The normal fungal flora of dogs. A preliminary report.

A survey of the fungal flora of dogs was carried out over a calendar year. The objective was to establish a normal pattern, in order to assess the significance of the finding of dematiaceous species, in particular Alternaria. Alternaria has been implicated as a cause of dermatitis in humans and possibly in dogs as well. It was found that Cladosporium was a normal component of the flora, Alternaria was found less often. Non-sporulating hyphomycetes were usually the dominant component.