Combatting fungal infections in dogs can be a prolonged process, but using the best antifungal dog shampoo can make it more manageable. To that end, we have researched and identified the top antibacterial dog shampoos that can aid your furry friend.
Our guide below outlines these products and provides tips for choosing the most suitable one. With a range of sentence lengths and structures, we aim to present the information in a varied and engaging way.
The 5 Best Antifungal Dog Shampoo
Dechra Miconahex + Triz Shampoo, 16-Ounce
This Dechra is a medical shampoo with two active ingredients. It contains 2% Miconazole and 2% Chlorhexidine gluconate.
Miconazole is a synthetic antifungal helping to prevent and fungal skin infections. It’s also efficient in treating the infections once they appear.
Chlorhexidine gluconate helps with therapy since no fungi or bacteria are resistant to it. It also contains TrizEDTA with antibiotic and antimicrobial potentiating activity.
It helps to disrupt the bacterial cell wall by making it more porous. And, apart from being efficient in killing bacteria and fungi, this shampoo is also moisturizing.
The ceramides it contains help with repairing and restoring damaged, dry skin. And, it continues working on it even after you rinse it.
It comes in a 16-ounce bottle and is suitable for dogs, cats, and horses.
Standout Features:
Repairs the skin
It doesn’t have artificial fragrances
Antimicrobial and antibiotic
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Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiparasitic & Antiseborrheic Medicated Dog Shampoo
This Veterinary Formula dog shampoo is among the best options for treating different skin infections. It contains coal tar, micronized sulfur, and salicylic acid to treat, manage, and relieve parasitic infections.
It’s a fast-acting formula designed to relieve symptoms like red skin rashes, greasy skin, inflamed scalp, flaky, itchy skin, and bald spots usually caused by fungi and bacteria.
The formula doesn’t contain any paraben, soap, or dye. It won’t remove any topical flea and tick treatments, so you can use it at any time.
It’s meant for dogs over 12 weeks old as it’s pH-balanced specifically for their skin. Apart from coat tar, it has salicylic acid that works as an anti-inflammatory. It helps clogged pores to open and prevents them from clogging again. It also neutralizes bacteria.
Standout Features:
It treats skin infections
It helps soothe inflammation
No soap, parabens, or dye
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Virbac Ketochlor Pet Shampoo 237ml Dog Grooming For Dog
Virbac Ketochlor is a gentle yet effective dog shampoo. It has antibacterial, antiseptic, and antifungal ingredients that help to fight different skin infections.
It contains 1% ketoconazole and 2% chlorhexidine, so it’s suitable for dogs, cats, and horses. In addition, it comes with clear instructions on how to use it on different animals.
In most cases, you have to apply it to a wet coat and allow it to sit for ten minutes. Make sure to rinse well to avoid itching and dry skin.
You’ll have to use it about three times a week, depending on the fungal and bacterial infections developed. As the infection soothes, you can reduce the number of uses per week.
This one is recommended for treating different bacterial skin infections, but make sure to visit your vet first if possible.
Standout Features:
Easy to use
Cleansing, antiseptic properties
Pleasant scent
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Curaseb Medicated Shampoo for Dog
This Curaseb medical shampoo is among the best antibacterial dog shampoos for hot spots, skin infections, allergies, and issues caused by paw licking. It also helps with growths and acne in dogs, cats, and horses.
It contains aloe vera and vitamin E to nourish and soothe irritated skin. After only a few uses, you’ll notice the redness and dry patches caused by skin allergies are gone.
On top of that, this antifungal shampoo cleans and deodorizes paws, wrinkles, underarms, face folds, and groan. In addition, it leaves behind a nice cucumber melon scent that’s not too strong for your dog.
Keep in mind that this is a medicated formula, so make sure to consult with your veterinarian. This way, you have the best chances of fighting bacterial and fungal infections in less time.
Standout Features:
It helps relieve skin irritation
Suitable for dog’s sensitive skin
Suitable for different skin conditions
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Truseb| #1 Chlorhexidine Shampoo with Ketoconazole for Dogs
Truseb is another medical shampoo meant to help with fungal and bacterial infections. You can use this antifungal dog shampoo on cats and horses, too.
It has 2% chlorhexidine gluconate and 1% ketoconazole to treat different bacterial skin infections, hot spots, acne, ringworm, and dermatitis.
The formula is gentle to your dog’s skin, helping to relieve and heal it after infections, insect bites, and superficial cuts. It leaves your pup with a moisturized skin and a shiny coat.
It’s designed to treat bacterial and fungal infections and irritated skin. So, you’ll notice some improvement after only a few uses. Start with using it three to four times a week for about four weeks before reducing it to once a week.
On top of that, it leaves behind a nice cucumber melon scent.
Standout Features:
Suitable for sensitive skin
For different skin problems
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Dogs Fungal Skin Infection
Dogs can suffer from many different fungal and bacterial infections. But, yeast infection is the most common.
It’s caused by the fungus called Malassezia pachydermatis, usually found in the skin and ears. It’s also commonly found with other innumerable fungi and bacteria.
These organisms aren’t a big threat to your dog under normal conditions. They stay dormant for the most time until your dog’s immune system is compromised.
This usually happens due to illness or allergies. Here’s what else can affect fungal infections:
- high-fructose food
- damp and warm climate
- steroids and antibiotics
- fleas
- external parasites
- excessive skin folds
- chemotherapeutic drugs
The yeast reproduces massively and out of control, which then results in a yeast infection. In some cases, if a dog has a poor immune system, the infection can quickly become a chronic condition.
Signs of Fungal Infection in Dogs
Bacterial and fungal infections are quite easy to spot. They show many signs, so you probably won’t have any issues figuring it out.
It’s important to act as soon as you notice any signs of a fungal infection. Prompt action helps to get rid of it without too much trouble.
Waiting on it can result in many different skin conditions. But, unfortunately, it can also develop into a chronic condition you might not be able to cure later on.
The signs of fungal infections show up in areas like the armpits and the ears. Here’s what to look for:
- smelly, greasy coat
- crusty skin on the ears
- ear discharge
- irritated skin
- hair loss
- ear scratching
- head-shaking
- thickened skin
- loss of hearing and balance
How to Treat Fungal Infection in Dogs
As mentioned, a yeast infection is easy to treat if you act quickly. In most cases, you can get rid of it using a topical treatment like an antifungal shampoo.
If that doesn’t do a job, you can proceed to use something stronger. There are many antifungal shampoos, so this is usually enough to deal with the problem. You can even ask your vet for some advice.
You can also try a natural remedy like a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water. Spray it to the affected area and wait until it dries to cover it with coconut oil. Using this every day should help get rid of fungal infections.
If you’re using an antifungal shampoo, make sure to do so according to the instructions. Also, take time to dry your dog, or the yeast infection might return.
However, a yeast infection in your dog’s ear requires professional treatment. Take your pet to the veterinarian to determine the cause and a way to fix it.
Things to Consider in a Good Antifungal Shampoo for Dogs
Choosing an antibacterial dog shampoo shouldn’t be too difficult, even with this many options. You can always ask your vet for help, depending on the kind of infection your dog has.
But, most of these antifungal shampoos are safe to use because they have natural ingredients. This means you probably won’t go wrong with either.
Still, there are a few things you can consider before buying. This way, you can get the most efficient one for your dog’s skin infection.
First and foremost, look at the ingredients since many can help to relieve irritation and itchy skin. Active ingredients like selenium sulfide, ketoconazole, and miconazole nitrate can help with yeast infections.
Make sure it has soothing ingredients like coconut oil, tea tree, or aloe vera. It shouldn’t have dye, parabens, and soap. Instead, it should only contain natural ingredients.
Some antifungal dog shampoos have moisturizers and deodorizers. This helps with dry skin and a funny odor a yeast infection can cause.
However, stay away from artificial fragrances as they can make bacterial infections even worse.
Natural Remedies for Dogs Fungal Infection
Some people like trying natural remedies before turning to an antifungal shampoo. There’s nothing wrong with that, but it might take longer to work.
Here are the most common remedies you can try at home:
Apple Cider Vinegar Water Spray
As mentioned, mixing equal parts of water and apple cider vinegar makes for a good natural remedy. In addition, it helps to relieve irritated, dry skin.
Apple cider vinegar has antifungal properties, so it’s known to help deal with fungi on sensitive skin.
Herbal Tea Soaks
You may have heard about the cooling effect of chamomile. It has cooling agents, so it’s a great way of cooling your dog’s skin caused by yeast infections.
Fill up your tub with warm water comfortable for your dog. Then, take a few herbal tea bags and steep them for a few minutes before taking them out and soaking your pet.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is another excellent ingredient that soothes irritation and itchiness. All you have to do is grind plain oatmeal and add it to a warm bath.
Soaking your pup for about ten to fifteen minutes should help soothe your dog’s skin.
Sugar-Free Yogurt
As mentioned, yeast infections can sometimes occur due to digestive problems. However, it can also occur due to poor nutrient absorption.
In both cases, you can help by feeding one or two teaspoons of plain, sugar-free yogurt to your dog. This will improve their digestion and overall gut health.
Sadly, this might not be enough to fix a skin infection on its own. So, use it along with antibacterial dog shampoo to improve your dog’s health.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties. And, it’s also a great moisturizer you can use if your dog has dry skin and irritation.
This is a common way of fighting bacterial infections, eczema, insect bites, allergies, and fungal infections. All you need to do is massage it into the affected area.
FAQ
How long should I leave a medicated shampoo on my dog during a bath?
Medicated shampoos have very specific instructions you should stick to. Regardless of which one you use, you should leave it on for at least five to ten minutes.
Still, read the instructions as you can find more about how to apply it and where. Some are meant to go all over the body, whereas others are for problem areas only.
How will I know if the medicated shampoo is working?
There’s really no way to know before the antifungal shampoo shows the first signs of working. This usually happens one to two weeks after using it for the first time.
But, consistency is key when it comes to achieving and seeing the results.
Can I use the medicated shampoo instead of expensive medication?
You can use medicated dog shampoos instead of medication, but only if your vet deems so. In other words, some yeast infections might be too advanced to heal with a dog shampoo.
It would help if you first took your dog to a veterinarian. They’ll help you figure out the best treatment for all stages of yeast infections. But, in most cases, an antifungal shampoo does the job.
Final Thoughts
Fungal or bacterial infections are serious conditions you shouldn’t ignore. For this reason, look at your pet’s skin occasionally, especially if you notice unusual behavior.
Hopefully, we helped you figure out which antibacterial shampoo would work the best for your dog. Make sure to read the label for ingredients and instructions before you treat skin problems.
You might also want to check in with your vet to ensure the antibacterial shampoo is safe to use on your dog’s skin infection. Otherwise, there are other shampoos for your dog available for you to check out.