Dog care

Dog Paw Fungus Treatments

Foot fungus and yeast infections can occur in humans as well as dogs and are primarily resulted by diets that are high in yeast.

Another point worth noting is that the body of a dog transforms carbohydrates into sugar, therefore avoid feeding your dogs high carbohydrate diets while they are under antifungal medication. As an alternative, you can feed them foods rich in low glycemic vegetables instead of things such as wheat, rice, corn, and potatoes (all of which are carbohydrates.)

Having said that, dog paw fungus infection is one of the most common ailments in dogs, and even though it is not life-threatening or likely to ruin your dogs’ quality of life, it can be pretty annoying for your little best friend. This means that you ought to treat the condition promptly and rid your dog of the exasperating state.

Your dog may display a number of distinct symptoms that signify the presence of a paw fungus infection. The most common signs and symptoms include:

  • Itchiness on the feet (you might see your dog continually chewing and licking his or her feet.)
  • Slight swelling of the afflicted area
  • The crusty and Flaky skin on your dog’s paws
  • Thickened skin
  • A musty odor coming from the paws
  • Swollen, Inflamed, or red nail beds

Itching is usually the first thing that most dog owners notice, so in case you spot your pooch constantly chewing and licking his or her feet, take a closer look. You can also give the paw a sniff because most owners report their dog’s feet smelling like corn chips.

While doing so, remember that symptoms of paw fungus infection vary depending on the area the infection has taken hold. Today we will primarily focus on fungus infections of the paw, but dogs suffering from yeast infections in different regions of their bodies may exhibit distinct symptoms.

For instance, dogs suffering from fungal infections of the urinary tract will not feel itchy paws. Instead, they will feel the need to urinate frequently.

Having said that, if you’ve already established that your dog is indeed suffering from paw Fungus, then I believe the following treatments will come in handy.

Keep your dog’s Paws Dry and Clean

Your dog’s foot comes into contact with lots of “grade-A filthy” on a daily basis, and as expected, this filthy includes plenty of yeast. With that reminder in mind, I recommend that you wash your dog’s paws every time you return from walks (especially if your dog has been playing, jumping, or running in dirty places.

As an alternative, feel free to fit him with some doggie booties that will keep his feet clean. If you prefer washing the paws, be sure to dry them exhaustively once you are done, because damp conditions may encourage the growth of yeast.

A dog’s sweat glands are mostly located on his or her paws, so it is wise to wipe down your dog’s feet after vigorous exercise and long walks.

Commercial Treatments

Commercial treatments for foot fungus in dogs include anti-fungal ointments, creams, and shampoos that contain steroids such as itraconazole and Ketoconazole. This fungal treatment option is made up of several distinct stages.

After acquiring the cream or shampoo, apply it thoroughly on your dog’s paws and skin. The itraconazole will be useful in getting rid of the fungi. Once you’re done applying the medication, bandage the area.

If you cannot bandage the paw, or if the dog removes the bandage, contemplate on keeping your pooch indoors for the next three to four days until the afflicted area starts showing signs of improvement.

Experts also recommend that you acquire a lampshade collar, so that your dog does not lick treatment off its paws. Also, keep the dog away from moist areas that may contain additional bacteria or fungi.

Dog Paw Fungus takes approximately two weeks to heal fully, dependent upon how quickly the dog’s system responds to medication and whether or not the dog will get in contact with other infectious agents.

Examine your pooch’s diet

As mentioned during the beginning of the post, some foods (mainly carbohydrates) have been proven to augment your dog’s chance of contracting a fungal infection. Since carbs are mostly to blame, you may want to feed your pet grain free foods if it’s a victim of recurrent yeast infections.

Experts also recommend you to cut back on human foods and all other unhealthy treats (particularly those that might be loaded with corn syrup, refined carbs, or similar ingredients) until you have the annoying condition under control.

Sulfur Treatment

Sulfur-based shampoos and soaps are effective at curing fungal infections in dog paws. Bath the infected legs in the shampoo or soap for roughly three times per week until all the fungus has washed away.

Bathe your dog’s paws in a weak Apple Cider Vinegar Solution

The natural and beneficial bacteria living on your dog’s skin tends to thrive in a slightly acidic environment, whereas, fungi typically prefer a somewhat alkaline environment.

That said, bathing your dog’s affected paws in a slightly acidic solution may be able to help it restore the conditions that will disfavor the fungi but favor the beneficial bacteria.

Most experts that advocate this treatment method recommend you use a fifty-fifty combination of water and apple cider vinegar. Just be cautious, so you do not apply the solution to an area with broken skin and subsequently remember to dry your dog’s paws when you’re done.

Additional treatment solutions

You can also replace apple cider vinegar with lemons to create an effective anti-fungal rinse. If you’re willing to try out this option, use the same lemon measurements as you would have used for apple cider vinegar.

Another alternative is to use twenty drops of peppermint essential oil mixed with a gallon of water to treat fungal dog paws.

For those who’ll use lemons in place of apple cider vinegar, note that the solution might bleach black dog hair. Also, avoid getting any rinse inside your dog’s eyes.

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