Monistat is an anti-fungal medication typically used for yeast infections.
While it can happen to any dog, certain breeds are particularly prone to candida outbreaks in and around the mouth, nose and ears.
It’s unfortunate when it happens but Malassezia and Candida albicans (yeast over-growths) can be smelly, crusty and itchy.
You’ll be happy to hear that Monistat is not only effective, but it can be used on pets too.
Monistat Works For Dogs
You do not want a yeast infection to linger. Complications include sores, lesions and sometimes even ear problems.
Is your dog already experiencing irritation, burning and itching?
Some folks use Vagisil, but it will only reduce symptoms whereas Monistat’s active ingredient (Miconazole) can actually put a stop to an infection’s growth.
For your dog’s sake, and for best results, it is highly recommended that you involve a veterinarian.
Monistat is Not For UTIs
Miconazole has an excellent track record for the types of yeast infections that afflict dogs.
The skin and ears are particularly prone areas that respond well to Monistat.
On the other hand…
Any dog with a vaginal problem could have a bacterial urinary tract infection (UTI). Such a scenario would likely require other medications.
FYI: Diflucan and Ketoconazole are 2 alternatives that can be administered to animals with a professional’s prescription and their detailed instructions.
How to Prevent Yeast Infections
A few preventative steps will go a long way towards not needing Monistat.
Routine cleaning of your dog’s ears should be done. This will reduce the possibility of your dog developing a yeast infection or Thrush.
Also, never delay drying off a furry friend whenever they have become wet. If your dog has damp areas they will be more prone to yeast infections.
A mild soap should be used for bathing. Harsh soaps are counterproductive.
Staying on top of these things is obviously much preferred to having to use Monistat on a best buddy.
Accidental Monistat Ingestion
Do not panic if your dog has broken into Monistat and eaten some.
While it may pass through their system without harm, be sure to keep a close watch for side effects.
Telltale signs of a serious case of poisoning include:
- Swelling or discharge from the eyes
- Twitching
- Smelly or itchy ears
- Heavy breathing
- Behavioral changes
The effects and treatment options will vary depending on how much Monistat was consumed as well as your dog’s size.
Get medical attention ASAP upon observing troubling signs. Only a professional can assess the dog if poisoning occurs.
Dogs And Fungal Infections
Yeast infections in dogs are somewhat dissimilar to the ones that occur in humans. As such, they require slightly different care and treatment.
Monistat is a Miconazole Nitrate that comes with an applicator (including gel and cream forms).
It can be a tricky medication — it is certainly more difficult to properly inject it into a precious pet dog.
And we must stress once again…
Canine vaginal issues should be treated by a trained veterinary professional.
The Bottom Line
It is hard to say if Monistat is appropriate for your dog without a proper diagnosis. Nevertheless, it does work and isn’t dangerous when properly used.
In any case, reach out to your vet when a pet may have a yeast infection.
Sometimes Diflucan is more suitable than Monistat — but again it really depends on the circumstances.
The right treatment regimen will clear up your dog’s yeast infection in no time!
I have a mix dog and she has suffered from yeast since day one. I find patches of it all over her body and it is super bad on her left front foot. I am at my wits end! I am an old lady on SSI and I have a nervous condition. I am literally crying daily! I love her so much, but I can’t help her.
I have a Lab Pit bull mix. We’ve spent a boatload of money on vet bills and every do-it-yourself solution to fix her yeast infections. It’s primarily her chest and ears that are affected. We now are trying probiotics. Would Monistat help if used topically on ears and chest?
I have used Monistat in the form of Daktarin (in a zinc cream base). It stays on for longer and it’s excellent for canine yeast infections.
How do I apply Monistat to my dog’s ears?
The same way you’d apply it to yourself if you were using the product. Just draw some up into the applicator, stick it down into the ear and dispense the product.
Dogs have outrageously deep ear canals. It’s not like sticking a cotton swab in our own ears and jabbing the eardrum with it. After the product is in the ear you can grab the entire ear close to the head and massage it firmly.
Lots of dogs really enjoy this!
I did a pea size each of (Walgreens brand) of Miconazole and Hydrocortisone cream and a tiny amount of water. I nuked it for about 5 seconds and it made enough for both ears. Within 10 minutes, Spencer was finally resting. We’ll see what the week brings. We have spent, between vet bills and prescriptions, hundreds if not over a thousand dollars and with no results.
I read to utilize 1 dab of generic Monistat 7 with a dab of Hydrocortisone 1% with two drops of water. Then, heat it up for 15 seconds for ear use (rub in).
My vet diagnosed my 87 pound American Bulldog with a yeast infection. He only prescribed me to clean her twice a day with Douxo wipes and then to apply Tresaderm to her vagina.
This has not helped after 3 days. Can I use Diflucan to help with the itching? He said she had the yeast infection because she was so overweight.
I have been dealing with a yeast infection with my Staffordshire Bull Terrier for over 5 years. We’re doing the steroid/antibiotic/medicated-shampoo shuffle. Finally, I have started her on a quality grain-free food (Wellness CORE RawRev) with freeze dried turkey chunks. I also give her raw chicken wings instead of high carb dog biscuits as well as plain Greek yogurt/kefir.
I clean her ears everyday using either hydrogen peroxide or a solution of the same but with organic apple cider vinegar on baby wipes while applying organic coconut oil to the inside ear flaps.
She gets a bath every 2 weeks. She used to smell so rank that it was unbearable, but that has been reduced remarkably. I do not know what excessive weight has to do with a yeast infection, but I would try Monistat and look into a change in diet. Yeast feeds on sugar so a grain-free low carbohydrate diet could be the way to go. Good Luck! 🙂