Adopted dog's yeast infection: Is itch contagious? How to treat?

Question

We are looking to adopt a dog that had a severe yeast infection to the point that she had lost almost all of her hair. She seems better now and the hair has grown back but she still struggles with itchiness and is on medicine. Is this contagious? I've read that the medicine she is on should not be taken long term, how do we solve the itchiness w/o medicine? Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | 20 lbs

Megan, DVM, CVA · Accepted Answer

Poor Sophie! Yeast infections on the skin are such a frustrating and usually long term problem. They usually stem from some type of allergy. I would recommend to get her on a hypoallergenic diet like science diet z/d ultra. I would also get her on a safe long term allergy medicine like apoquel or cytopoint. I have some dogs that need both to help control allergies. These are safe to give long term compared to steroids. Also, I would talk to your vet about a medicated shampoo like miconahex shampoo. This has an anti-fungal in it. I would try to bathe her 2-3 times per week. Also, tou can start her on an omega 3 fatty acid like vetriscience 369 (see link below). Finally, if the yeast can’t be controlled with these methods, you may consider talking to your vet about keeping her on terbinafine, an anti-fungal, long term. There is a dose where you can give it daily for a month and then twice a week long term and dermatologists believe it is safe. But I would only resort to that if nothing else is working. You can also always ask for a referral to a dermatologist who will likely talk to you about allergy testing and allergy shots which also can help. I hope this helps.

Adopted dog's yeast infection: Is itch contagious? How to treat?

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