How to tell if my dog has fungus

The parasites that are known as fungi belong to the fungi kingdom and inhabit the skin of various animals, so dogs can also suffer from them. In fact, there are well-known skin diseases that are caused by these microorganisms, such as ringworm. Therefore, it is normal that if you see a mark on your dog”s skin, which may also appear to be one of these conditions, you have doubts about whether it could be something bad for his health, and even yours, or if it is simply something fleeting and benign. Therefore, it is good that you inform yourself well and that you seek the help of a specialist.

If you are wondering ” how do I know if my dog ​​has fungus? ” Then pay attention to this article in which we answer this question and explain many more details about fungus in dogs.

Causes of fungus in dogs

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 the following:

• 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.).
• Immunospurer diseases or low defenses.
• Prolonged use of corticosteroids.
• 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.

How to know if my dog ​​has skin fungus – symptoms

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 produced 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
• Weightless
• Fever
• Partial paralysis of the musculature
• Bad smell of the affected parts in advanced cases

How do I know if my dog ​​has foot fungus?

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, will also be the following:

• Broken or damaged 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.

How to know if my dog ​​has fungus in the ears

Another of the most common parts in which this problem can occur are the 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 to the vet as soon as possible to diagnose it, offer the best treatment and also explain what remedies you can do.

Treatment for fungus in dogs

Once the problem has been diagnosed by the specialist, you will surely wonder 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 better to combat them in each case. In addition to prescription oral or injected medications, the specialist also often advises the use of other products.

Anti-fungal 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 veterinarian 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 frequent topical treatment and, again, it is just as important to follow the treatment to the end and do it right, even if the dog seems to be much better, this way we will avoid complications and their reappearance.

There are also alternative treatments such as homeopathy, Bach flowers and reiki. In addition, you have to clean the dog”s environment very well to prevent more infections.

Foods to cure fungus in dogs

The first thing to keep in mind that you can do at home to help our furry get better, and even prevent this problem from reappearing, is to take care of what they eat. These are the best supplements and foods to increase defenses in dogs and fight fungi:

• Cod liver oil
• Salmon oil
• Spirulina
• Beer yeast
• Apple vinegar
• Amaranth
• Ginger
• Probiotics and prebiotics

Home treatment for fungus in dogs – the best remedies

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

• Coconut oil:contains various medium chain fatty acids that give it the ability to fight bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. You can also give it 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: itis antiseptic, soothing and anti-inflammatory. You can use it to make light scrubs on your furry skin or add it to bath water.
• Apple cider vinegar: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 rinsing it off and bathing it with the shampoo indicated by the specialist.
• S alvia: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 halfway to bathe it. You can apply this plant in a more concentrated infusion directly on the most affected parts.

Can fungi in dogs spread to humans?

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 only a zoonosis, that is, they are not only spread to people but are also transmitted both between dogs and other animals such as cats, small rodents, etc.

The contagion of fungi can occur both direct contact with sick animals and 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 to the doctor as soon as possible.