Shih Tzu Fungal Skin Infection Causes Symptoms and Treatment

Shih Tzus can be prone to fungal skin infections, particularly those caused by Malassezia, a type of yeast that's naturally found on their skin.

These infections often occur when the skin's natural balance is disrupted, allowing the yeast to overgrow and cause problems.

The most common symptom of a fungal skin infection in Shih Tzus is a red, itchy, and flaky rash, often accompanied by a strong, unpleasant odor.

This rash can appear anywhere on the dog's body, but it's most commonly found on the face, ears, and paws.

Fungal dermatitis, also known as yeast infection, is a common inflammatory skin condition in dogs caused by the fungus Malessezia pachydermatis.

Fungal dermatitis can occur when the yeast that normally lives on a dog's skin reproduces uncontrollably and overpopulates the skin, mucocutaneous areas, and ears.

The fungus is normally present on a dog's skin, but in small amounts. However, when it builds up excessively in one area, it can cause a yeast infection.

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Yeast infections often occur if there is an underlying medical condition, such as food sensitivities, environmental factors, or parasites, such as fleas, which can cause allergies, as well as the dermatological condition seborrhea.

Bacterial infections or underlying hormonal problems can also throw the skin's defenses off-balance, leading to a yeast infection.

Some common causes of yeast infections in the ear include water or debris trapped in the ear, food sensitivities, and underlying mechanical issues such as damage to the eardrum, a polyp, or even a mass or tumor in the ear canal.

Here are some underlying conditions that can contribute to fungal dermatitis:

In some cases, fungal dermatitis can be a recurring issue, especially if there is an underlying condition that needs to be addressed.

Symptoms of fungal dermatitis in Shih Tzus can be quite noticeable, especially between their paw pads and nails, and on the neck, nasal folds, armpits, and anal area. You may also notice skin irritation, inflammation, intense itchiness, flaky, crusty or scaly skin, and thickened skin.

A skin scrape can be used to collect yeast organisms, and a skin biopsy is the most invasive diagnostic test that provides the most complete diagnostic data. Secondary symptoms can include a sticky discharge, skin redness or sores.

Here are some common symptoms to look out for:

If your Shih Tzu's coat is greasy or there are signs of hair loss, or foul-smelling skin, it's a good idea to consult a vet.

Dermatitis can be a frustrating and painful condition for dogs, and it's essential to recognize the signs and symptoms to get them the help they need.

Skin irritation is a common symptom of dermatitis, and it can manifest in various ways, including intense itchiness, inflammation, and flaky, crusty, or scaly skin.

You may notice these symptoms between your dog's paw pads and nails, on the neck, nasal folds, armpits, and anal area, or around their ears.

A skin scrape can be a helpful diagnostic tool, where a blade is used to collect yeast organisms from the affected area.

The following symptoms can be indicative of dermatitis:

If your dog's coat is greasy or there are signs of hair loss, or foul-smelling skin, it's a good idea to take them to the vet for a check-up.

Your vet may use a skin biopsy to diagnose dermatitis in dogs, which involves using a biopsy punch to obtain a small piece of skin.

A skin biopsy is the most invasive diagnostic test available, but it provides the most complete diagnostic data.

Your vet may also use a cotton swab sample to collect yeast organisms from the affected area.

This is done by rubbing the skin with a moistened swab.

An impression smear is another technique that can be used, where a microscope slide is pressed onto the skin to collect yeast organisms.

Acetate tape preparations can also be used, by applying a piece of clear tape to the skin to collect yeast organisms.

Fungal infections in Shih Tzus can be treated with oral or topical solutions, and sometimes a combination of both is prescribed by your vet if the case is severe.

A medicated shampoo containing benzoyl peroxide or selenium sulfide is an essential step in treating yeast dermatitis, and a 10-minute bath with an anti-fungal shampoo is recommended.

Topical antifungal creams, ointments, and ear drops can be used to treat fungal infections in the ears and on the skin. Your vet may prescribe a thorough cleaning of the ear and ongoing treatment with ear-drying solutions.

Cleansing shampoos can help clean up greasy skin, but medicated shampoos may be needed to treat fungal infections. Leaving a medicated shampoo on the dog's skin for about 10 minutes may be recommended.

Using a disinfectant spray to kill germs and applying a topical antifungal lotion or spray to the paws may be necessary to treat fungal infections. An Elizabethan collar may be used to keep the dog from licking the paws so they can stay dry while they heal.

Antifungal medications and antibiotics may be prescribed by your vet to treat fungal infections and any bacterial skin infections that may occur along with yeast dermatitis.

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Yeast infections in Shih Tzus can be prevented by keeping the area clean and dry, especially after swimming and bathing. This helps prevent moisture build-up that can cause infections.

A musty smell or excessive scratching or licking can be signs of a fungal skin infection, so it's essential to take your dog to the veterinarian if you notice these symptoms. This can prevent an infection from spreading and becoming more serious.

The prognosis for treating fungal dermatitis is generally good, and you may see less itching within a week of starting the prescribed treatment. However, if your dog has an underlying issue, such as a compromised immune system or allergy, the outcome will depend on how well these conditions can be treated and controlled.

Preventing fungal dermatitis in dogs requires attention to their skin health and environment.

Frequent bathing with a medicated shampoo can help control the yeast population.

Keeping your dog's ears clean and dry is essential to prevent overpopulation of yeast.

Regular grooming can help reduce the risk of fungal dermatitis, especially around the nails, skin folds, armpits, and anal area.

If your dog has a compromised immune system or allergy, it's crucial to work closely with your veterinarian to develop a custom treatment plan to manage the condition.

Secondary yeast or bacterial skin infections can occur if the underlying issue is not addressed.

Treating dermatitis in dogs can be a long-term effort, and the prognosis varies depending on the underlying issue.

If your dog has a compromised immune system or allergy, the outcome will depend on how well these conditions can be treated and controlled. Some dogs will experience secondary yeast or bacterial skin infections, sometimes two to three times each year.

A custom treatment plan can be developed by your veterinarian to help manage the condition. This plan may include topical and oral treatments, such as antifungal creams, shampoos, and medications.

The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms like skin irritation, inflammation, and intense itchiness. With the right treatment, you may see less itching within a week of starting the prescribed treatment.

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