How to know if my dog ​​has fungus

It is convenient to know what are the most common reasons for the presence of these microorganisms in dogs in order to avoid some of them with the prevention of any of these situations or to simply know what the root of the problem may be to treat it more ease. These parasites of the skin of dogs can appear for various reasons, but some of the main causes of fungus in dogs are as follows:

• Some breeds genetically have more facility, due to skin, for example, oily or wrinkled.
• Food allergies
• Skin hypersensitivity, atopias, allergies and canine dermatitis.
• Too humid and / or hot weather.
• Allergic reactions to flea, tick and other insect bites.
• Poor diet and nutritional deficiencies.
• Hormonal or endocrine problems (hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Cushing’s syndrome, Addison’s syndrome, diabetes in dogs, etc.).
• Immune purulent diseases or low defenses.
• Prolonged use of corticosteroids.
• Chemotherapy.
• Direct contact with an infected animal.
• Contact with infected materials.

Although all dogs can suffer from this condition, the most prone breeds are Shar Pei, Bulldogs, Shih Tzu, West Highland White Terrier, Basset Hound, Poodle, Dachshund, Cocker Spaniel, and German Shepherd.

If you want to know how to know if your dog has fungus, then you will have to pay attention to the different signs and symptoms of fungus in dogs, one of the most widespread topical conditions that can be caused by various species of these microorganisms:

• Constant itching, scratching, and licking
• Profuse hair loss and bald spots
• Wounds and ulcers on the skin (they can also be infected by bacteria)
• Changes in skin color
• White or dark dandruff
• Red, inflamed, and hardened skin
• Anxiety and stress
• Decay
• Lack of appetite or anorexia
• Weightloss
• Fever
• Partial paralysis of the musculature
• Bad smell of the affected parts in advanced cases

If the question is regarding the long area of ​​the legs, from the armpit to the ankle, then the symptoms will be the same as mentioned above. On the other hand, if we talk about the feet and their pads the symptoms, in addition to those already described, they will also be the following:

• Broken or injured nails
• Wet pads
• Red, swollen pads
• Wounds
• Constant nibbling and licking on the feet
• Lack of hair on the fingers

In this case, the easiest thing is for the infection to spread to other areas of the body in a very short time.

Another of the most common parts in which this problem can occur are ears. Because of this, and because of the ease of confusing this infection with other bacteria or mites, many people wonder how to know if it is mycosis. Again, many symptoms coincide with those described, but we will also observe these:

• Darker and dirtier inside of the ears
• Inflammation, redness, and hardening of the ears (inside and outside)
• Lack of hair and wounds in this area
• Constant scratching
• Headache from discomfort in the ears

As soon as you detect in your furry any of all the symptoms described in the different sections of the article, take it as soon as possible To veterinary to diagnose it, offer the best treatment and also explain what remedies you can do.

Once the problem has been diagnosed by the specialist, you will surely ask yourself how to cure fungus in dogs. The veterinarian will prescribe the best treatment in each case, since there are species that are resistant to some drugs and others that are not, so you have to find out which drug is best to combat them in each case. In addition to prescription oral or injected medications, the specialist also often advises the use of other products.

Antifungal shampoo for dogs

There are different types of shampoo for dog fungus so, again, the vet will be the one to say which antifungal shampoo for dogs is the most appropriate in each case. All the instructions given by the specialist regarding its use must be followed very well, since if the treatment is not constant and is done for the entire recommended time, these microorganisms will reappear in a short time.

Cream for fungus in dogs

Normally after bathing with the special shampoo, the vet also prescribes us to use some type of topical treatment to act in a more direct way. Specific creams to treat this condition in dogs are the most common topical treatment and, again, it is just as important to follow the treatment to the end and do it well, even if the dog seems to be already much better, thus avoiding complications and their reappearance.

There are also alternative treatments such as homeopathy, Bach flowers and reiki. In addition, the environment of the dog must be cleaned very well to avoid more infections.

The best home remedies for fungus in dogs, apart from improving the diet with these supplements already mentioned, they are the following:

• Coconut oil: It contains various medium chain fatty acids that give it the ability to fight bacterial, fungal and viral infections. You can also give it to them as a complement to their food, but it is recommended to apply it directly to the affected areas and let the skin absorb it completely between baths with medicated shampoo.
• Vinegar: it is antiseptic, soothing and anti-inflammatory. You can use it to make light scrubs on your furry’s skin or add it to the bath water.
• Apple vinager: This natural product with bactericidal, antifungal, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory properties and many more, we can use it diluted in water (2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar for 1 large glass of water) to bathe it and let it take effect, at least half an hour before rinse it off and bathe it with the shampoo indicated by the specialist.
• Salvia: Sage for fungi in dogs is very useful, as it is antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, and easy to apply. Apply it in infusion to bathe your dog or dilute the infusion in a bathtub with water up to half to bathe it. You can apply this plant in a more concentrated infusion directly on the most affected parts.

It is a zoonosis so, indeed, YES, fungi in dogs are spread to humans. In fact, these fungal infections and the diseases that derive from them are not just a zoonosis, that is, they are not only spread to people but are also transmitted between dogs and other animals such as cats, small rodents, etc.

The fungal infection There can therefore be direct contact with sick animals as well as indirect contact, that is, through objects that have been used or touched by animals that suffer from them. Therefore, as soon as it is detected that someone or an animal has this condition, treatment must be started as soon as possible and preventive measures, especially hygienic, to prevent them from spreading around the house and others from being infected.

If you or someone in your family begins to have itchy skin or some type of mark appears, go as soon as possible to the doctor.

If you want to read more articles similar to How to tell if my dog ​​has fungus – with pictures, we recommend that you enter our category of Pets.

• Watt PR, Robins GM, Galloway AM, O’Boyle DA (1995) Disseminated opportunistic fungal disease in dogs: 10 cases (1982-1990). Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
• JR García, E. Ynaraja (1991) Diagnosis of dermatophytoses in cats and dogs. Small Animal Veterinary Clinic Volume 11 Number 4 October / December 1991.