How to identify and treat fungal infection in dogs.

When we hear about fungal infection in our dogs we only think about their skin but fungal infection can also affect our dogs from inside.

Fungal infections in dogs are very common, almost 90% of dogs have fungal infection at least once in their life. Understanding fungal infection is the key for a successful treatment.

Fungus are naturally occurring organisms and are present globally in numerous form. These fungal spores either attaches themselves with the skin or ingress in our pooch's system through breathing or licking on infected substances.


                                               



Two major types of fungal infections are external a.k.a. localized and internal a.k.a. systemic fungal infection.

Let's learn more about these infections and their symptoms.

Localized fungal infection

Ring worm- Contrary to the name ring worm fungal infection has nothing to do with a worm. It is a common fungal infection and subsists on the skin and nails of our dog. Very itchy and mostly uncomfortable red, roughly circular lesion on the skin is the common sight of it. It is highly contagious and can affect humans too.

                                           

Yeast dermatitis- Every dog has a certain amount of yeast on their skin and coat but the infection starts when these yeast starts growing uncontrollably. If your dog is suffering from yeast dermatitis or yeast infection they indicate following symptoms.

Musty odor
Itching and redness
Darkly pigmented skin
Scaly, crusty and flakey skin
Hair loss with excessive itching

                                            

Systemic infections.

Blastomycosis- This type of fungus is mostly found in decaying wood and wet soil. Dogs who often play or live near lakes have more chances to inhale or swallow this fungus and get infected. It is a horrible yet treatable fungal infection. Male dogs are more prone to this infection as compared to females. Symptoms may include

Coughing
Fever
Skin lesions
Unexplainable Weight loss 
Inflammation in iris (eyes)

                                                 


This infection is also known as pulmonary blastomycosis and can compromise our pooch's entire respiratory system.

Cryptococcosis- This fungus grows in decaying vegetation and bird droppings. They are generally associated with legions and eucalyptus trees but can be found world wide. This infection generally enters in our dog's body by inhaling and indicate following symptoms

Weight loss 
Lack of appetite
Skin hovering
Diarrhea and vomiting 
Nasal discharge

Nasal aspergillosis- Most common internal fungal infection in dogs caused by molds present in dust, hay, straw etc. It is quite harmless for our dogs but can affect senior dogs and those who are already under treatment or have weaker immunity. Synonyms may include

Sneezing
Reduced appetite
Nasal discharge
Nose bleeding.

                                                     

Treatments

Fungal infections can be treated both topically and internally depending upon their type. Oral medicines can also be administered for external infections along with topical sprays and ointments whereas internal fungal infections can only be treated by oral medications, injection, syrups and nasal drops. 

Keep an eye for symptoms mentioned above for these fungal infections. While internal fungal infections are easy to treat, are often difficult to recognize and can be very fatal for our pooch and can only be treated by the veterinarians' help whereas external infections are more contagious and take somewhere from a month to an year to be treated completely. 

Preventing your beloved fur buddy from situations like decaying woods and vegetables, bird droppings and shabby trees is always advised.

Certain home remedies can also be used along with the medical treatment to control both internal and external fungal infection from progressing.


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