Common Fungal Infections in Dogs: Symptoms, Risks, and Treatment

Fungi are widespread in the environment, and many spread through airborne spores. These spores can enter the body through the respiratory tract or the skin, leading to infections in dogs.

Fungal infections may affect only the skin or mucous membranes, but in severe cases, they can spread to multiple organs such as the lungs, liver, and brain.

While maintaining good hygiene is essential, treatment often requires the use of specific antifungal drugs. These infections can usually be controlled, but complete cures are often difficult. Below are some of the most common fungal diseases in dogs.

1. Aspergillosis

Cause: Aspergillus, a common mold found throughout the environment. Dogs usually become infected when their immune system is compromised by stress, disease, or medication.

• Transmission:

  • Nasal form: Infection occurs when the fungus enters through the nose and sinuses.

  • Disseminated form: Affects other organs; exact transmission is unclear.

• Symptoms:

  • Nasal form: Sneezing, nasal pain, nosebleeds, decreased appetite, swelling, and long-term nasal discharge.

  • Disseminated form: May cause spinal pain, lameness, fever, weight loss, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

• Treatment:
  Antifungal drugs such as Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, and Fluconazole. In nasal cases, antifungals may be administered directly into the nose. The disseminated form is more difficult to treat and is rarely cured.

2. Blastomycosis

Cause: Found in areas along the Eastern seaboard, Great Lakes region, and Mississippi River valleys, especially in moist, rotting organic matter contaminated by bird droppings. Dogs are infected by inhaling spores.

• Symptoms:

  • Respiratory issues: coughing, pneumonia.

  • Weight loss and lameness.

  • Skin and eye infections occur in about half of the cases, often with nodules that drain pus.

• Treatment:
  Antifungal drugs such as Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, and Fluconazole. Prognosis is usually good if treatment begins early.

3. Cryptococcus

Cause: A yeast-like fungus, Cryptococcus neoformans, found in soil contaminated by bird droppings.

• Affected Areas: Brain, eyes, lymph nodes, skin.

• Symptoms:

  • Respiratory signs: Nasal discharge, coughing.

  • Brain involvement: Wobbly gait, head pressing, seizures, circling, blindness, dementia.

  • Eye involvement: Inflammation, potential blindness.

  • Skin form: Nodules (especially on the head) that may ulcerate and drain pus.

• Treatment:
  Oral antifungals from the imidazole class. Prognosis is usually guarded to poor, but treatment is more effective if started early.

Conclusion

Fungal infections in dogs are serious and sometimes life-threatening. Since symptoms often mimic other diseases, early veterinary diagnosis and treatment are critical. Maintaining hygiene, reducing exposure to contaminated environments, and supporting your dog’s immune system can reduce risks.

At Greenfarm Organics, we believe that healthy environments lead to healthy pets. Always consult a qualified veterinarian if you suspect a fungal infection in your dog. 🐕🌱