Is your dog constantly scratching, shaking their head, or smelling a bit… funky?
What looks like an ear mite issue, or a bout of allergies might actually be something else entirely — and it’s more common than you think.
Yeast infections in dogs can affect the skin or the ears. They can be tricky to spot, often hiding in plain sight. But left untreated, they can make life pretty uncomfortable for your pup.
Let's walk through how to recognise the early signs, uncover the underlying causes, and explore the simple, proactive steps you can take to help your dog feel better — fast.
Read more: Common dog skin conditions: how to spot & treat them (vet approved)
How to spot a yeast infection: common signs and symptoms
Yeast thrives in warm, moist environments, making several areas of your dog’s body particularly vulnerable.
Use this list to help identify an infection, but if you’re concerned about your dog’s health, there’s nothing better than a professional diagnosis from your veterinarian.
🐾 Ears
Frequent head shaking or tilting to try and alleviate the itchiness
Scratching at the ears or rubbing them on furniture
Brown, yellow, or black discharge
Musty odour (often described as yeasty or like corn chips)
Redness or swelling inside the ear canal
Crusty skin or greasy buildup around the ear opening
Read more: Dog ear infections: signs, causes, and nutrition’s role in treatment
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🐾 Paws
Licking, chewing, or biting the feet, especially between the toes
Brown or rust-coloured staining on the fur, caused by saliva from repeated licking and chewing
Inflamed or red skin between the toes (interdigital inflammation)
Thickened or rough skin on the paw pads or webbing
Odour from the feet, particularly between the toes
🐾 Skin and coat
Itching and scratching on the belly, groin, armpits, or inner thighs
Greasy or oily patches of skin
Scaly or flaky skin, like dandruff
Redness or inflammation, especially in warm, moist areas
Thickened and darkened skin in chronic cases
Unpleasant, yeasty odour from the coat
Hair loss in affected areas
🐾 The genital area
Skin irritation around the genitals or anus
Discomfort when sitting or scooting
Excessive licking of private areas
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Common causes of yeast infections and how to treat them
The most common yeast involved is Malassezia pachydermatis, a type of fungus that naturally lives on your dog’s skin. Under normal conditions, it’s harmless. But when there is an underlying skin problem, or the skin microbiome is thrown off, yeast can multiply, leading to infection.
In rare cases, the Candida species may be involved, particularly if the infection spreads internally.
Excess moisture
Yeast thrives in warm, moist conditions. If your dog loves to swim, or has lots of loose skin, they could be prone to developing yeast infections.
Always give your pup a thorough towel dry after a rainy walk or a dip in the ocean, paying close attention to their ears, armpits, or skin folds that may trap moisture.
Allergies or sensitivities
Dogs with environmental allergies, food allergies or sensitivities can experience itchy skin (pruritus), leading to sores, increasing the risk of a yeast infection.
If your dog has environmental allergies to grass, pollen, or other triggers, try to avoid contact and always give your pup a thorough wipe down to remove most of the allergens from their coat and skin.
A food allergy or sensitivity can be identified by following an elimination diet. Lyka’s Hypoallergenic Pro is a fresh therapeutic diet for dogs with food allergies, skin conditions, and gut sensitivities. Formulated with goat, a unique single novel protein, it’s ideal for elimination diets and long-term feeding.
Working with your veterinarian is the best way to understand any factors that may be at play, such as allergies.
Weakened immune system
Yeast is kept in check by the immune system, but if your pup has recurring infections, they could signal deeper health issues that needs investigation.
Dogs with a compromised immune system resulting from illnesses like diabetes or Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism) can increase the risk of yeast infections. Similarly, puppies with immature immune systems can also be prone to infection.
If your dog has an underlying medical condition causing yeast infections, or you suspect one, speak to your vet about the right course of action.
Breed predisposition
Some dog breeds can be more prone to developing yeast infections than others.
Pugs and bulldogs have lots of skin folds, while spaniels have long ears, trapping moisture and creating the ideal environment for yeast to grow in abundance.
Allergy-prone breeds like Poodles, West Highland Terriers, Labradors, and Golden Retrievers can also be more at risk of infections.
Maintaining your dog’s hygiene and good health can help to keep yeast under control.
Mites vs. yeast infections: clearing up any confusion
Many symptoms of yeast infections — like itching, inflammation, and changes in skin health — overlap with other skin conditions, especially mite infestations (mange). Treating the wrong issue can delay relief and worsen the condition.
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Yeast Infections:
Caused by an overgrowth of yeast, usually Malassezia pachydermatis, which naturally lives on a dog’s skin
Not contagious
Symptoms include greasy skin, musty odour, red or darkened skin, and frequent licking or scratching
Often a secondary condition to allergies, moisture in skin folds, or compromised immune function
Mites (e.g., Demodex, Sarcoptes):
Microscopic parasites that burrow into the skin
Highly contagious (especially Sarcoptes)
Symptoms include hair loss, crusty skin, and intense itching
Diagnosed via skin scrapings and microscopic analysis
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Treatment, recovery, and home care tips
When you take your dog to the vet, they may do a full examination and take samples of skin and hair to diagnose the problem. The good news is that yeast infections are highly treatable, although it may require a combination of approaches.
Vet-prescribed treatments:
Topical antifungals to apply directly to the infection site
Oral antifungals for more severe or recurring infections
Anti-itch and anti-inflammatory meds to reduce your pup’s discomfort
At-home care:
Regular bathing with medicated antifungal shampoos (always follow your vet’s instructions)
Ear cleaning with vet-approved solutions to maintain dryness and pH balance
Dry thoroughly after baths and swimming — moisture feeds yeast
Skin health starts in the gut
Preventing yeast infections isn’t just about what’s on the skin — it’s also about what goes into your dog’s bowl.
The gut, skin and immune system are deeply connected. A strong, balanced microbiome helps build resilience and reduces the risk of skin flare-ups.
Lyka meals are formulated by board-certified veterinary nutritionists using real food ingredients with skin-supporting benefits — from fibre-rich veg to superfoods with anti-inflammatory properties.
Skin health heroes – key ingredients to look for:
🐟 Omega-3 fatty acids (from sardines, fish oil, flaxseed, or chia seeds) – Contain anti-inflammatory properties to help tackle red and inflamed skin and support the skin’s barrier.
Found in: All Lyka meals contain rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
🍠 Low glycaemic load carbohydrates (like butternut squash and sweet potato) – Provide sources steady energy and dietary fibre for good gut health.
Found in: Butternut squash can be found in our Chicken, Turkey and Kangaroo meals. Purple and red sweet potato can be found in our Beef and Hypoallergenic Pro meals.
🌱 Probiotic dietary fibre (from ingredients like carrots and broccoli) – Fresh vegetables rich in soluble and insoluble dietary fibre encourage a balanced and diverse gut microbiome – essential for immune regulation.
Found in: Carrots can be found in Lyka’s Chicken, Beef, Turkey, and Hypoallergenic Pro, and broccoli can be found in Beef, Lamb, and Turkey meals.
🥩 Zinc & Vitamin E – Promotes skin recovery and supports a resilient immune system.
Found in: All Lyka meals contain Zinc and Vitamin E
Many Lyka parents report visible improvements in their dog’s skin, coat, and overall vitality within weeks of switching to real food. If your pup struggles with recurring yeast infections, upgrading their diet could be a game-changer.
Lyka: supporting skin health from the inside out
When it comes to your dog’s skin and health, being proactive is key. Even the smallest change — whether it’s what goes in their bowl or how you care for their skin after a bath — can tip the balance towards better health.
At Lyka, we’re passionate about helping dogs feel their best. Our meals are designed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists to nourish your dog’s skin and coat. Rich in dietary fibre for good gut health, skin-nourishing ingredients and superfoods with anti-inflammatory properties like turmeric and omega-3 fatty acids.
Ready to rethink dog food? Explore Lyka’s fresh approach to skin health.
