Yeast Infections (Malassezia) in Dogs

Breeds documented
15
Published sources
6

Overview

Yeast normally present on the skin can overgrow and contribute to inflammation and itching. Malassezia dermatitis often occurs alongside another problem, such as an allergy or a hormone disorder. It may affect a small patch or spread across larger areas. The skin can become greasy, develop an unpleasant smell, and grow thicker or darker when the problem persists.

Signs to watch for

  • Frequent scratching, paw licking, or face rubbing
  • Red, greasy, flaky, or crusted skin
  • An unusually strong, unpleasant skin odor
  • Darker, thicker skin in longstanding affected areas
  • Brown staining around the nails

Can occur at any age.

When to get help Book a vet visit for persistent itching, greasy skin, or unusual skin odor.

Diagnosis and tests

Vets examine the affected skin and collect surface samples using tape, a slide, a swab, or a scraping. The samples are checked under a microscope for yeast and other cells. Results are interpreted alongside the skin changes because small numbers of yeast can be present on healthy skin.

Breeds with documented risk

15 breeds

By breed size
  • 2 Toy
  • 7 Small
  • 4 Medium
  • 2 Large

Most popular breeds on this list

All 15 breeds, A to Z

Inheritance

  • Not yet known

    None of the sources we use states how this is inherited in dogs yet.

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.

Sources

  1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. vetmed.illinois.edu
  3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. Basset Hound: onlinelibrary.wiley.com
  5. Boxer: onlinelibrary.wiley.com
  6. Bulldog: ivis.org