How to recognize fungus in dogs, symptoms of the disease. Why fungus is dangerous in dogs, methods of treatment and prevention

Infection of dogs with fungal infections occurs quite often. The likelihood of infection and the development of mycoses practically does not depend on nutrition and living conditions - not only street animals can get sick, but also domestic and well-groomed ones. Most of them have a hard time with the disease, especially if it is advanced. But it is not at all necessary to bring it to this point; fungus in dogs can be easily treated, for which there are special drugs in the arsenal of modern veterinary medicine.

Fungi are pathological microorganisms that can infect the skin and its derivatives, cause inflammatory processes in them, and then destroy them. The most commonly diagnosed fungal disease in dogs is the well-known ringworm. This disease exists in two types, as it is caused by fungi from two different genera - trichophyton and microsporum. Accordingly, in the first case it is called trichophytosis, in the second - microsporia. Ringworm affects the skin, fur, and nails of dogs.

Candidiasis- another pathology from which four-legged pets also often suffer. Its causative agents are considered to be opportunistic yeast fungi of the genus Candida, which normally inhabit the skin of animals and the mucous membranes of the mouth, eyes, nose, lungs, intestines and vagina.

Malassezia- a dermatological disease of dogs, its causative agent is the fungus Malassezia pachydermatis. It lives on the body of healthy animals, without manifesting itself in any way while their immunity controls and restrains its reproduction. But when the defense is weakened, Malassezia attacks the skin of the ears, causing otitis media, and can also become active on the skin between the paws, near the anus and on the tail, in the rectum and vagina.

Favus or scab characterized by damage to the skin, fur and claws of dogs, sometimes parenchymal organs.

But there are also those that multiply in internal tissues and organs, leading to serious disruption of their functions, and in the absence of timely treatment, often to the death of the pet. However, such pathologies usually occur in animals weakened by chronic infections, old or emaciated.

Reasons for the development of mycoses

The mere entry of pathogens into an animal’s body does not always mean the development of a disease. If the dog has healthy, undamaged skin and a strong immune system, then the “invasion” will most likely remain without consequences.

But any sharp decrease in the body’s defenses is a reason for the activation and increased proliferation of fungi. This may happen as a result of:

• infectious disease;
• severe fatigue;
• hypothermia;
• being in drafts or in a damp room;
• poor nutrition;
• allergies;
• treatment with certain potent drugs.

Maceration and microdamage to the skin facilitate the penetration of fungi. In addition to individuals with reduced immunity, mycoses often affect puppies, since their protective system has not yet fully formed, pregnant bitches and animals after vaccination.

Symptoms

Although the causative agents of mycoses are different, the symptoms of these diseases are largely similar to each other. Thus, owners should be alert to the following changes in the pet’s appearance and behavior:

• the dog often and forcefully itches, licks, bites certain places on the body, or constantly tries to reach the ear with its paw because it is experiencing severe itching;
• then the hair on them falls out or breaks off, and bald patches form (however, hair loss is not a mandatory symptom of mycoses);
• the skin in these areas becomes dry, turns red or gray, begins to peel and becomes covered with gray-yellow or brown crusts;
• the dog’s body begins to smell unpleasant;
• the inner surface of the ear or ears turns red, swells and swells, sulfur, serous or purulent exudate with a sour odor begins to be released from it;
• the skin between the fingers and around the claws turns red, becomes rough and cracks, and then they change color, peel, become deformed and break.

These symptoms are not characteristic of any one fungal disease and are difficult to diagnose. Only a veterinarian can accurately determine the disease.

Chronic course of mycoses

Fungal diseases in dogs are not always so obvious. It also happens that they occur almost hidden, and it is difficult to visually notice that the animal is sick. But there are still some signs:

• there are no bald spots, but the fur is shedding more than usual;
• the hair is dull, unkempt, and easily dirty;
• on the nose, behind the ears, on the bends of the paws there may be small hairless spots with almost unchanged skin.

Otherwise, the animal looks as usual, does not suffer from a lack of appetite, moves actively and sleeps normally.

Diagnosis of the disease

If you suspect a fungus in your dog, you should immediately contact a veterinary clinic. This will help not only establish the correct diagnosis, but also prescribe the correct treatment. Taking into account the many causes of the occurrence and development of infection, the examination of a four-fingered patient should be comprehensive.

The specialist will first examine the animal’s skin in the light of a special lamp, which makes some fungi visible, but this test cannot be the only one. Firstly, because if the result is positive, it only confirms the presence of the pathogen, but does not allow one to determine its species. Secondly, 40% of fungi are not identified in this way at all and may go undetected.

For a more accurate diagnosis, the doctor may prescribe the following studies:

• a general or detailed blood and urine test to assess the health of the animal at a given time;
• blood tests for allergens and biochemistry to establish the primary causes of fungal infection.

And only on the basis of this data can adequate treatment be prescribed. Otherwise, fighting fungus in dogs can take years.

Principles of treatment

Fungal therapy in dogs is always carried out individually. For minor lesions, ointments are usually used. Such drugs as Clotrimazole, Dermatol, Miconazole, Mikoseptin, Yuglon, Yam and others have a good effect. If the disease is only a secondary infection, then along with fungal drugs, antibiotics are also prescribed, for example Amoxiclav, Ceftriaxone, Gentamicin.

Multiple skin lesions in animals are easier to treat with special shampoos that have no less pronounced effects. These include Imaverol, Doctor, Nizoral. If the fungus has settled in the ears of an animal, use drops of Amitrosin, Bars, Oritsin.

In addition to medications intended for external use, dogs are prescribed tablets and injections with an antifungal effect. This may be Fluconazole, Ketoconazole, Griseofulfin.

If there is an allergy that is the cause of the infection, the irritant is excluded. Diseases of the pet identified during the examination that weaken the dog and reduce its immunity are also subject to treatment. The doctor may prescribe immunostimulants and immunomodulators for a speedy recovery. One of the treatment options is to vaccinate animals with Mikoderm or Vakderm; they are also used for preventive purposes. Since many of the listed drugs are harmful to the liver, taking hepatoprotectors will not be amiss. However, all medications must be prescribed by a veterinarian, not the dog's owner.

Some types of fungi can be dangerous to people and other pets (especially cats). In this case, the treatment of sick pets should be carried out using medical gloves and their contact with potential objects of infection should be prevented. And only after recovery can they return to a familiar environment.

Fungus prevention

Protecting your dog from fungal infections is quite simple. To do this you need:

As you can see, these rules are not so difficult to follow, and for the dog they mean health.

There are many types of fungus in dogs. Some of them are caused by pathological growth of normal microflora (a set of fungal organisms) on the skin, mucous membranes and internal organs. Weakened immunity after a severe or protracted illness, pregnancy, early age of puppies, the period after vaccination are the most conducive conditions for the growth of mycoflora. Normally, these mushrooms benefit their “carrier,” but when there are too many of them, they cause harm to him.

Mycoses affect almost all parts of the animal’s body - paws (fingers, pads, interdigital space), tail, ears, mucous membranes of the mouth and genitals, nose, eyes, skin over the entire surface, skin appendages (claws, fur, sebaceous glands), internal organs. Some types of fungal organisms can grow anywhere, while others can only grow in certain places. Specific microflora develops in the mouth, nasal passages, and vagina of the animal. Pathogenic microflora forms on any part of the body.

Fungus in dogs and its development periods

Fungus on a dog's paws usually develops in the spring and autumn, when the weather is slushy and damp. In some areas of the country, where there are damp, rainy summers or warm, snowless winters, mycosis on the paws is diagnosed in animals all year round. The dog licks and chews its paws, limps or pulls up its paws. Externally, the owner may find that:

• claws peel off, change their color and/or structure,
• the pads peel, bleed, are covered with cracks or wounds,
• the fingers are red, swollen, left without hair, the interdigital space is red, the skin in it is exfoliating, peeling off.

Any of these signs is a reason for an urgent visit to the veterinarian. An advanced form of mycosis on the paws leads to loss of hair, changes in the dog’s gait due to constant lameness, and the animal gnawing and licking itchy places. When a dog constantly licks or chews a fungus-infected paw, harmful microorganisms enter his digestive tract and can begin to multiply there. Thus, the external disease becomes internal and is much more difficult to treat. In addition, self-bites and scratches on the paws can begin to become inflamed, infected, and fester. Then the fungal infection will be complicated by an abscess and even sepsis.

Fungus on an animal's tail

Mycosis of the tail in a dog is usually not limited to one area and spreads to the skin of other parts of the body - most often to the back and sides. If a dog combs its tail excessively, chews or licks it, it runs the risk of introducing pathogenic fungi into its mouth, digestive tract, and also into the genitals if, after licking the tail, it licks the prepuce or genital slit. This is especially dangerous for pregnant bitches due to the risk of infection of fetuses, young puppies and very old animals with chronic diseases or weakened immune systems. Mycosis lesions on the tail are a type of skin fungus.

Skin fungus in dogs is the most common reason for owners to contact a veterinary dermatologist. The disease is often contagious and caused by fungal organisms - normal, opportunistic and pathogenic. Often accompanied by a bacterial or viral infection.

Mycosis on the ears

Ear fungus in dogs is not a contagious disease and develops against the background of a general weakening of the immune system with the participation of fungi of the genus Candida and Malassezia, which are characteristic of the dog’s skin. These are yeast fungi that are constantly present in the ears and other parts of the body of animals. Under favorable conditions, yeast fungi begin to actively multiply and change the myco- and microflora in the external auditory canals.

The impetus for the pathological growth of a fungal colony is most often a bacterial infection. Fungal organisms perceive bacteria as a threat and begin to fight them. Also, the proliferation of microflora is often caused by ear mites - otodectosis. In this case, it is necessary to treat both bacterial, tick-borne, and fungal infections.

Exudate forms in the ear canal, which dries out, forms crusts and clogs the passage. The dog hears worse, becomes more nervous and even aggressive. If the nerves are affected, the dog will also experience nervous seizures, reminiscent of rabies or epilepsy.

Failure to adequately treat ear fungus can lead to impairment and even loss of hearing in your dog. In addition, constant scratching of the ears is complicated by infection with bacteria and viruses, as a result, inflammatory and purulent-inflammatory processes of the ear canal, eardrum, and external auricle.

Ear fungus in dogs has the following symptoms:

• the dog shakes its head violently, as if trying to shake out droplets of water or a foreign body from the ear canal,
• the animal scratches its ears and head with its paws or rubs its head on objects,
• the ears have acquired a reddish color, a vascular network has appeared on the auricle (not always),
• on the ears there are signs of alopecia - pathological loss of hair and the appearance of short thickened or, on the contrary, thinning hairs in places of bald patches.

If you notice something like this in your pet, the owner should take him to a veterinarian for tests and scrapings. Confirmation of mycosis requires urgent initiation of treatment. However, even if the dog’s ears are affected not by a fungus, but by another infection, they still need treatment due to the risk of complications or the development of dermatomycosis.

Treatment of mycoses in dogs

How to treat fungus in a dog can only be decided by a veterinarian after a thorough examination of the four-legged patient. Some types of fungal organisms glow green when irradiated with an ultraviolet lamp. To diagnose other types, the doctor takes scrapings from the location of the fungi and does a culture in the laboratory.

Only after a diagnosis of mycosis has been made and the causative agent has been accurately identified, medications are prescribed. You cannot use anything to treat your pet for a fungus on your own, on the recommendation of a neighbor, or because this remedy helped last time, since what is effective against one type of microorganisms does not work at all against another type.

Antifungal medications for dogs are available in various dosage forms:

• Shampoos with antimycotic components - nizoral, clotrimazole, ketoconazole. These shampoos have a therapeutic effect, but they can also be used to prevent mycoses. In particular, such a shampoo is simply necessary after a dog has come into contact with an infected animal, after swimming in an open body of water, especially in one where the water “blooms”, after wallowing in a puddle or the excrement of other animals, as well as after hunting a fox, badger, etc. with which the hunting dog entered the fight. Wild animals are potential sources of fungal and other infections.
• Antifungal vaccines - Vakderm, Polivak, Microderm. They are used for the prevention of mycoses, as well as for the treatment of already diagnosed diseases. Vaccination is carried out in two stages with an interval of two weeks. It is necessary to take into account the breed characteristics of the pet, because some hunting breeds develop allergies to antifungal vaccines and even develop an abscess at the injection site.
• Antifungal sprays - zoomicol, fungil, which are sprayed on the affected areas or even on the entire surface of the animal’s body. Sprays penetrate well even through long and thick fur.
• Ointments with components against fungal microorganisms. They are applied to the lesion, slightly extending beyond its area. If necessary, apply a loose bandage. For a better therapeutic effect, it is worth cutting or shaving the hair from the treated area.
• Birch tar, a previously known folk remedy, gives a good effect. This is a very unpleasant and strong-smelling liquid. Tar is completely unsuitable for cats due to the risk of developing a severe allergic reaction. But it is safe for dogs and helps them well, relieving itching, eliminating all pathogens and drying bite wounds and scratches.

Sometimes dog fungus spreads so much throughout the dog's body that the affected areas are difficult to treat. A long-haired dog should be cut as short as possible if he does not live outside in the winter or does not participate in exhibitions. As a last resort, long hair should be thoroughly combed with a brush and comb, untangled and matted hair removed. If possible, you should use a furminator to remove the faded undercoat. If weather conditions allow it and a long-haired dog does not need to perform at an exhibition, then it is worth profiling, in other words, thinning out the thick coat.

To prevent self-biting and licking of lesions, as well as licking of medicinal ointments, it is advisable to wear a protective collar on the animal. Such collars are sold in veterinary clinics and pharmacies, in pet stores, and are selected according to the volume of the dog’s neck and the length of the dog’s muzzle.

Causes and prevention of fungal diseases in dogs

Fungal microorganisms exist in absolutely all biological niches: in salty and fresh water bodies, on any type of soil, on any substrate, including living organisms, in dry and wet, in acidic and alkaline environments. Therefore, it is not at all easy to fight them. Fungi are very tenacious and are capable of completely restoring their colony in a short time, like Leishmania.

The reasons for contracting a fungal infection are numerous: contact with an infected animal, contact with the excrement of a sick dog, swimming in a body of water with stagnant and “blooming” water.

One of the main conditions for the treatment and prevention of mycoses in dogs is to clean the room where the dog lives, the enclosure, and bedding from sources of infection. It is necessary to thoroughly treat all surfaces with cold water and dissolved chloramine. The floor, walls, and furniture sets need to be treated. It is better to entrust upholstered furniture on which a dog can lie, carpets and rugs to a professional pest control service. But it is also possible to clean them yourself with a solution of chlordesine.

Toys, cages, bowls and other animal accessories must be treated with formaldehyde and thoroughly rinsed to remove any traces of the substance. Bedding, soft toys, fabric collars, leashes and harnesses should ideally be replaced with new ones. But as a last resort, they can be soaked in very hot water with baking soda dissolved in it, and then rinsed.

If the animal is kept in the yard, then the enclosure and kennel should be treated with a disinfectant solution, the bedding and the top layer of sand or crushed stone flooring in the enclosure should be replaced. For preventative purposes, bedding and bulk coverings in the yard must be regularly changed or cleaned of dirt and disinfected. It is necessary to wash outdoor shoes daily and put them out of reach of the dog so that the pet does not play with them.

Skin is an important and largest organ in a dog, the main function of which is as a barrier. Violation of the integrity of the skin causes negative consequences for the pet, so you need to carefully monitor its condition and take timely measures. One common problem is fungus.

What is a fungus?

Fungus in dogs, or dermatophyses, is a common reason for visits to veterinary clinics. This disease can develop in a dog at any age and under any living conditions, even the best. It is almost impossible to protect your pet from the appearance of fungus, but it can be cured. Today there are many modern drugs that can successfully fight the disease. The main thing is to recognize the problem in time and seek help.

There are many types of fungus, but only some of them are dangerous for your pet.

How does fungus appear?

Fungus in dogs can appear during interaction with individuals already suffering from this disease. After walking on contaminated grass, there is also a high chance of infection. However, the fungus can be brought from the street by the owner himself on his shoes. These microorganisms are quite dangerous. Some of them can harm not only animals, but also humans.

Another case is the dog’s low immunity or high sensitivity to disease. It is always present on the skin of dogs and does not cause any diseases. Under certain conditions, the number of bacteria begins to increase, resulting in Malassezia.

Puppies, young dogs, weak animals after illness, animals prone to allergies and with immune pathologies are susceptible to the fungus.

Dermatophysis is a common occurrence in dogs with mats and hairballs. The skin does not breathe well under them, as a result of which its protective function is reduced. Also, if you wash your dog excessively with cleansing shampoos, the skin loses its functions, and fungus can again develop in dogs. Therefore, you should not bathe your pet often, even if you think that the fur already looks dirty.

The rate of fungal reproduction is very high, so if you have the slightest suspicion of its presence, you must immediately go to the clinic.

Where does fungus occur in dogs?

As a rule, the onset of the disease has a certain pattern. At first, the fungus appears on the dog’s paws and ears.

Sometimes it appears only on the interdigital area, on the skin around the claws and on the pads of the paws. The skin becomes rough, inflamed and cracks, crusts or scales appear, the claws turn yellow and begin to bend.

Fungus on dogs' paws most often occurs in the autumn and spring. The pet begins to limp and chew on the affected areas. A fungus can also appear in a dog’s ear, on the inner surface without hair. Since there is sparse hair in these areas, it is easiest to notice the disease there. Ear fungus in dogs is dangerous because if the itching is severe, the pet will actively scratch the area and can damage the ear.

Symptoms of the disease

Like any disease, fungus in dogs has its own symptoms. The primary symptom by which the presence of infection can be determined is itching. Recognizing this moment will not be difficult, since any owner will immediately notice when his pet begins to itch frequently. In places where itching occurs, peeling of the skin occurs.

Infections with trichophytosis are also possible, causing rounded bald patches to form on the dog’s skin. Purulent discharge may appear, resulting in the formation of crusts. This fungus attacks hair follicles. In the future, they may not fully recover, and the stains will remain forever.

Dogs are susceptible to infection with a fungus called favus. The areas of the body affected by it emit an unpleasant odor. Round spots with gray-yellow crusts appear on the skin. After getting rid of the infection, the hair there may also not recover.

Vaccination against fungus is ineffective, and sometimes it worsens the situation. It is impossible to protect your pet from infection, however, if you notice the disease in time, you can contact a veterinarian and destroy the infection.

If you have absolutely no opportunity to visit a veterinarian, then you can make an antifungal ointment with your own hands. This requires natural birch tar and acetylsalicylic acid. Take 25 g of ointment, 2 acid tablets and 1 tsp. tar. Then mix everything well. This medicine is considered an analogue but will cost several times less.

A dog is a man’s friend, and if you decide to take responsibility for keeping an animal, then you need to understand that any pet needs proper care, nutrition, attention and treatment. After all, every animal is susceptible to various diseases for one reason or another. By regularly visiting a doctor, you can identify ailments at an early stage of their development. Conduct a home inspection of your dog daily, as there are many infections that your pet can contract outdoors.

Some types of fungus that affect animals are dangerous to humans. Therefore, if you notice a skin disease in your pet, you must have it tested in the hospital for fungus, and undergo treatment once the diagnosis is confirmed.

Only an experienced veterinarian will be able to make the correct diagnosis and describe the optimal treatment for a particular animal, therefore this article is for informational purposes only and cannot be used as a guide to action.

Fungus in dogs and animals causes, signs, prognosis, varieties, types, symptoms

The first sign of disease when infected with microsporum is itching; the animal begins to itch. Then, in places affected by the fungus, bald spots appear on the fur, and the hairs break off.

With a disease caused by trichophotia, bald patches appear on the surface of the skin. Pus begins to secrete and crusts form. After treatment, hair is not restored.

Scab most often affects the animal in the area of ​​the ears and paws. After it, bald patches also never heal. It looks like rounded bald patches with gray crusts and a specific smell.

Fungus in dogs and cats what is it called, from dampness, analysis, microsporum, malassezia

Another name for fungus in dogs and cats is lichen. It appears not because of dampness, but because of pathogenic microorganisms - fungi.

The disease occurs after contact with an infected animal, due to poor hygiene, poor diet, weakened immunity as a result of disease or treatment with hormones.

After treating a fungal disease caused by Microsporum or Malassezia, the animal's hair is completely restored because the hair follicles remain intact. The type of fungus that has infected the animal is determined by the doctor at the clinic after testing.

How to cure and how to treat fungus in a dog on the skin, face, paw, back, stomach

The dog is treated mainly with vaccines such as Polivac, Microderm, Vakderm. These are injections that are given two or three times. A weakened animal is treated with antifungal antibiotics (Griseofulvin or Nizoral). During treatment, it is necessary to follow a diet, as it is long-term and puts a lot of stress on the liver.

Ear fungus in dogs treatment at home - preparations and medicines

If the diagnosis is confirmed, it is necessary to burn all the animal’s old bedding and wash the place where it sleeps with water and added disinfectants. Do not allow the dog to come into contact with children and other animals.

It is necessary to use disposable gloves when treating affected areas with sulfur ointment. If the dog has long hair, it will have to be cut short. The most effective vaccine for treatment is Microderm. Treatment should be comprehensive, including, in addition to vaccines, antibiotics and diet, treatment of affected areas with fungicides, medicinal showers and shampoos.

Is the fungus in dogs contagious to humans, can it be transmitted to humans, is it dangerous or not?

Most fungal diseases in dogs are contagious to humans. It is dangerous if the sick animal is not quarantined.

If left untreated, the clear symptoms of the disease disappear and it becomes follicular. Such an animal becomes very dangerous to others.

A fungus in dogs that causes fur to fall out and turn red.

Wool falls out with most types of fungus. The animal experiences constant itching and scratches the affected area. The skin becomes inflamed and becomes red. Timely treatment helps stop the spread of the disease to other parts of the animal's body.

Fungus in dogs treatment with folk remedies

If you don’t want to get shingles together with your pet, it’s better not to self-medicate. Some traditional healers smear animals with iodine. But if you are not indifferent to the fate of your pet, get tested at the clinic and follow all the doctor’s recommendations.