Antibiotics like Simplicef (cefpodoxime proxetil) do not work against fungi. They are not effective against fungal or yeast infection. Simplicef is an antibiotic used to treat secondary bacterial infections caused by a yeast infection (candidiasis).

Many types of fungi live in the dog’s body. They don’t cause any harm and are suppressed by the dog’s immune system. Fungi may found on any part of the dog’s body including ear, skin, genital parts, intestines, nose, etc. 

What Causes Yeast Infection in Dogs

Yeast infection or fungal infection happens when the immune system of a dog gets suppressed. The abnormal overgrowth of fungi cells may cause a yeast infection in dogs. The fungus may affect the ear, skin, mouth, eye, breast, scalp, belly bottom, armpit, mouth, throat, the vulva, and genital parts of the dogs.

The immune system may get suppressed due to other medications like using corticosteroids, and antibiotics, etc. A healthy or strong immune system restricts the over-population of fungi cells in the body. Fungi cells live in the dog body without causing any harm and help dogs body in various metabolic processes. Like fungi cells found in the digestive system of a dog help indigestion. 

Other causes include poor body hygiene, wound, abscesses, etc.

Symptoms 

The fungal infection may occur on any part of the body. A dog may get a yeast infection in their ears, nose, throat, genital area, skin, belly bottom, etc. But you may see the following common symptoms if a dog has a fungal infection. 

• Crusty skin
• redness and swelling on the skin
• white or odorless discharge
• Scabies
• itching
• rashes
• skin irritation
• Pigmentation (black spots)
• bumps on skin
• sores on skin

So above are some common symptoms you may see, if a dog has developed a fungal infection. It causes consistent itching and persistent scraping of the skin may cause a bacterial infection. So, it needs a strong antibiotic drug to treat that secondary bacterial infection caused by skin scraping.

Diagnosis 

There are so many methods of diagnosing a fungal infection. You may need to visit a veterinarian. A vet may suggest a biopsy test of the infected skin to diagnose a yeast infection in a dog.

Treatment

Antibiotics like Simplicef (cefpodoxime proxetil) do not treat fungal infections or candidiasis. Antifungal medication like fluconazole, clotrimazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, terbinafine, ciclopirox olamine, etc is advised for the treatment of a yeast infection in dogs. 

Topical Antifungal Medication

You may use a ketoconazole shampoo to wash the infected part. Clotrimazole ear drops are available for the yeast infection of ears. Miconazole cream and ointment help to treat fungal infections of the body. There are vaginal antifungal cream is also available in these chemical compounds which treat all types of vaginal yeast infections in dogs. 

Oral and Injectable Antifungal Medication for Dogs

Fluconazole oral liquid and injection are available to treat all kinds of fungal or yeast infections in dogs, cats, and other animals. A veterinarian may suggest the best medication for the treatment and management of candidiasis.

Simplicef Antibiotic Medication

Simplicef contains cefpodoxime proxetil, which is a cephalosporin drug, used to treat a variety of bacterial infections in dogs. If a dog has developed a fungal infection, there is a high chance of developing a secondary bacterial infection due to skin scraping, persistent itching, and wounds. 

So a dog needs a strong antibiotic drug like Simplicef which is available in 100mg and 200mg film-coated tablets. It is the Zoetis Pharmaceuticals product, a subsidiary of Pfizer pharmaceuticals private limited company. 

Cefpodoxime proxetil (the active ingredient in Simplicef) helps to treat secondary bacterial infections developed in dogs due to candidiasis. It effectively kills bacteria by disrupting the bacterial cell walls and stops the over-population of bacterial cells by inhibiting the process of bacterial cell wall synthesis.

Dosage

The recommended dosage for dogs by weight is a minimum of 2.3mg per pound to a maximum of 4.5mg per pound or 5mg per kg to 10mg per kg. A veterinarian may suggest the exact dosage plan for your pet after diagnosing the bacterial infection type and the condition.

How to Prevent Yeast infection in dogs

Providing good body hygiene to your pet may reduce the risk of a fungal ailment or candidiasis in dogs. Try to dry your dog after every shower, especially dry the ear area. Stress may also play an important role in the development of a yeast infection in dogs.