Diflucan is a synthetic anti-fungal medication that vets do use for stubborn yeast infections and even blastomycosis.
So, yes, this drug (generic name Fluconazole) is given to dogs.
It delivers a knockout punch — particularly for Candida. But before we get down to details the following must be made clear:
You must consult with a professional before using Diflucan on your precious pet dog.
Misuse can result in some worrisome side effects. Do not go it alone. Too risky!
Dogs Can Be Prescribed Diflucan
Fluconazole works for pets too.
The drug is primarily administered orally with 50, 100, 150 and 200mg tablets. This contrasts with Monistat which is applied topically.
Diflucan is typically prescribed for infections of the vagina, bloodstream and mouth. Likewise, dogs with fungal outbreaks are candidates.
Though not FDA-approved for animals, it is a relatively common treatment option for fungal infections and ringworm.
We like that Diflucan is known for having less side effects compared to many other antifungal agents.
A Few Important Precautions
Never give a pregnant dog Fluconazole and the same goes for nursing animals or those with kidney or liver-related problems.
Make no mistake about it:
Despite a good reputation, Diflucan may negatively interact with other drugs (such as NSAIDs) and even supplements.
Again, it is essential that you speak with your vet before putting your dog on this treatment.
K9 Central Nervous System
On the plus side, Diflucan can be a lifesaver for some dogs!
Fungal infections of the central nervous system (CNS) can be quite serious and this medication works very well.
An offender’s cell membranes, whether it be yeast or some other fungal infection, need to be aggressively attacked. Diflucan gets the job done!
Dosing Diflucan For Dogs
Providing your dog with a leftover supply of Diflucan is fraught with risks.
Get a prescription and dosing instructions. Different infections require different strengths.
For reference only:
10mg per pound of body weight is a typical Fluconazole dose for dogs administered once or twice daily.
However, the Diflucan dose as well as the duration is highly dependent on the infection and other important factors relevant to your dog’s particular situation.
Closely follow your vet’s directions and do not stop the treatment unless negative side effects develop.
FYI: If you forget to give your dog a dose, provide it to them as soon as possible but never double it.
Fluconazole’s Side Effects
Your dog may be allergic to Diflucan which would obviously mean discontinuing its use.
Decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, skin rash, and tiredness are side effects.
It is recommended that you speak to a vet if these symptoms develop after Fido takes Fluconazole.
Any swelling or difficulty breathing are severe signs of a Diflucan allergy. These would require getting your dog immediate medical assistance.
A potential for kidney failure is also a concern. Too high a Diflucan dose, or misuse, can lead to serious complications.
More on Diflucan Use
Fluconazole does not need to be given with food.
You can administer it to your dog any time of the day, but consistency is key for maximum effectiveness.
Be patient. Do not expect immediate results from Diflucan. Dogs on this fungal medication may need to take it for awhile — though you may start to see improvement after two weeks of treatment.
The Bottom Line
Diflucan is used for canine fungal infections.
It is an option for dogs with stubborn internal and external yeast infections. Fluconazole works for fungal outbreaks including Thrust and Candida.
Diflucan can have side effects, but that is just the nature of pharmaceuticals.
Do not give your dog this medication without involving your vet.
I have a 95 pound German Shepherd with a vaginal yeast infection. My vet prescribed antibiotics and creams that can’t be used because she licks constantly. Will this help without hurting her?
My dog has a yeast-only infection on the entire length of his tail. This is not new. My last pup lost all his hair on his tail. These are 60-90 pound dogs.
I notice a change after I switched his food from Science Diet to Wild something. I am going back to his regular diet. His sister has yeast between her paws and was raised on Wild Something food. I’m also removing the chews that I started giving him. He was healthy prior to this, unlike his sister.
I just need to cure this and want to feel safe about giving him Diflucan and plain yogurt. Has anyone dealt with a bloody raw tail?
It seems to be Spring weeds that are affecting our dogs. I have an Akita and noticed that the vets only want to make money.
Anyway, dandelion butter cup and daisy flower will lower a dog’s immune system along with carbs that break down as sugar and feed Yeast. Raw chicken top to bottom, white fish, fish oils, duck, goose and rabbit are what dogs would be eating in the wild along with apples, pears and some berries.
I am at my wits end! My Shepard mix has had a lifetime of awful problems, one ear and her paws. We paid a fortune to the vet and it just comes right back. I am cleaning her ears out every other day. I am going to try yogurt, as was recommended here, but I’ll use Diflucan if that doesn’t work. It is horrible!
Wolf diet! Also raw chicken goose duck, white fish but not salmon as it hosts parasites harmful to dogs. Apples, pears, Brussels sprouts and carrots…..
My schnauzer is five years old. He licks his paws and his nails come off. The skin turns white around his nail beds. I had him on Diflucan for 3 weeks but he started having side effects. My vet wanted him to stay on the meds. He displayed signs of anorexia, lethargy and loose stools. I took him to another vet who put him on fish oil. I would appreciate any help with this. I can’t stand to see my dog sick.
Consider going to a raw diet. This has to be done with the right mix of supplements and vegetables. It’s difficult to find a vet that will support this. You also have to be careful of the food supplier.
After reading more on the topic it appears that Fluconazole 5mg for every 10 pounds of dog may be a more appropriate daily dosage.