April 02, 2020 4 min read

Does your dog have a smelly skin? This may be the signs of a yeast infection. There are many things that you can do to help your dog's yeast infection, including using coconut oil.  Coconut oil has been shown to help with many different skin problems, not just yeast infections. This article explains how your dog can get a yeast infection and what you can do about it.


How do dogs get yeast infections?

The scientific name for the most common type of yeast that is found on dogs’ skin is Candida Albicans. This is a naturally occurring yeast. It is commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract and the genital tract. The number of yeast spores is kept at an optimal amount by the beneficial bacteria that normally live in your dog's body. When these yeasts are allowed to overgrow, your dog could get these problems:

These problems are seen during the highest risk situation, such as when your dog has taken antibiotics. Antibiotics can destroy the beneficial bacteria that live in the GI system and allow the yeast to take over.

Yeast is known to thrive on sugars such as carbohydrates, grains, or starches. These are commonly found in most dog's diets. By limiting these ingredients in your dog's diet can also help your dog fight of a yeast infection.


What are the symptoms of a yeast infection?

a white dog ear that is showing a yeast infection inside of the dog ears

There are many signs and symptoms that your dog may display if they have a yeast infection. The most common sign that most people visit their vet for is that they will have a very bad smell that does not go away with regular baths.

You may also notice that your dog is licking or chewing on their feet, legs, or any other place on their body. These places will usually have little to no hair and black elephant-like skin.

It is easy to spot that your dog is chewing on their feet if they have light-colored fur. The area in between the toes will be a dark red color. This is due to the saliva mixing with the yeast that will turn the light-colored fur different colors.

Most dogs with a yeast infection will have a bad odor and greasy hair. This is known as seborrhea. They will have a grey or rust color in the groin and armpit area. This discoloration and smell are all due to an overgrowth of yeast on the skin of your pet.

Most dogs with a yeast infection will also have an ear infection. Sometimes this is the first place that these infections will start. The ear canal is a perfect environment for yeast to grow. They love dark wet areas to live, and the ear has these conditions if you think that your dog does have a bad smell start with looking in their ears.


How do you treat a yeast infection?

Many times, these yeast infections will need antifungals and medicated baths. These infections can take a few months to fully clear up. If you think that your dog has a yeast infection, take them to your veterinarian, and they can help determine if this is the cause of the signs that you are seeing.

Your vet can prescribe your dog some medication and shampoos to help with their infections. There are other great things that you can also give your dog to help. Things such as coconut oil, Omega's, and CBD have also shown to help repair the skin barrier.

Many of these are over the counter supplements that you can get at any pet store to give your dog. If your dog has a very mild infection, sometimes these supplements can help with the problem without having to go to the vet's office.


Coconut oil is good for dogs and can help aid your pets' digestion, improve their coats, help prevent infection and more. But please note, it is important to follow the proper guidelines. As with most things, too much of even a good thing can end up having negative effects.

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Can Coconut Oil Help my dog's yeast infection?

Coconut oil can be used to help treat your dog’s yeast infection. This can also be given as a supplement each day to keep their skin looking happy and healthy. There are many wonderful benefits of feeding coconut oil to your dogs. This should be something that you consider adding to all of your dog’s diets.


What is Coconut Oil?

Coconut oil is commonly found at your grocery store and is used for cooking. This has been established as an antifungal agent. Coconut oil is full of healthy fatty acids that have been shown to help repair damaged skin.  When your dog ingests coconut oil, it helps repair the intestinal lining and can attack the infection. 

The topical application of coconut oil can also help soothe the discomforted skin. Coconut oil contains caprylic Acid. This can be purchased separately but is just as effective when used in the coconut oil. When giving your dog coconut oil, give them about 1 tablespoon per 10 pounds of body weight. At first, you may want to start off with a smaller dosage and work up to the full dosage.  

Coconut oil is full of many wonderful properties that can help your dog's yeast infection.  While yeast infection can be no fun for your dog and very smelly, these can be easily treated in many different ways. 

If you cannot keep your dog's yeast infection under control, see your vet for help. They can prescribe medication to help calm your dog's skin. Also, ask them about using coconut oil as a daily supplement to keep your dog's skin looking healthy and happy.


Dr. Sara Ochoa DVM  

Dr. Sara Ochoa author of can coconut oil help my dog with a yeast infection

Since she was a little girl, she knew that her dream was to become a veterinarian. With a tremendous passion and love for animals that makes her a great source of knowledge for others. She lives happily with her husband Greg and her babies Ruby the Schnoodle, and Bam-Bam the bunny.



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