisms to allow the yeast to grow in higher numbers than normal.
It is very common to see yeast infections in a dog’s ears or on their skin if they have food allergies or environmental allergies. Other underlying issues that may cause yeast infections in dogs include hormonal problems or other diseases that suppress the immune system.
There are no studies to confirm that any of the following cause yeast infections on a dog’s skin:
What’s the Best Dog Yeast Infection Treatment?
The best treatment for a yeast infection on a dog depends on the location of the yeast infection.
Your veterinarian may perform cytology (taking a swab of the discharge and staining it to look at it under the microscope) to diagnose a yeast infection in a dog’s ears.
Prescription treatment may include antifungal drops or ointment, an ear cleaner, and in severe or difficult-to-treat cases, an oral antifungal medication.
Cytology is also used to diagnose yeast on the skin.
Treatments for yeast infections on the skin can include topical antifungal creams, wipes, sprays, and shampoos.
Topical ingredients that are effective in treating yeast include chlorhexidine, miconazole, and ketoconazole.
In difficult-to-treat or severe cases, oral antifungal medications are used. Oral antifungal medications used in dogs include fluconazole, terbinafine, ketoconazole, and itraconazole. These medications should be used only under the direction of a veterinarian.
Human medications should not be used unless under the direction of a veterinarian.
3 Dog Yeast Infection Home Remedies and Treatments (2022)
Have you noticed your dog itching more than usual? Maybe your pet is scratching its ear or dragging its butt across the floor to relieve the itch. Itchiness, redness, and flaky skins are all signs of a possible yeast infection.
But what is a dog yeast infection and how can you treat it? In this blog, you’ll learn how to spot the signs, determine the causes, and what you can do for treatment and prevention.