10 Best Antifungal Dog Shampoos & Their Reviews For 2021
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What’s the best antifungal dog shampoo for your pets?
Dog’s as humans are susceptible to different kinds of infections.
There are fungal infections that can affect dogs, and if we want our dog to be happy, we need to keep it healthy.
And if we want to keep him healthy, we need to check for signs that our dog is free from this kind of infection and disease.
There are different kinds of fungal infections that dogs can have.
When it comes to fungal infections, there are microorganisms called fungus that cause these infections.
We have said that dogs are prone to skin infections, so that means that they need regular and proper baths.
Bathing is an essential part of keeping your dog clean, but sometimes it’s a form of treatment for infections and other skin problems.
If you give them regular baths, they will keep their coat and skin clean.
If your dog has a very long or fine coat, more frequent baths may help to keep things neat and tidy.
For regular bathing, a regular dog shampoo will get the job done.
But if your dog has some form of a skin infection, he’ll need something to get the job done.
He’ll need an antifungal or antibacterial dog shampoo.
If your dog has a yeast infection, then you will need an excellent antifungal dog shampoo.
There are different antifungal shampoos out there that are treating various kinds of fungal infections.
But some are better than others, and this is our top list of the best ten antifungal dog shampoos.
Table of Contents
IN A HURRY? HERE’S OUR FAVORITE PICKS…
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiparasitic & Antiseborrheic Medicated Dog Shampoo, 16 oz –... | $14.99 $9.98 | View on Amazon | |
 | Dechra Miconahex + Triz Shampoo, 16-Ounce | 2,697 Reviews | $41.39 $37.35 | View on Amazon |
Last update on 2024-08-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
10 Best Antifungal Dog Shampoos Reviewed
This article will explore what fungus are, what fungus infections are, what kills fungus, and what kind of fungus infections dogs have.
After explaining all of the reasons, signs, and symptoms of fungal infection in dogs, we will give you and review the best ten antifungal dog shampoos that are out there.
1. Veterinary Formula Antiseptic & Antifungal Shampoo
- GENTLE SOOTHING – Helps promote a healthy skin and coat free of flaky, dry, or overly oily skin that may be...
- FAST ACTING – Works fast with powerful ingredients that help shed dry skin and hydrate your pet's skin. Wash and...
- VET-RECOMMENDED – This paraben, dye, and soap-free pet shampoo has gentle cleansers and is made without damaging...
- FORMULATED FOR DOGS – Specifically formulated for dogs, this pH-balanced shampoo is unlike human shampoos that...
- APPLICATION: This product is intended for topical use only. Read directions carefully before applying. Test on a...
Last update on 2024-09-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This medical shampoo has antiparasitic and Antiseborrheic that works fast to help relieve the inflamed scalp, greasy or waxy skin, red skin rashes, bald spots, itch, and flaky skin associated with dermatitis, mange, seborrhea, parasitic, and bacterial infections.
Pros & Benefits:
- Ideal to use for skin infections like dermatitis and pyoderma
- Free of parabens, dye, and soap
- Veterinary-grade ingredients but available at a price that pet parents can afford
2. No products found.
The Bexley Labs Curaseb shampoo is the best in our opinion because it offers treatment for a wide range of skin infections and deodorizes the skin and fur with a fresh cucumber and melon scent.
Pros & Benefits:
- Active ingredients Chlorhexidine and Ketoconazole
- Paraben-free
- Eliminates bacteria, yeast, fungus, ringworm, and pyoderma
No products found.
3. Dechra Miconahex + Triz Pet Shampoo
- A medicated shampoo that Treats Topical decay and bacillus skin infections on Cats, Dogs and horses
- Disinfectant, Non-Decay and Moisturizing Shampoo
- Contains ceramides to aid in Moisturizing, repairing and restoring dry, damaged skin
- Continues to work even after rinsing
- Made in the U.S.A
Last update on 2024-08-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Dechra MiconaHex + Triz can help your dog if it has dry and damaged skin.
This shampoo might be an excellent option for you because it contains ceramides to help add moisture back to your pet’s skin.
Pros & Benefits:
- Active ingredients like Chlorhexidine Gluconate and Miconazole
- It contains ceramides to aid in moisturizing, repairing, and restoring dry, damaged skin
- Antimicrobial, Antifungal, and Moisturizing Shampoo
4. Arava Natural Medicated Dog Shampoo
- Dead Sea Minerals – Formulated with premium Dead Sea minerals, Arava Therapeutic shampoo is perfect for...
- Deep, Powerful Cleanse– The Arava Bio-Care formula is a pet-friendly formula that gently cleanses deep within...
- Reduces Skin Infections – Designed to specifically nurse dermatological conditions, this pet medicated shampoo...
- Natural, Active Ingredients – Arava Pet shampoo contains 28 active ingredients including potent botanical oils...
- Light, Fresh Scent – A silky, moisturizing formula that’s safe for dogs and puppies. Warning: don't use shampoo...
Last update on 2024-08-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Arava Natural medicated shampoo is with all-natural ingredients, chemical-free, relying on a non-toxic formula with Dead Sea minerals.
It’s specifically designed to treat dermatological conditions.
Pros & Benefits:
- Has botanical oils and extracts with antifungal and antibacterial properties
- Can heal hot spots, scrapes and abrasions, mange, ringworm, dandruff, seborrhea, and keeps skin folds cleaner and healthier
- Cleanse deep within your dog’s undercoat to enrich the follicles, making the fur more beautiful
5. No products found.
Pet MD medicated shampoo is a shampoo that deals well with fungal and bacterial infections.
Its active ingredients help heal skin infections and kill common types of bacteria and yeast that plague pets.
Pros & Benefits:
- Active ingredients include 2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate and 1% Ketoconazole
- Helps relieve fungal and bacterial skin Infections like hot spots, ringworm, and acne in pets
- Paraben-free
No products found.
6. Vet's Best Oatmeal Medicated Shampoo
- RELIEF FOR DRY, FLAKY SKIN - Vet's Best Oatmeal Medicated Dog Shampoo eliminates dandruff and flaking, while...
- SUPPORT SKIN HEALTH - Helps to clear and tighten dog pores, moisturize itchy skin, and calm irritated skin.
- VETERINARIAN FORMULATED - We use a veterinarian formulated blend of salicylic acid and key natural ingredients,...
- WORKS WITH OTHER TREATMENTS - Will not affect topical flea and tick control products.
- TOTAL CARE - Vet's Best Oatmeal Medicated Dog Shampoo is part of our complete dryness and itch relief skin care...
Last update on 2024-08-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Vet’s Best Oatmeal Medicated Shampoo has a formula with natural, gentle, and hypoallergenic ingredients.
This shampoo is one of the best for skin allergies and offers fast relief from dryness, itching, and irritation.
Pros & Benefits:
- Eliminates dandruff while cleansing and stimulating dog skin for a healthy glow
- Moisturize itchy skin, and calm irritated skin
- Best for dry and flaky skin, fast relief
7. No products found.
Davis Benzoyl Peroxide Medicated Dog and Cat Shampoo has a powerful 2.5% concentration of benzoyl peroxide that can degrease the coat, flushes the hair follicles, and moisturizes the skin to soothe and heal even the most severe cases of mange.
Pros & Benefits:
- Best for treating mange
- Active ingredients Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% with micronized Sulfur 2%
- It treats skin conditions and rash caused by mites, follicular plugging, hotspot, yeast infection
No products found.
8. Nootie Medicated Dog Shampoo: Antifungal, Antibacterial Dog Shampoo
- HELPS ALLEVIATE SKIN CONDITIONS: This dog shampoo is ideal for helping relieve issues like ringworm, hotspots, bug...
- ANTISEPTIC PROPERTIES: Our non-irritating dog shampoo helps stop and protect your pet from harmful microorganisms...
- HIGH QUALITY PET SHAMPOO: Sold in over 10,000 Pet Stores Worldwide - Our products are used and trusted, not...
- SOAP-FREE, CRUELTY-FREE & VEGAN FRIENDLY: All our puppy shampoo products are Soap-free, Cruelty-free & Vegan...
- MANUFACTURING DETAILS: This dog shampoo for itchy skin has been made in the USA in an FDA Facility in Small Batches...
Last update on 2024-08-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This super-concentrated pet shampoo is one of the best antifungal and antibacterial dog shampoo out there.
Nootie Medicated Dog Shampoo is a chlorhexidine shampoo with the only ingredients necessary to disinfect and revitalize your pet’s coat.
And yes, it works even on cats or horses.
Pros & Benefits:
- The manufacturer offers a money-back guarantee
- Active ingredients include 2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate and 2% Miconazole Nitrate
- Attacks bacterial infections and things ringworm that can make your pet miserable and potentially lead to more significant problems down the line
9. No products found.
The Stratford Pharmaceuticals KETO-C Medicated Shampoo is a great smelling antiseptic shampoo.
Its main aim is to prevent and to protect your dog’s skin from bacteria and fungus.
With this shampoo, you can get rid of existing harmful bacteria and skin conditions such as yeast, ringworm, and other dermatological disorders.
Pros & Benefits:
- Active ingredients are 2% Chlorhexidine and 1% Ketoconazole
- Concentrated antiseptic dog shampoo is with a rich lather that leaves your dog fur super clean and their skin soothed
- Attacks bacterial infections and things ringworm that can make your pet miserable and potentially lead to more significant problems down the line
No products found.
10. No products found.
Ketohex is an antifungal and shampoo for dogs, cats, and horses.
Pleasantly scented and has a synergistic base for deep cleaning and deodorizing odors.
Specialized, veterinary formula safely and effectively removes bacterial and fungal conditions that may arise from skin infections.
Pros & Benefits:
- Active ingredients are Ketoconazole 1% and Chlorhexidine 2%
- Keep your pets healthy and clean with the removal of bacterial and fungal conditions
- It manages skin conditions that may arise from infections with pleasant fragrances
No products found.
What is a fungus?
Funguses, or fungi, are parasitic microorganisms, and examples of this kind of microorganism are yeast, molds, mushrooms, and toadstools.
A fungus’s also a spore-producing microorganism that feeds on organic matter, and they obtain nutrients by absorbing the food from the hosts on which they grow.
Fungi are different from animals because they don’t digest food inside their bodies; fungi digest their food outside of their bodies and absorb the nutrients into their cells.
Many funguses are saprobic, which means they feed on nutrients from dead organic matter.
Funguses are the most beneficial and crucial aspect when it comes to decomposing.
That means that there are many fungus species in the environment, but only a very few are parasitic fungi and cause infections.
The primary source of most fungal infections is the soil, but fungal infections can be transmitted by ingestion, inhalation, or skin.
What is a fungal infection?
Dogs can get different kinds of infections.
In dogs, the most common infections are skin infections.
Some can be bacterial others can be fungal and can cause: hot spots, allergies, floppy ears, flea bites, skin folds, or dry, itchy skin.
There are parasitic microorganisms called fungus, and they usually benefit from damaging the host of animal or plant organisms.
Some fungi are contagious to animals or man, causing fungal infections called mycoses.
Mycosisin animals or humans is a disease caused by any fungus that invades the skin that causes superficial, subcutaneous, or systemic disease.
Mycoses are transmitted by inhalation, ingestion, or infection of wounds on the skin, hair, nails, and mucosa.
Mucosa, or the mucous membrane, is a membrane that lines various cavities in the body and covers the internal organs’ surface.
There are millions of species of fungi.
They live in the air, soil, water, and plants, and some fungi live naturally in the human or animals body or skin.
Some funguses already live inside our human or animal bodies and skin, and they present no problem.
In most cases, when they become a problem, they can cause some skin problems like rashes or bumps.
A great example is the type of fungus that is caused by yeast and is called candida.
The most commonly known is the Candida albicans, and she starts to be a problem when the microbes count goes way higher than the average.
Candida species can be found in places such as the throat, mouth, gut, and vagina without causing any problems.
It can grow out of control or enter deep into the body, and If untreated, candida can cause serious harm.
Fungal infection symptoms
In the same way as other microorganisms, there are useful fungi and harmful fungi.
When harmful organisms attack the body, they can be hard to kill, get by in the earth and re-infect the organism.
These are some fungal infection symptoms in dogs:
- Blisters
- Itching
- Swelling
- Redness
- Irritation
- Scaly skin
- Hot spots
- Itchy, stinky feet
- Food sensitivities
What kills fungus microorganisms?
The fungus grows best in moist and warm places.
Fungi can survive and grow in hot and humid climates.
That is why fungal infections can be most common in the summer.
When it comes to dogs that have long fur and enjoy frequently playing in the water, if you don’t cleanse or dry them enough, they might develop some yeast infection.
One of the best ingredients that can help to fight fungal yeast infections is coconut oil.
Whether it’s applied on the skin or added to the dog’s food, coconut oil has proven medical advantages that help kill candida and other damaging microorganisms without harming friendly bacteria.
Medical experts say that coconut oil is applied topically on the skin, promotes healing of damaged tissue.
When it comes to infections in the dog’s organism, you need to improve its diet.
With proper dieting and antifungal herbs or supplements, the dog’s immune system should be ready to support beneficial bacteria.
Because overgrowth of harmful bacteria, yeast infection appears.
To balance the system with healthy bacteria in the dog’s body, you need to flush the system with prebiotics in the gut.
What are the fungal infections in dogs?
Dogs that are spending a lot of time outdoors are more susceptible to a wide range of fungal infections.
Some parasitic fungi require a dog with a weakened dog’s immune system to establish infection, while other fungal infections can cause disease in otherwise healthy dogs.
For example, dogs that have suffered stress in captivity, viral infections, poor nutrition, cancer, or drugs like steroids to establish infection can have a lowered immune system.
Prolonged use of antimicrobial drugs or immunosuppressive drugs can also increase the possibility of catching fungal infections.
The infection itself may be localized on a particular part of the dog’s body or may affect the entire body.
These infections can be problematic for pet owners, and some fungal infections can be fatal if you don’t treat the issues early on.
We will explain the most common fungal infections in dogs and how you can treat them.
Cryptococcosis
Cryptococcus is a fungal disease that is caused by a yeast-like fungus.
The canine can get this disease by inhaling the spores that are found in soil that has been contaminated by bird droppings.
Cryptococcosis is a multisystemic disease that affects the respiratory tract and affects the dog’s brain, eyes, lymph nodes, and skin.
This infection often spreads in the nasal passages and the lungs and throughout the body, central nervous system, and eyes.
Dogs that have a weak immune system have a greater increased risk for developing cryptococcosis.
The cryptococcus fungus spores are common and can be found worldwide in the soil and bird feces, mostly in pigeon droppings.
Signs of Cryptococcosis in dogs
Central nervous system signs:
- Circling and seizures
- Poor coordination
- Paralysis of the facial nerve leading to inability to blink
- Back-and-forth eye movements (nystagmus)
- head tilt
Eye problems:
- Bleeding in the retina
- Inflammation of the eye
Other symptoms of cryptococcosis in dogs:
- Gastrointestinal tract
- Prostate
- Liver
- Spleen
- Heart
- Adrenal glands
- Pancreas
- Bone
- Problems with the kidneys
- Muscles
- Thyroid
- Lymph nodes
- Tonsils
Aspergillosis
Aspergillosis is a common fungal infection that, when inhaled, can cause an infection in a dog’s nasal cavity and sinuses.
It can develop into a disseminated fungal infection, in which the infection spreads beyond the nasal cavity.
It’s a primary respiratory infection that may become generalized, and it’s found worldwide in almost all domestic animals and many wild animals.
Certain breeds, such as the German shepherd, are more prone to get this type of infection.
Because this infection spreads through the air and results from inhaling the fungus, it most commonly affects dogs with moderate to long snouts.
Most dogs with fungal infection disseminated Aspergillosis are usually severely ill, and recovery prognosis is low.
A small percentage of dogs respond to antifungal therapy, but after stopping the treatment, they relapse.
Most dogs die from the disseminated Aspergillosis, even the ones that were treated successfully.
Signs of Aspergillosis in dogs:
- Loss of appetite
- Pain in the nasal area
- Long-term nasal discharge that may contain mucus or blood
- Swelling of the nasal area
- Sneezing
Other symptoms of Aspergillosis in dogs:
- Anorexia
- Vomiting
- Spinal pain
- Lameness
- Fever
- Weight loss
Coccidioidomycosis (Valley fever)
Coccidioidomycosis is a noncontagious infection that is transferred by wind and dust particles.
This fungus is present in the soil in the desert-like regions of the southwestern United States and the valleys of southern California.
Other similar geographic areas that this kind of fungus exists are Mexico and parts of Central and South America.
It usually occurs when rainy periods, droughts that are followed by dust storms.
This disease is a chronic respiratory disease but can also affect many tissues, especially the eyes, joints, and bones of the dog.
Many dogs exposed to these spores will fight off the infection without showing any signs at all.
Signs can vary greatly, depending on the severity of the infection and which organs are involved.
Signs of Cryptococcus in dogs:
- Poor appetite
- Have a persistent cough
- Fever
- Skin that has ulcers
- General ill health and malnutrition
- Lameness
- Intermittent diarrhea
- Enlarged joints
Yeast infections and Candidiasis
Yeast is a fungus that can live on or in the body of humans and animals.
It lives on the skin or inside the gut without causing any harm, most of the time.
For example, yeast is always present on your dog’s skin and in the gut.
Most dogs with a robust immune system can keep these yeast organisms in check, but it can come to over-population of the yeast fungus in some cases.
If your dog’s immune system was weak, let’s say from allergies or illness, the normal yeast present on his skin can grow out of control, leading to a fungal infection.
The body will then try to get the yeast population back to its normal levels, which causes yeast infection symptoms in dogs to flare up.
Because of the lowered dog’s immune system, he won’t be strong enough on his own to get rid of the yeast overgrowth.
Some risk factors can lead to yeast infections in dogs like humid weather, skin folds, bacterial infection, medication such as antibiotics or corticosteroids.
Candida albicans
Candida albicans, which causes candidiasis, is a microorganism classified as both yeast and fungus.
Candidiasis is a localized yeast fungal infection that affects the skin, mucous membranes, and dog’s gastrointestinal tract.
Candidiasis usually is an underlying cause for many other infections like dog ear infections, digestive problems, and skin problems.
Dogs that have taken antibiotics have a higher risk of getting an infection from this disease.
Antibiotics destroy the beneficial bacteria that usually keep Candida albicans in that average range and from taking over.
The dog’s organism is also disrupted by improper diet, environmental conditions, or stress.
Signs of Candidiasis in dogs:
- Hot spots
- Itchy, stinky feet
- Infected ears
- Food sensitivities
- Itchy skin
- Red, moist skin
Other symptoms of Candidiasis in dogs:
- Chewing or licking the feet
- Diarrhea
- Hair loss on the tail and upper back
- Grayish or rust color around the genitals
- Black skin (often with hair loss)
- Dark rusty-red hair between the toes
- Bad smell and greasy hair
How to prevent candida infection in your dog?
- You should аvoid feeding your dog foods that contain grain-based or high-carb pet foods
- Giving your canine friend antibiotics only when they are vitally necessary; avoid giving it antibiotics for minor infections
- Detoxify the dog’s body with diet and supplements that can starve or destroy candida
- Because candida infections are challenging to eliminate if they aren’t dealt with appropriately, they can persevere and grow again
- You need to re-establish the balance of the dog’s gut microbiome with proper probiotic supplements
Final Thoughts
Microorganisms like fungal reside all around us.
In most cases, the fungus is healthy, especially when it comes to the ones that live in the dog’s body.
Dog’s can have diminished immune systems if they have suffered stress in captivity, viral infections, poor nutrition, cancer, or drugs like steroids.
The lowered immune system makes your dog susceptible to fungal infections.
You should аvoid feeding your dog foods that contain grain-based or high-carb pet foods because they can cause fungal infections.
In our opinion, the best from our top 10 list of antifungal shampoos is the Veterinary Formula Antiseptic and Antifungal Shampoo because it hаs affordable prices and treats a wide range of skin infections.
If you have some suggestions on what are the best antifungal dog shampoos, feel free to let us know in the comments below.
