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Best Antifungal Shampoo for Dogs [Medicated Natural]

A good antifungal shampoo for dogs can help relieve your dog’s symptoms. It can also act as a deodorant and remove the smell that a dog with fungal or yeast infection may suffer from. In case your dog has a fungal, yeast or any other kind of skin infection, a medicated natural bath with an antifungal dog shampoo is recommended.

Ensure to read your shampoo ingredients on the bottle before buying or using it on your pet. It doesn’t matter the brand you use, always check the ingredients. Here are some tips to get you started.

Causes of Yeast Infection in Dogs

  1. Allergies cause scratching which disrupts the skin. This would create a way for yeast infections to enter the skin.
  2. Some medicines can suppress the immune system giving an opportunity for the yeast infection.
  3. Bacteria causes scratching or rashes that create an enabling environment for yeast infections.
  4. Foods with high sugar content and fructose can act as a catalyst. Luckily this is one aspect of our dogs’ lives that we can control by changing their diets.
  5. Diseases that compromise the immune system and can predispose your dog to yeast infections of the skin.

Reasons why you might need an antifungal shampoo for dogs

  1. In cases where the dog is itching or biting their skin
  2. When the dog is too smelly
  3. Signs of irritation in the ears, paws, armpits
  4. Scratching or relentless shaking of the head
  5. A waxy brown discharge from the ears
  6. A red or irritated skin
  7. Excessive hair loss or shedding of hair
  8. Pus discharging through the skin
  9. Dry skin

What to look for in a good antifungal shampoo for dogs

  1. Active Ingredients – Ingredients such as Miconazole, Ketoconazole and Selenium sulfide are considered to be the most effective. Ingredients such as Chlorhexidine and Povidone Iodine are also found in the shampoos although they are considered to be less effective. Check the concentration of the ingredients. Consult your vet for recommendations about the ingredients and their concentrations.
  2. Deodorizers – Dogs with skin infections mostly have a smelly skin, so go for a shampoo that has deodorizing agents.
  3. Natural oils and fragrance- A good antifungal shampoo for dogs should have natural extracts offering natural oils and scents. Artificial extracts are not good for your dog.
  4. Medicated shampoos–Look for shampoos with medications for both bacterial and fungi infections.
  5. Moisturizer and soothing agents – Get a shampoo with moisturizers to help in repairing of your dog’s skin. Ingredients like Aloe Vera help in soothing your dog’s skin and improving the healing process.
  6. Chemicals – Avoid shampoos with too many chemicals.

The Best antifungal shampoo for dogs

The right antifungal dog shampoo could help solve your dog’s skin problems faster. Ensure you test the new shampoo on a small area before starting to use it. This is to avoid getting a negative reaction. Although, with a good shampoo, the negative reaction is unlikely to happen. To get you started, here are the best shampoos in the market currently.

1. Duoxo dog shampoo

duoxo antifungal dog shampoo

This is an antifungal shampoo for dogs made with three powerful active ingredients. This includes chlorhexidine, climbazole, and phytosphingosine. Chlorhexidine and climbazole help in eliminating bacterial and fungal infections while Phytosphingosine is good for managing mild and severe skin conditions.

Pros:

  • It helps in restoring the skin natural moisture
  • It reduces inflammation
  • Relieves itching
  • Leaves a long lasting film for extra protection
  • Its lathering formula leaves your dog extra clean
  • Works against fungal and bacterial infections
  • It soothes and heals the skin
  • It can be used for cats too

Cons:

  • Has some artificial fragrance

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Other great antifungal shampoos for dogs

2. Curaseb Antifungal and Antibacterial Shampoo

antifungal shampoo for dogs

This shampoo is formulated to fight bacteria, yeast and fungal infections. It has Chlorhexidine Gluconate 2% and Keteconazole 1% as the active ingredients. Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic which has a good history in fighting micro organisms. Ketoconazole is an an antifungal. It is a Bexley Labs Product, made in the USA in a Federally Regulated & Inspected facility to ensure Quality and Safety.

Pros:

  • It helps eliminate fungus, bacteria, fungal, ringworm and pyoderma infections.
  • It helps in managing and treating skin allergies.
  • Approved by veterinary doctors
  • It deodorizes the skin since it has a pleasant cucumber melon scent.
  • Inexpensive yet effective.
  • It is paraben and soap free, which can be irritating for many skin conditions.
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee
  • Treats skin related problems in both dogs & cats

Cons:

  • It may leave stains on white linens.
  • The consistency is very thin and watery.

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3. TropiClean Conditioners for Pets
This shampoo has oatmeal, aloe vera, vitamins, almond and quinoa extracts. Each of these extracts serves a specific role in nourishing your dog’s skin. For example oatmeal relieves itching by leaving a protective layer on the skin. This shampoo is made in the USA and is FDA-registered. Not for human or animal consumption.

Pros:

  • It contains Oatmeal which leaves a protective layer on your dog’s skin
  • It has a soft pleasant smell which deodorizes the fur
  • Aloe vera has antibacterial and antifungal properties to help sooth the itchy skin
  • It has vitamins E and C which helps in reducing fur shedding and healing the hot spots
  • Quinoa and almond helps in moisturizing the skin
  • Can be used for dogs of all ages

Cons:

  • It can sometimes cause dryness of the fur if not used correctly
  • It is for dog use only

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Benefits of using Natural antifungal shampoo for dogs.

  • Natural shampoos can help in targeting the elimination of specific skin conditions through natural ingredients.
  • These natural shampoos will treat the symptoms and help your dog feel better physically.
  • They clear up the infection itself thus preventing it from spreading.
  • These shampoos are safer for dogs than chemical-filled shampoos.
  • The risk of irritation is less when you are using a natural shampoo.
  • It is unlikely that the ingredients in a natural shampoo can lead to allergic reactions and hot spots.

Tips and Steps to bathing your dog using anti yeast shampoos

If you have more than one dog, ensure you bath them one at a time to avoid fights.

Always keep your shampoos and towels close enough for your reach.

1. Washing

While washing your dog, you need to fill your collapsible dog wash basin with water. The water should be enough to cover the legs of the dog and not past the chest. Use warm water. Dogs can act nervous sometimes, especially if it is their first time. Try to go slow by allowing them some time to smell the water before you insert them in.

You can also have dog treats around. If you have a big dog, ask help from someone. Once the dog has water all over his body, go ahead and apply your antifungal shampoo. Keep it in for at least 5 minutes. Clean all the parts of the dog’s skin using a soft brush like the multi-purpose Zoomgroom. Ensure that the shampoo does not get in your dog’s eyes

2. Rinsing

Use clean water to rinse all the shampoo off. Avoid getting water in his eyes or ears. Some people choose to add a little apple cider vinegar while rinsing because it is a popular anti-inflammatory that prevents bacteria growth on the scalp and manages the amount of dandruff.

3. Drying

Once your dog is clean, grab a towel and dry it. Note that your dog will shake off the excess water. Once fully dry, you can now gently brush their fur using the rinsed bathing brush.

How Frequently Can You Use Antifungal Shampoos on Dogs?

In most cases, your shampoo will come having specific instructions. Always try to follow the instructions unless otherwise advised by a vet. This is because a specific shampoo might tell you to clean your dog with the shampoo two times a week until the infection clears up then switch to once a week for the next four weeks or so just to ensure the infection is all gone.

Shampoos can be strong and therefore you should try to be gentle while washing your dog’s infected skin. If you wash your dog following the medicated shampoos or your vet’s instructions, then the infection should be able to clear up faster. When the infection clears up completely, it is important to visit your vet for special instructions on whether or not to continue using the shampoo or switch back to a normal one.

Precautions when using the antifungal shampoo for dogs

  1. Never use an antifungal dog shampoo for bathing other animals unless it is specifically stated on the bottle. Some are suitable for use with other animals while some others are not. Check the bottle for guidelines before using them on your other pets.
  2. Always test the shampoo on your pet first before fully applying it on their whole skin. Apply on a small section and wait to see if there will be any reaction. It is quite unlikely that a dog could be allergic to a medicated natural shampoo. If a reaction does happen, then quickly rinse off your pet completely and visit your vet for further medical advice.
  3. If your dog is suffering from a bacterial, yeast and fungal infection and there is a wound or scab that appears to be open, for example when or after bleeding, then you should visit your vet before using any kind of shampoo on the dog.
  4. Do not swallow. If swallowed, seek medical assistance.
  5. Avoid contact with the eyes. If eye contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water and consult a veterinarian.
  6. Avoid contact with mucous membranes.
  7. Keep out of reach of children.
  8. Shake well before use.
  9. For external use only. Do not drink or make your dog ingest a shampoo.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

  1. What can I use to bathe my dog that has a yeast infection?

You want to ensure that you cleanse his skin and kill the fungus without irritating his skin. Therefore, you need to get a high-quality antifungal shampoo for dogs (the ones listed above) and bathe your dog in water. Follow the steps above in bathing your dog.

  1. Does vinegar kill yeast on dogs?

Vinegar is one of the most popular natural remedies for yeast infections in dogs. Although it gives the best result when used with an antifungal shampoo. Once you use the shampoo to remove dirt or the wax, use vinegar to clean out what remains. Mix 50/50 solution of water and apple cider vinegar then spray it on your dog’s fur twice a day until symptoms fade. Make sure to let your dog’s coat air dry, so you don’t dry out his skin too much.

  1. How do you treat fungal infection in dogs?

Treatment for fungal infections depends on its severity and the type of infection. For ringworm or yeast infections, antifungal creams or oral medications paired with antifungal shampoo can help in treating scaling, inflammation and smelly skin. Antibiotics may be needed in cases where there is a bacterial infection.

  1. Can I use an antibacterial soap on my dog?

Antibacterial soap can be used to kill bacteria and other micro organisms. It kills more pathogens than the regular soap or shampoo but it can also kill some beneficial bacteria. It may be safe for bathing dogs but when your dog has a bacterial infection, it is best to use a medicated antibacterial shampoo for dogs.

  1. What is a natural cure for dog fungus?

Spraying a 50/50 mixture of hydrogen peroxide and apple cider vinegar on the affected area to kill the yeast and treat the infection. Let the mixture sit in for about 15 minutes then use a clean damp cloth to wipe. You can apply some coconut oil to moisturize your dog’s skin and leave it protected.

Conclusion

Finding the right medicated natural shampoo for dogs can be a hard task. However, after extensive research, we found the three best medicated shampoos for yeast, fungal and bacterial infections in dogs. Fungal infections can be very serious and hard to clear up. If you are not sure about your dog’s skin problem, it is always a good idea to visit a veterinarian. Your vet can perform tests and give you the right medication shampoo for your dog’s skin infection. If you know your dog has a fungal, yeast or a bacterial infection, try any one of the shampoos we recommended and let us know if it helps your dog. These are all excellent medicated anti yeast shampoos.