Home Remedies For Yeast Infection In Dogs
If your dog is prone to yeast infections, some natural remedies may help in treating early infection. Spot treatment can help in easing flakey and itchy skin. The following home remedies have not been tested, and its best to use them as part of the treatment plan. If your dog shows signs of a yeast infection, your first stop should be to see your veterinarian.
Symptoms Of A Dog Yeast Infection
Constant itching and scratching are prominent signs that your dog may have a yeast infection. Other signs that your pup has or is developing a yeast infection may include:
- Red, irritated skin, or rash
- Sores from scratching
- Rubbing their body against furniture
- Scooting their butt along the carpet
- Shaking their head vigorously
- Crusty lesions on the skin
- Brown discoloration of nails
What Is Yeast Infection And Thrush
Yeast infection and thrush both refer to an overabundance of yeast in a dog’s body, whether in the digestive system, in the mucous membranes, or on the skin. They’re typically caused by one of two yeast organisms Candida or Malassezia and often appear quite similar to other conditions, such as skin infections or allergies. A yeast infection is not fatal in itself but may lead to complications if left untreated.
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Topical Treatment For Skin Yeast Infections
Topical treatments for canine yeast infection on the skin include shampoos, ointments, and wipes. Kelso says that using them will typically involve a few steps:
Curing A Dog’s Yeasty Ears
- I mix 50/50 hydrogen peroxide and organic apple cider vinegar into a small spray bottle.
- I mist the mixture into Sydney’s ear.
- After misting the mixture into Sydney’s ears, I allow it to set for 15 minutes, then gently clean her ear using a damp tissue.
- I massage coconut oil just a small amount into Sydney’s ears.
- I continue these steps for 2-3 more days until her ears clear up. It usually clears up in a couple of days.
I’ve found that it’s best to do this before bedtime, allowing Sydney’s ear to heal overnight checking the progress each morning. When her ear heals, I return to using a product by Natural Paws called EARoma thEARapy, which I use to clean our dogs’ ears. You spray, let sit, then gently wipe out their ears. Easy peasy.
Please note that the EARoma thEARapy contains tea tree oil, which some feel isn’t safe to use on cats. This actually isn’t 100% true however, I want to share this for folks who are concerned.
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What Is The Cost Of Treating Yeast Infection In Dogs
To treat a yeast infection in your dog, take into consideration the type of treatment needed , the area in which you live in , and the type of veterinarian you plan to visit. Prescription medications tend to cost more than over-the-counter medicine, while home remedies, if recommended, might be a bit lower. Also take into consideration how long and how much medicine your dog will need and whether the treatment is only for a yeast infection or whether medication is needed for an extended period to alleviate an underlying issue. These issues all play a role in determining the actual cost.
Causes Of Yeast Infection And Thrush In Dogs
Most yeast infections in dogs are caused by Candida, which is a type of yeast that thrives on sugar. Candida is normally present in a dog’s digestive system, but an imbalance in the dog’s body may prompt it to spread. Malassezia is likewise an opportunistic yeast and will grow rapidly given the right conditions, such as when the immune system is failing, showing signs of failure, or when it is weak, or when skin is already irritated.
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Prevention: Keeping Your Dogs Ears Clean & Dry Are Key
Keeping your furry friends ears clean can go a long way toward preventing ear infections. You should clean your dogs ears at least every few weeks using a liquid solution or ear flushes, such as the vet-recommended Virbac EPIOTIC Advanced Ear Cleanser or PetHonestys Otic Ear Cleaner. If youre looking for a natural remedy for cleaning dog ears, you may want to consider Vet Organics EcoEars Dog Ear Cleaner.
For pups whose ears get dirty frequently, we recommend using PetMD Ear Wipes every day to remove debris and reduce wax buildup. Another preventative measure is to dry your pups ears after a bath or after swimming because bacteria and yeast thrive in moisture.
Its important to keep in mind that vigorous cleaning of an infected external ear canal can backfire on you. If your pup already has otitis exterma, extensive cleaning can sometimes lead to a middle or inner ear infection.
The video below is an excellent tutorial on how to clean dog ears at home naturally and gently using an ear cleanser solution.
Coconut Oil And Yeast
Coconut oil contains medium chain triglycerides and several antioxidants.
- Antioxidants like vitamin E, K, and the fatty acids myristic and caproic acid are present in high levels in coconut oil.
- Antioxidants protect the skin from damage by free radicals.
- Free radicals cause wrinkling and other aging effects similar to that seen with damage from Malassezia infections.
- The fatty acids present in coconut oil also help the skin heal from scratches secondary to the yeast infection.
When you apply coconut oil between your dog’s toes or under his arms, he might lick some of it off. Do not worry about it. Coconut oil is great for his skin, and he will look better even sooner.
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How Do Probiotics Help
Since yeast infections are secondary to other health problems, boosting your dogs immune system and supporting their gut flora population may aid in reducing unwanted health conditions. Studies have shown that bacterial imbalances in the gut are associated with inflammatory skin conditions, such as Malassezia or yeast dermatitis.
Frontiers of Immunology experts stated in their report that the microbiome can be considered a therapeutic target for treating inflammatory diseases. They go on to claim that interventions with probiotic supplements seem promising for restoring the damaged microbiome functionality.
Buying your dog a probiotic product may improve healthy bacteria levels in the gut, internally working to strengthen the immune system, which impacts the rest of the body, skin included.
Be Patient And Keep The Follow
It is important to note that treating yeast infections can take a long time in some cases. If your dog has a complicated yeast infection, he or she may need several rounds of treatment. During this time, your veterinarian might want to see your dog for some follow-up appointments. These visits allow your vet to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment and watch for any potential side effects of the medications.
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Preventing Yeast Infections In Dogs
Preventing yeast infections usually involves managing the underlying cause of your dogs skin complaint effectively.
Skin allergies may require regular allergy medications. Allergy testing can also be performed to try and help work out the cause of your dogs flare ups, with dietary trials being used to identify potential food triggers.
Dogs that have excess skin folds may need maintenance therapy to try to keep on top of moist areas. Medicated wipes can be useful for these animals.
Otherwise just keeping a close eye on your dogs skin and ears is a good idea, so that you can get them checked out if you notice any problems.
Are There Any Home Remedies For A Dog Paw Yeast Infection
As we just finished discussing, the best thing you can do is to take your dog to the vet for potential yeast infections or other skin problems. However, there are a few home remedies you can try that might help your dog.
The first thing I recommend is taking your dogs diet into consideration. If your dog is suffering from food allergies, change his or her diet to something less triggering. For many dogs, this means finding a sensitive skin diet or a diet with a different protein . While these sorts of diets are available over the counter, you may end up needing a prescription veterinary diet. If you need help, talk to your veterinarian about what diet is best for your dog.
The next option is to try treating your dogs yeast infection with a paw soak. For example, using a gentle, odor-free soap can help break up debris and remove extra bacteria on your dogs foot. Or Epsom salts can help remove grass awns from your dogs paws. They also can be soothing for your dogs skin.
I have also had clients ask me about treating the yeast infection on their dogs paws with apple cider vinegar. However, apple cider vinegar can be very harsh on your dogs skin. If your dog has a cut, wound, or sensitive skin, it could burn and hurt your dog when applied.
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Importance And Effects Of Prevention
Preventing ear yeast infections in your dog is a critical step to their overall health and comfort. Ear yeast infections are one of the primary causes of ear infections which causes pressure, pain, discomfort and potential hearing loss if not properly treated. Ear yeast infections can also be odorous, keeping you from living with your dog in a happy and harmonious household.
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What Causes Yeast Infections In Dogs
Yeast infections in dogs are usually secondary problems. This means that there is some other issue that is weakening the skins defense mechanisms to allow the yeast to grow in higher numbers than normal.
It is very common to see yeast infections in a dogs ears or on their skin if they have food allergies or environmental allergies. Other underlying issues that may cause yeast infections in dogs include hormonal problems or other diseases that suppress the immune system.
There are no studies to confirm that any of the following cause yeast infections on a dogs skin:
-
Carbohydrates or sugar in food
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How To Treat Yeast Infections In Dogs
If youre concerned about your dogs wellbeing, your first step should always be to consult a veterinarian. That being said, a yeast infection in your dog can be easily treated with topical antifungal shampoo simply by applying at the site of infection. Your vet, however, may be able to prescribe a more advanced treatment methods if problems persist or appear to worsen.
The best way to prevent yeast infections is to make sure you dry your dog thoroughly after they get out of the water, along with keeping excess hair trimmed and clean.
Dog Yeast Infection Home Remedy
The Spruce / Hilary Allison
Some dogs are prone to developing yeast infections on their bodies. These infections need special treatment from a veterinarian to be cured but some remedies may help to manage your dog’s discomfort at home before you get to the vet.
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Treatments For Yeast Dermatitis In Dogs
If you believe your dog has yeast dermatitis or a yeast ear infection the first thing you should do is call your vet, the sooner their condition is addressed the faster your pooch will recover. Your veterinarian will be able to diagnose your pup’s infection by culturing or with cytology, they might also take skin and hair samples from around the infected area for additional testing.
When your dog is diagnosed with a yeast infection your vet will prescribe an antifungal medication which may include an ointment to apply to the infected area or a medicated shampoo to relieve symptoms. If your dog’s infection is more serious your vet may prescribe oral tables such as ketoconazole, fluconazole, or terbinafine.
If your dog has a yeast infection in its ear that caused deafness your pup might require total ear canal ablation surgery.
Yeast And The Immune System
When a vet sees a dog with allergies they may prescribe steroids to shut off the immune response, but while this will improve the symptoms it will not fix the underlying cause of the allergies. When your dogs immune system is turned off with drugs, it cant regulate and balance normal flora levels and yeast blooms may occur. If there are a secondary skin infection antibiotics may be prescribed which are known to obliterate good bacteria along with the bad, wiping out healthy yeast levels and thus making the situation worse. So dogs with an underactive immune system or that are immuno-suppressed can end up with a yeast infection, as well as those dogs that have overactive immune systems or allergies.
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Are Certain Dog Breeds More Susceptible To Yeast Infections
Ear infections caused by yeast are more common in dogs with floppy ears, like cocker spaniels, basset hounds, golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, and poodles. Some breeds which have hair growing in the inner ear canal, like Schnauzers, are also more susceptible to yeast infection. So are dogs with allergies.
Diagnosis Of Yeast Infections In Dogs
Your vet will perform a thorough physical examination to assess the severity of the condition. Tell your vet about any symptoms you’ve observed, as well as any pre-existing conditions and current medications.
To rule out other bacterial and fungal infections, your vet may swab or take a skin scraping from the affected area. This process is known as cytology. The vet will then examine the sample under a microscope to confirm that Candida is causing the infection.
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Mullein And Garlic Oil
Some holistic veterinarians recommend a garlic and mullein oil mixture to help treat mild ear infections. Numerous studies have shown that garlic extract is effective against bacteria, fungi, and viruses, and other studies have found that mullein leaf possesses antibacterial properties.
You can make a mixture at home or purchase Herb Pharms Mullein Garlic Oil, made from organically grown herbs. To make your own to have on hand, place mullein leaves and flowers in a small jar, add a couple of garlic cloves, and cover with olive oil. Let the mixture sit for two to three weeks and strain. Put a few drops into the affected ear canal and massage gently every day until symptoms improve.
Yeast Infections In Dogs
Itchy, irritated skin with a distinct odor can be an indication of a yeast infection, a common skin concern for dogs. A dog will typically develop a yeast infection on the skin or in the ears. Regardless of location, a yeast infection can cause extreme discomfort and can be an indication of a more serious issue.
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Causes Of A Yeast Infection
A yeast infection can be caused by something that lowers the immune system response or disrupts the skin’s natural balance, causing the yeast to multiply and spread.
Below are some of the common causes of yeast infections in dogs.
Steroid Medications
Vets often treat dogs with autoimmune disorders and allergies by prescribing steroid medications. These conditions are an overreaction of the immune system. Steroids suppress the immune system, making dogs more susceptible to yeast infections because their immune systems are less able to fight off germs.
Allergies
The most common cause of a dog yeast infection is because of allergies to fleas, food, or substances in their environment. Allergies can lead to skin irritation and make skin more oily. Some dogs can develop an allergic reaction to the yeast itself.
Antibiotics
Good bacteria are also naturally present on the skin. They help keep yeast levels in balance. Antibiotics wipe out all bacteria, both good and bad. Without bacteria present, yeast numbers can rise out of control.
Underlying Medical Conditions
Some medical conditions like diabetes and seborrhea oleosa provide an environment that promotes yeast overgrowth.
Although any dog can contract a yeast infection, some dog breeds are more prone to yeast infections than others. These breeds include:
- West Highland White Terriers
Treatment For Skin Yeast Infection
When you take your dog to the vet, the first step will be to diagnose the yeast infection with a Cytology process, which involves the study of cells. A skin sample will be removed either with a swab or skin scraping.
Anti-itch drugs, antibiotics, and sometimes dietary elimination trials can also treat the infection. Topical treatment will involve the use of antifungal creams, sprays, and shampoos. Topical ingredients that are effective in treating yeast include itraconazole, chlorhexidine, miconazole, and ketoconazole.
A vital part of the treatment plan is to identify causative factors. According to Dr. Bajwa, a board-certified dermatologist who reviewed Canine Malassezia Dermatitis, If an underlying disease or predisposing factors are not controlledregular antifungal therapy may be indicated.
Dermatitis treatment can be straightforward once there is control of the primary disease.
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