Zoonotic Information
Fungi are organisms that reproduce by spores and often live in soil. Most fungi are harmless, but some can cause disease. Dogs can become infected by breathing in or swallowing spores, or by spores entering through skin wounds.
Some fungal diseases can affect healthy dogs, and others mainly affect dogs with weaker immune systems (for example, from poor nutrition, cancer, long-term illness, or immune-suppressing drugs).
The fungal infection can be localized in one specific area of the body or spread through the entire body.
Aspergillosis
Aspergillosis is an infection caused by several species of Aspergillus fungus. Aspergillosis occurs worldwide and can affect almost all domestic animals as well as many wild species. It mainly starts as a respiratory infection but can spread throughout the body. Susceptibility to this infection varies among different species.
Nasal Aspergillosis
In dogs, aspergillosis usually affects the nose and sinuses and is most often caused by Aspergillus fumigatus. Nasal aspergillosis is relatively common in dogs.
The infection typically stays within the nose but can damage delicate nasal bones. In some cases, the infection can become more aggressive and spread to the eye socket or skull.
Most dogs affected are otherwise healthy and have normal immune systems.
Disseminated Aspergillosis
Disseminated aspergillosis is a more widespread form of infection and occurs more often in German Shepherd Dogs than in other breeds. It is most commonly caused by Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus deflectus, and Aspergillus niger.
The fungus likely enters through the airways, spreads to the lungs, and then travels through the bloodstream. From there, it can affect many parts of the body, including the spine, kidneys, muscles, bones, and other organs.
Disseminated aspergillosis usually develops slowly over several months. Signs can include nervous system problems, like back pain that can progress to partial or complete paralysis (inability to move), or lameness in a leg with noticeable swelling.
Candidiasis
Candidiasis is a fungal infection that affects the membranes typically inside the mouth and nose, along with the skin and digestive system. In more serious cases, infection can spread throughout the body. It occurs worldwide in many animal species and is most often caused by the yeastlike fungus Candida albicans. This infection is rare in dogs.
Several factors can increase the risk of candidiasis, including damage to membranes in the mouth and nose, use of catheters, treatment with antibiotics, and diseases or drugs that suppress the immune system.
Signs vary and are often nonspecific, like diarrhea, weakness, or skin lesions.
Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever)
Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection caused by Coccidioides immitis. It is found in the environment and is not contagious between animals. It is found mainly in dry, desert regions of the southwestern United States, including valleys of southern California, as well as similar areas in Mexico and Central and South America.
Although many animals, including people, can be infected, only dogs are seriously affected.
Infection occurs only by inhaling fungal spores carried in dust. Outbreaks can happen when rainy periods are followed by very dry periods, which can create dust storms that spread the spores through the air.
Frequently asked questions
Fungal infections dogs?
The Merck Veterinary Manual covers this in the article linked on this page. Fungi are organisms that reproduce by spores and often live in soil. Most fungi are harmless, but some can cause disease. Dogs can become infected by… If your dog is unwell, contact your veterinarian — this page is educational, not a diagnosis.
Fungal infections dogs skin?
The Merck Veterinary Manual covers this in the article linked on this page. Fungi are organisms that reproduce by spores and often live in soil. Most fungi are harmless, but some can cause disease. Dogs can become infected by… If your dog is unwell, contact your veterinarian — this page is educational, not a diagnosis.
Fungal infections dogs can get?
The Merck Veterinary Manual covers this in the article linked on this page. Fungi are organisms that reproduce by spores and often live in soil. Most fungi are harmless, but some can cause disease. Dogs can become infected by… If your dog is unwell, contact your veterinarian — this page is educational, not a diagnosis.