The Complete Guide to Yeast Infections in Dogs - Why They Keep Coming Back - (And What I Wish Every Dog Owner Knew)
By Erin Folliington – Small Animal Naturopath & Founder of Natural Pet Supplements
If you've found this article, I'm guessing you've probably typed something into Google like…
"Why does my dog keep licking their paws?"
"Why does my dog smell like corn chips?"
"Why does my dog's yeast infection keep coming back?"
Or maybe you've simply reached the point where you're thinking...
"I've tried everything."
Firstly, I want you to know something.
You're not alone - and it's often not a quick fix.
Over the last decade, I've worked with thousands of dogs struggling with chronic skin issues, itchy paws, recurring ear infections and persistent yeast overgrowth. If there's one thing I've learned, it's that yeast can be one of the most frustrating conditions for both dogs and the people who love them.
Many of the pet owners who contact me are exhausted. They've spent hundreds, sometimes thousands, of dollars on vet visits, prescription diets, medicated shampoos, ear cleaners, antibiotics, antifungal medications and anti-itch medications.
Things improve...
Then a few weeks later...
The licking starts again.
The smell comes back.
The ears flare.
And they're right back where they started.
If that sounds familiar, I genuinely understand how overwhelming it can feel.
That's exactly why I wanted to write this guide. There is so much information out there, so I am writing this to cover everything. I just wanted a place where dog owners could go and have all the questions answered in one place. It looks like a lot of info, but once you have read it, you will be far more informed and ready to make changes.
But to help you understand why yeast keeps returning and why I believe we need to stop looking at yeast as "the problem" and start looking at the dog as a whole. Because in my experience, that's where the real answers often begin.
Before We Talk About Yeast - Lets talk about your dogs immune system - "Your dog's body is always trying to heal."
Sometimes it just needs the right support.
I think that's an incredibly hopeful way to look at health.
Our dogs aren't designed to constantly itch.
They're not supposed to smell.
They're not meant to spend every evening chewing at their paws while we're desperately trying to distract them.
Those signs are the body's way of telling us something isn't quite right. They're clues.
When we start looking at those clues instead of simply trying to make them disappear, we often uncover a much bigger picture. You really need to treat the dog, not the symptoms.
What Actually Is a Yeast Infection?
Healthy dogs actually have yeast living on their skin every single day.
The most common yeast found on dogs is called Malassezia pachydermatis, and in normal numbers it forms part of the skin's natural microbiome alongside billions of beneficial bacteria and other microorganisms. Think of it like a healthy garden.
When everything is balanced, all of the plants happily grow together. But if one plant suddenly has perfect growing conditions, it quickly takes over the entire garden.
That's exactly what happens with yeast. The yeast itself isn't necessarily the enemy.
It's simply taking advantage of an environment that's become favourable for it to overgrow. That's why one of the biggest mistakes I see is focusing only on "getting rid of the yeast." Because unless we understand why the yeast is thriving in the first place, it often comes back.
Why Does My Dog Keep Getting Yeast Infections?
This is probably the number one question I get asked. Unfortunately, there's rarely one simple answer. Instead, yeast usually develops because several pieces of the puzzle have gradually come together over months, or even years.
These may include (often a combination of a few or even just one)
- Food sensitivities
- Environmental allergies
- Chronic inflammation
- Antibiotic use
- Steroid medications
- Changes in the gut microbiome
- A weakened skin barrier
- Cushings Disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Diet of all or mainly processed foods
- Excess moisture between the toes or skin folds
- Underlying endocrine conditions in some dogs
- Stress on the body over time
Every dog is different. That's why I don't believe there's one magic supplement or one perfect food that fixes every case. Instead, I believe we need to ask a much better question (from my animal naturopath brain)
Not...
"How do I kill the yeast?"
But...
"Why has my dog's body become the perfect place for yeast to thrive?"
The Symptoms Most Owners Notice... And A Few They Often Miss
When people think about yeast, they usually picture itchy ears.
But yeast can affect much more than that.
Some of the most common signs include:
✔ Constant paw licking
✔ Brown staining between the toes
✔ A strong "corn chip" or musty smell
✔ Recurring ear infections
✔ Red, inflamed skin
✔ Hair loss
✔ Thickened skin that feels almost like elephant skin
✔ Dark pigmentation developing over time
✔ Scooting or licking around the groin
✔ Itchy armpits
✔ Belly rashes
✔ Chronic scratching
Some dogs seem itchy all over. Others only lick one foot. Some hardly scratch at all but have constant ear problems. Every dog tells their story a little differently, but they all have yeast in common.
Why Does My Dog Smell Like Corn Chips?
This has become one of the most searched questions on Google—and for good reason.
Owners often notice their dog's feet smell like popcorn, corn chips or stale bread.
That smell doesn't automatically mean your dog has a yeast problem.
Healthy dogs naturally have microorganisms living on their skin, and a mild 'dog' smell can be completely normal.
However, when the smell becomes stronger and is accompanied by licking, redness, brown staining or irritation, it can be a sign that the balance of the skin microbiome has changed and yeast may be overgrowing. Please don't hope it just goes away, once they are itching and scratching, they tend to be quite uncomfortable.
The smell itself is caused by compounds produced by microorganisms living on the skin.
It's one of those little clues that tells us it's worth looking deeper.
Why Do Dogs Lick Their Paws So Much?
Paw licking is one of the biggest reasons owners find Natural Pet Supplements.
Sometimes it's seasonal.
Sometimes it's all year round.
Sometimes it's every single evening while you're trying to relax.
People often tell me...
"He'll lick until they're soaking wet."
Or...
"She wakes me up through the night chewing her feet."
Watching your dog constantly lick can be heartbreaking because you know they're uncomfortable, but you don't know how to help. While yeast is certainly one possible reason, paw licking can also be linked to environmental allergies, food sensitivities, contact irritation, pain, anxiety or even boredom.
That's why it's so important not to assume every itchy dog has the same underlying cause. It may be yeast overgrowth, but it may also be anxiety or a lick granuloma.
One Thing That Changed The Way I Look At Skin Issues
When I first began studying small animal naturopathy, I thought skin problems were mainly... skin problems.
The more dogs I worked with, the more I realised that wasn't the full story.
The dogs with the most severe recurring yeast often had something else in common.
Digestive issues, Food intolerances, Recurring antibiotic use, Sensitive stomachs, Chronic inflammation.
There is a direct connection, that's when I started diving deeply into the relationship between the gut, the immune system and the skin—and it completely changed how I approached supporting dogs with chronic yeast.
It also became the inspiration behind one of the products I'm proudest of creating the Gut Restore Powder
A Healthy Gut Microbiome being a foundation for skin health is agreed upon by holistic veterinarians, animal nutritionists and animal naturopaths.
When I first started talking to more pet owners who's dogs had chronic yeast problems. I was often asked the question below.
Why do some dogs seem to battle yeast their entire lives, while others never have an issue?
The answer is The gut. If you've been told your dog's skin problems have "come out of nowhere," I can almost guarantee they didn't. The skin is simply where the body is asking us to pay attention. Inflammation caused by diets where there is mainly processed foods consumed plays a major role in yeast and skin issues.
Your Dog's Gut Is Home To Trillions Of Tiny Helpers
Inside your dog's digestive tract live trillions of bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms.
Together, they're known as the gut microbiome.
I like to describe it as an entire rainforest living inside your dog.
When that rainforest is diverse and balanced, it helps with so many important jobs, including:
- Digesting food
- Producing certain vitamins
- Supporting immune function
- Helping maintain a healthy intestinal lining
- Communicating with the immune system
- Supporting healthy skin
Around 70% of the body's immune cells are associated with the gut. So when the gut isn't happy, the immune system often isn't either. And when the immune system becomes unbalanced, we frequently see that reflected in the skin.
What Is "Leaky Gut" In Dogs? And why I believe if you don't fix this, the yeast will not go away.
This is a term you've probably seen online. It sounds horrible! I promise it's nothing to do with anything leaking out the back or your dog.
Some veterinarians prefer not to use the phrase, while many holistic practitioners use it regularly. The more technical term is increased intestinal permeability.
Here's the easiest way to understand it. Imagine your dog's intestinal lining is like a flyscreen. Its job is to let nutrients pass through into the bloodstream while keeping larger particles, toxins and unwanted substances where they belong inside the digestive tract.
When that barrier isn't functioning as well as it should, it may become more permeable than normal.
Some holistic practitioners (such as myself) believe this may place extra demands on the immune system and contribute to chronic inflammatory conditions in susceptible dogs.
Research into intestinal barrier function in both people and animals is continuing to grow, and while there's still plenty we're learning, maintaining a healthy gut lining is widely recognised as an important part of digestive and skin health.
This is one of the reasons gut support plays such a central role in my approach to recurring skin issues. I created the gut restore powder to help heal the gut lining. It also contains herbs to help eliminate yeast from the body.
Why I Created Gut Restore Powder? I wanted something that would actually get rid of yeast for good - not just temporarily lessen symptoms.
When I began formulating products, I noticed something missing from many gut supplements.
Most were simply probiotics.
I wanted a formula that supported the environment those beneficial bacteria live in, while also nourishing and healing the intestinal lining itself. That's why I developed Gut Restore Powder.
It's designed to support:
✔ A healthy gut microbiome
✔ Beneficial bacteria
✔ The intestinal barrier
✔ Digestive function
✔ Healthy immune function through gut health
✔Yeast elimination
Because if we're trying to support a dog with chronic skin issues, I don't believe we should ignore what's happening inside the digestive tract, it really is the seat of immunity.
See our Gut Restore Powder Gut Restore Powder for Dogs and Cats, Bacon Flavour, 200g – Natural Pet Supplements Australia
Why I Don't Believe Yeast Is Usually The Real Enemy
It's more useful to ask - Why is the dogs immune system not able to keep it in check?
Sorry to use the garden analogy again!
I am a bit of a plant nerd
You could ask why the weeds are thriving?
Is the soil unhealthy?
Is something missing?
Is the balance out?
That's how I think about recurring yeast. If we only focus on reducing yeast without improving the environment underneath, many dogs simply end up stuck in the same cycle.
Can Antibiotics Contribute?
This is another question I hear all the time. Antibiotics can be incredibly important and, in many situations, lifesaving. If your vet prescribes them, it's because they believe they're necessary.
However, antibiotics don't only affect the bacteria causing an infection. They can also reduce healthy populations of beneficial bacteria living in the gut.
After repeated courses of antibiotics, some dogs may benefit from additional support while their microbiome re-establishes itself.
That's another reason I often focus on rebuilding gut health rather than only looking at the skin. If your dog has had to have a course of antibiotics, you can give probiotics afterwards, if you give during, the antibiotics will most probably kill them off too.
What About Steroids, Apoquel And Cytopoint?
This is where I think the conversation often becomes unnecessarily divided. Some people say medications are bad. Others believe they're the only answer.
I've worked with many dogs who genuinely needed medications to improve their comfort and quality of life. No dog should have to suffer because we're determined to avoid pharmaceuticals at all costs.
At the same time, I completely understand why so many owners contact me looking for additional ways to support their dog.
One of the most common emails I receive says something like this...
"My dog has been on Apoquel for years. It helps with the itching, but I feel like we're only treating the symptoms. It's also really expensive, is there anything I can do to help wean them off or at least use alongside them?"
My answer is almost always the same. Rather than thinking about medication versus natural support. Think about building the healthiest dog possible.
Can we support gut health?
Can we improve skin barrier function?
Can we optimise nutrition?
Can we reduce unnecessary inflammation?
Can we strengthen the body's natural resilience?
Those questions don't replace veterinary treatment.
They complement it.
If your dog is taking medications such as Apoquel, Cytopoint or corticosteroids and you'd like to reduce reliance on them, that's a conversation to have with your veterinarian. The goal should always be to keep your dog comfortable while making any changes safely and slowly.
The Skin Has Its Own Microbiome Too
Just as the gut has billions of beneficial microorganisms, so does the skin, healthy skin isn't sterile. It's home to bacteria, yeast and other microorganisms that exist together in balance.
When that balance is disturbed, yeast can begin to dominate. Supporting healthy skin therefore isn't only about washing the skin. It's about helping maintain the environment that allows the skin's natural microbiome to stay balanced.
That's one of the reasons I developed our Skin Soothing Spray. Rather than creating another harsh product that strips everything from the skin, I wanted something that could gently support irritated skin while helping maintain hydration and the skin's natural protective barrier.
Many owners tell me it's become one of the first things they reach for when their dog starts licking or scratching.
Why I Created The Yeast Support Kit Instead Of Just One Product
It's a 3 pronged approach because dogs need a solution for healing the gut, reducing yeast and soothing the skin all at once
Our Yeast Kit contains:
🌿 Yeast Support
A carefully formulated herbal blend designed to support healthy microbial balance, healthy histamine responses, immune function and skin health from within.
🦴 Gut Restore Powder
A comprehensive gut support formula created to nourish beneficial bacteria, support the intestinal lining and help maintain a healthy gut environment—because healthy skin starts with a healthy gut.
💚 Skin Soothing Spray
A gentle topical spray designed to soothe, hydrate and support the skin barrier, making it ideal for itchy paws, irritated bellies, skin folds and other problem areas.
Each product has its own purpose, but together they create the whole-body approach to yeast.
Does Food Cause Yeast Infections?
It's a complicated question - but short answer is yes. But it's linked to food intolerances and food allergies. When there is food intolerances, the immune system is weakened and preoccupied with them, it can have a hard time keeping yeast at healthy numbers. Hence the yeast overgrowth. If dogs have a yeast infection - I always tell people to stop chicken and beef. Those two proteins are often linked (in my experience) to skin atopy and yeast infections.
I believe diet influences yeast by affecting the health of the whole body. A nutritious diet supports:
✔ A healthy gut microbiome
✔ A stronger skin barrier
✔ Healthy immune function
✔ Reduced inflammatory load
✔ Better overall resilience
That's a very different conversation from simply blaming one ingredient.
What Do I Feed My Own Dogs?
People ask me this all the time. My preference is a balanced fresh food diet. Ideally, I like to see dogs eating either:
- A properly balanced raw BARF-style diet, or
- A fresh, lightly cooked diet prepared with high-quality ingredients.
The key word here is balanced. Dogs need much more than just muscle meat. A complete diet should provide the right balance of protein, healthy fats, edible bone or another calcium source, organ meats, and other nutrient-rich ingredients. If you're preparing meals at home, you need to know what you are doing. Or I recommend some great pre made options from the store (petbarn etc) like Big Dog, Dr B's etc. They just come in frozen patties and there is one for sensitive skin in particular (the Big Dog Range).
I completely understand that fresh feeding isn't practical for every family. Life gets busy and cost is important.
Some dogs have medical conditions that require a different nutritional approach.
If you're feeding kibble, please don't feel guilty, you haven't failed your dog. What I encourage owners to do is simply ask:
"How can I make my dog's bowl a little better today?"
Sometimes that might mean adding fresh sardines once a week.
Sometimes it's adding leafy greens (finely chopped) a grated apple or carrot.
Sometimes it's introducing fermented foods that are appropriate for dogs.
Sometimes it's simply choosing a higher-quality food when it's time to buy the next bag.
Small improvements, repeated consistently, can add up over time.
Should Dogs With Yeast Avoid Carbohydrates?
This is probably one of the most debated topics online. Personally I don't think it's as simple as saying, "Carbs feed yeast." The body breaks carbohydrates down into glucose because glucose is an important energy source for normal body function.
The real question isn't whether carbohydrates exist.
It's about the overall quality of the diet, the level of processing, and whether your dog's nutritional needs are being met.
Some dogs with yeast infections absolutely do better on lower-carbohydrate diets. Others don't seem to change much at all. That's why I don't believe there's one perfect percentage that suits every dog, but I would say, no more than 10% of their diet should be carbs, unless its a working dog.
With their diet - the most important thing is to focus on;
- Fresh ingredients where possible
- High-quality animal protein
- Healthy fats
- Minimising ultra-processed foods when practical
- Supporting the gut microbiome
- Supporting the immune system
The Importance of Omega-3s
Healthy skin starts from within. One of my favourite additions to many fresh diets is oily fish, such as sardines or salmon, because they're naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Omega-3s play an important role in supporting:
- Healthy skin
- Coat quality
- Normal inflammatory responses
- Overall wellbeing
If fresh fish isn't practical, a high-quality fish oil may also be appropriate for some dogs. Omega 3's can really help with skin health and lowering inflammation. The Blackmores Paw range has a great one, it is a liquid and you can just pump it onto meals.
My Simple Daily Routine for Dogs With Recurring Yeast
Here's the sort of routine I commonly recommend, tailored to the individual dog and alongside veterinary care where needed.
Morning:
Feed a balanced fresh meal where possible.
Add Gut Restore Powder to support the gut microbiome and intestinal barrier.
Give Yeast Support with breakfast.
If paws or skin are irritated, apply Skin Soothing Spray before heading out for the day.
During the Day
Keep paws as dry as possible after swimming or walking on wet grass.
Dry between the toes if needed.
Wash bedding regularly.
Avoid unnecessary harsh chemicals on the skin.
Provide plenty of fresh water.
Encourage gentle exercise and enrichment for mental health.
Evening
Feed dinner.
Give the second daily dose of Yeast Support.
Reapply Skin Soothing Spray to any irritated areas if required.
Spend a few minutes checking ears, paws and skin folds so you notice small changes before they become bigger problems.
Consistency really is one of the most important ingredients.
Progress Isn't Always Linear
This is something I always try to prepare owners for. Healing rarely happens in a perfectly straight line. Some weeks you'll think,"Wow...we're finally getting somewhere." Then your dog has a flare after spring arrives. Or after swimming. Or after a stressful boarding stay. That doesn't necessarily mean you've gone back to square one.
The important thing is looking at the overall trend over months rather than judging success on one difficult week. Skin issues are a marathon not a sprint.
Please Don't Feel Guilty
If there's one thing I could say to every owner reading this, it would be this.
Please stop blaming yourself. I've spoken to dog owners who cry because they think they've caused their dog's skin problems. I've spoken to people who feel awful because they can't afford every test or every specialist appointment. Or even they are on the brink of putting their pet down.
I've spoken to owners who have changed foods six times in six months because they're desperately trying to help.
Your dog doesn't need a perfect owner. They need someone who loves them enough to keep learning. The fact you've read this far tells me you're already doing that. So stop beating yourself up, anything skin related requires multiple changes and revisions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Yeast Infections in Dogs
Can yeast infections ever go away completely?
This is probably the question I get asked more than any other. The honest answer is...Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Some dogs experience one yeast flare-up after antibiotics or another temporary event and never struggle again. Others have underlying environmental allergies, food sensitivities, endocrine disorders or genetic factors that make them more prone to recurring yeast throughout their lives.
For those dogs, my goal isn't to promise a miracle cure. My goal is to help create a healthier, more resilient body by supporting the gut, the skin, the immune system and the dog's overall wellbeing. By doing this we make the chances of an infection much lower.
Many owners tell me that when they focus on the whole dog instead of chasing symptoms, flare-ups become less frequent or less severe over time.
How long does it take to see improvement?
That depends! Every dog is different. Some owners notice positive changes within a couple of weeks. For others—particularly dogs that have had recurring skin problems for years—it can take several months before they see meaningful improvements.
One thing I encourage owners to remember is this: Your dog's skin didn't become unhealthy overnight. So it usually won't recover overnight either. Supporting the body is a gradual process, and consistency matters far more than quick fixes.
Can probiotics alone fix yeast?
I wish! Probiotics can play an important role in supporting the gut microbiome, but recurring yeast often involves much more than just the bacteria living in the digestive tract. That's why I created Gut Restore Powder to support not only beneficial bacteria but also the gut environment and intestinal barrier. When I work with dogs experiencing chronic yeast, I'm usually thinking about several areas at once:
- Gut health
- Skin health
- Nutrition
- Immune balance
- Environmental triggers
- Daily management
The body works as one connected system, and that's how I believe we should support it.
Should I bathe my dog more often?
Bathing can certainly be helpful for some dogs, especially during active flare-ups. The right shampoo and bathing schedule will depend on your dog's skin, coat and any advice from your vet. Many customers have had success with Malaseb also Paw Nutriderm (my preference). Also Bear and Kind apawthecary make incredible organic soaps for dogs with yeast issues.
One thing I would avoid is over-washing with harsh products that leave the skin dry and irritated further.
Healthy skin needs its natural protective barrier. That's one of the reasons I developed our Skin Soothing Spray—to provide gentle support between baths and help soothe irritated areas without the need for constant washing. It contains herbs like aloe vera to soothe the skin and colloidal silver to kill of topical infections and calendula to speed up skin healing.
Why does the yeast always come back after antibiotics?
Antibiotics are incredibly important medicines, and in many situations they save lives.
However, because they can also affect beneficial bacteria within the gut, some dogs may need additional support while their microbiome re-establishes itself afterwards.
This doesn't mean antibiotics should be avoided when they're genuinely needed.
It simply highlights why rebuilding gut health afterwards can be an important part of the bigger picture. Our probiotics are good for this
Can stress affect my dog's skin?
I think it can, most owners agree. Just like us, dogs respond to physical and emotional stress. Moving house, boarding, illness, surgery, pain, lack of sleep and changes to routine can all place additional demands on the body. Stress isn't usually the sole cause of recurring yeast. But in some dogs, it may be one of the many factors that contributes to the overall "bucket" overflowing.
Is yeast contagious?
Generally no, the yeast most commonly involved in dogs—Malassezia pachydermatis—is already a normal resident on healthy canine skin. The problem isn't usually catching yeast from another dog. It's that the skin environment has changed enough to allow that naturally occurring yeast to overgrow.
When should I see my veterinarian?
If your dog is uncomfortable, has painful ears, open wounds, a strong odour, bleeding skin, severe inflammation, fever or seems generally unwell, they should be assessed by a veterinarian.
Your vet can diagnose whether yeast is involved, rule out other conditions and recommend appropriate treatment when needed. Natural support and veterinary medicine don't have to compete with one another. In my opinion, they work best together.
My Biggest Advice After Helping Thousands of Dogs
If there's one piece of advice I hope you take away from this guide, it's this:
Stop asking, "How do I get rid of the yeast?"
Instead ask..."What is my dog's body trying to tell me?"
That one question changed the way I practise.
It shifted my focus away from fighting symptoms and towards supporting the whole dog.
Sometimes the answer lies in the gut.
Sometimes it's nutrition.
Sometimes it's environmental allergies.
Sometimes it's a combination of several things.
Every dog has their own story.
That's why I don't believe in one-size-fits-all solutions.
Why I Created the Natural Pet Supplements Yeast Support Kit
Natural Pet Supplements began because I wanted to create the products I couldn't find. When my own dog Taco (gorgeous choc lab on the website) had his own skin issues.
Products made with quality Australian ingredients. Herbal products that didn't taste terrible.
Products that looked at the whole animal rather than just one symptom.
The Yeast Kit is probably the product that best represents that philosophy.
Instead of asking owners to choose between supporting the gut, the skin or the immune system, I wanted to bring those pieces together.
Inside the kit you'll find:
🌿 Yeast Support – a carefully formulated herbal blend to support healthy microbial balance, immune function and skin health.
🦴 Gut Restore Powder – created to support the gut microbiome, intestinal barrier and digestive health, because I truly believe healthy skin starts from within.
💚 Skin Soothing Spray – designed to provide gentle support for irritated skin while helping maintain hydration and the skin's natural protective barrier.
See our Amazing customer reviews.
A Personal Note From Me
If you've read this entire guide, thank you. I know how emotionally draining it can be to watch your dog constantly scratching, licking or chewing themselves.
Every week I speak to wonderful dog owners who love their pets deeply and are simply trying to do the very best they can. The fact you're here, reading this, tells me you're one of them.
I created Natural Pet Supplements because I wanted families to have another option—one that looks beyond the surface and supports the body as a whole.
I don't believe in miracle cures. I don't believe every dog is the same.
What I do believe is that with patience, consistency and the right support, many dogs can become healthier, happier and more comfortable.
Whether you choose our products or simply leave this page with a better understanding of your dog's skin, I hope you've found something useful here. Because that's why I wrote it.
Wishing you and your beautiful dog all the very best, Please give a cuddle from me xx
Erin Follington
Small Animal Naturopath
Owner & Founder, Natural Pet Supplements
Small Animal Naturopath
Owner & Founder, Natural Pet Supplements
