My dog has a belly spot, not bothering her. Can I treat yeast at home?

That does not look like a typical yeast infection, but your vet can do some simple skin tests to tell you for sure. Unfortunately, sometimes dogs have allergies that result in itching without any secondary infection and the only thing that helps are medication for the itching. There are some over the counter medications like Benadryl (https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/benadryl/) that you can try, but the prescription medications work much better. I would recommend having your vet examine Chelsea, decide if she has a secondary yeast infection that needs treatment (which could be topical or oral medication), then decide on a treatment plan for her itching. I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.

I actually recommend taking Atlas back to the veterinarian. I would recommend oral antibiotics and a shampoo that you lather and let sit on his skin. Unfortunately, antibiotics are prescription, so your veterinarian has to prescribe it. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Skin problems in dogs are usually related to allergies. They can get secondary bacterial and yeast infections. Unfortunately there is no way to know if Minnie has a yeast infection just by looking at the a picture. I would recommend taking her to a veterinarian where they can do a thorough exam and skin cytology. They place a slide against the irritated skin and then stain the slide and examine under a microscope. They can then give medication based on it is bacterial or yeast. If the primary areas are the armpits and the belly- I suspect that Minnie is allergic to something in the air which has caused a secondary infection. One thing to remember with allergies is that there is not one magic treatment . Do not get frustrated when the first treatment doesn't' work, each dog is different. Allergies can be controlled, but not cured. Thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

I am unsure if she presented with this irritation during her recent exam with the vet which would have alerted them to thoroughly check this area or not; however this appears to be a possible mild vaginitis with a secondary yeast infection. A skin impression/cytology is ideal to confirm this diagnosis through your vet. We typically treat these with a pet formulated topical chlorhexidine/ketoconazole skin wipe or spray. I have never used hydrogen peroxide, vinegar or yogurt to treat a yeast infection in a dog, nor do I see any reliable information on the veterinary boards to suggest that this is a plausible treatment; therefore, I wouldn't recommend it. I have seen where vinegar can reduce some yeast populations on the skin, but complete resolve is not guaranteed. Instead your vet should be able to supply the appropriate medicated topical treatment to help resolve Isa's apparent vaginitis. I can sense that you feel this may have been missed on her recent exam and may have some resentment about that; however I would still recommend returning for the appropriate treatment for Isa. I hope her skin infections gets resolved soon. Take care.

Yes it could possibly be due to a Malassezia species (an yeast) infection. Usually mild infection like this one, do not need an oral systemic treatment, but an antiseptic shampoo (like Malaseb shampoo - on prescription) would be enough to stop the spreading of it and resolve it. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Unfortunately, it's impossible to be sure from a picture, but the area looks like normal pigmentation on the skin. Young dogs often develop darker areas on their bellies as they get older, so the area may continue to enlarge. If the area is irritated, red, bumpy, crusted, or appears different from the surrounding skin in any way other than color, I would have your veterinarian examine it, but I suspect that it is just a big ol' stomach freckle! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This looks like it could be the result of a skin infection. You can try to use a medicated shampoo containing chlorhexidine twice weekly for 2 weeks. You may find that online or at your local pet store. If there is no improvement or in the meantime this appears to be getting worse, have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a good night!