18/10/2026
🐾 SKIN CONDITIONS PART 3:
FUNGAL INFECTIONS THRIVE IN WARM, DAMP SKIN! 🐾
🍂 As the weather gets colder and wetter, our dogs can spend more time with damp coats, muddy paws and moisture trapped in places we don’t always think to check. Add a warm, cosy dog jumper or coat into the mix, and it’s worth paying a little extra attention to their skin!
🍄 So, what exactly is a fungal skin infection?
Fungi are found in our environment, and some can affect a dog’s skin, coat and sometimes nails. Two things to know about are ringworm and yeast infections. Despite its name, ringworm isn’t a worm at all, it’s a fungal infection, and it can spread to other animals and people.
Yeast, on the other hand, can naturally live on a dog’s skin but may multiply when conditions allow, causing irritation and discomfort. The two problems aren’t the same, which is why it’s important not to guess at the cause just by looking at a patch of skin.
🔎 Where should you be checking?
Think beyond the obvious places!
🐾 Between the toes and around the paw pads
👂 Around the ears
🐶 Inside skin folds and wrinkles
🩷 Under the belly, chest and armpits
🐕 Around the tail and groin
Look out for red or itchy skin, unusual scaling or crusting, bald patches, persistent licking or chewing, and an unpleasant smell. These signs can have several causes, so they don’t automatically mean a fungal infection.
💧 Why does keeping skin dry matter?
Warmth and moisture can encourage some skin problems, especially where air doesn’t circulate well. After wet walks or swimming, dry your dog thoroughly, paying particular attention to their paws, skin folds and anywhere their coat stays damp.
If your dog wears a coat or jumper, check underneath regularly for dampness, rubbing or irritation. Clothing can be useful in cold weather, but it shouldn’t leave skin trapped in a warm, wet environment.
🧴 What should you do if you spot a problem?
✔️ Arrange a veterinary check if you notice persistent irritation, hair loss, crusting or changes to the skin.
✔️ Use antifungal products only when recommended for your dog’s particular problem.
✔️ Follow the full treatment plan, even if the skin starts looking better.
✔️ Wash your hands after handling suspicious patches, and ask your vet about precautions if ringworm is suspected.
Please don’t reach straight for human creams, essential oils or home remedies. The wrong product can irritate the skin, and treating the wrong condition can delay the help your dog needs.
❤️ A little groomer’s reminder: Regular grooming isn’t just about keeping a coat looking lovely. It’s also an opportunity to notice changes early, especially underneath thick coats, around the ears and between the toes. We can flag up things that don’t look right, but a vet is needed to diagnose the cause and recommend treatment.
Healthy skin starts with noticing the little things.
🐾Washawoofa
📞 07739 668192
📧 [email protected]
