Can a Dog Get Athletes Foot?
Athletes foot in humans is caused by a fungal infection. Dogs can get a similar infection from a common yeast, malassezia, which can lead to foot chewing and skin irritation. Once diagnosed it is easily treated.
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Skin Problems
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Itchy skin and paw chewing can be caused by parasites, infection, diet or environmental factors. Once noticed it is important to get a correct diagnosis from a veterinarian, as delay may cause a dog undue distress and run the risk of secondary infection.
Malassezia
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Malassezia pachydermis, which is a common yeast present on the skin, ear canal and rectum of most dogs, can occasionally cause localized or more general infection. Breeds such as poodles, German shepherds and West Highland whites seem more susceptible than others to developing malassezia infection.
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Symptoms
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Malassezia infection is more common in summer and fall, showing itself in persistent itchy skin and hot spots. If the toes are affected then you may notice constant licking. Other signs to look for may be a blackening or thickening around infected areas or more generally an oily, scaly skin.
Diagnosis
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A simple skin scrape and examination under a microscope, followed by laboratory tests, will give a positive identification of the organism. However, as malassezia is common on a healthy dog, it is usual to confirm diagnosis by response to treatment.
Treatment
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Treatment can include oral anti-fungal drugs alongside medicated shampoos containing chlorhexidine, benzoyl peroxide and sulfur. These create a hostile environment for the organism.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit german shepherd image by Vaida from Fotolia.com
