What To Feed When A Dog Has A Yeast Infection
No one diet is right for all dogs with yeast infections. Avoiding ingredients that have been identified as allergic triggers is important. Diets are also available for improving general skin and coat condition, which contain things like extra essential fatty acids – this can be helpful in some cases of inflammatory skin disease.
What Causes Yeast Infections
Yeast infections in dogs are a secondary problem, meaning an underlying condition has led to yeast overgrowth. Yeast overgrowth occurs when the immune system is compromised.
A number of things can lead to a lowered immune system, including:
- Underlying skin disease, mainly atopic dermatitis or flea allergy dermatitis
- Hormonal disorders or imbalances
- Elephant skin dry and leathery
Symptoms of an ear infection include:
- Excessive shaking of the head due to discomfort
- Scratching ears themselves, or rubbing up against furniture or you for relief
- Yellow, black, or brown buildup of debris in the ear flap
- Loss of interest in food due to the discomfort of chewing
- Redness or swelling of one or both ears
- Bald patches around the ears
Internal Yeast Infection Treatments
Vets treat internal yeast infections a little differently.
The principle is still the same though.
We need medication that will seek out and destroy this rogue population, without harming our dogs.
Fluconazole and the earlier mentioned ketoconazole are both available as oral medicines.
Entering the dogs blood stream, these chemicals can sweep through any colony of yeast in our dogs body.
Which medicine is chosen will depend upon the type of yeast that has taken root.
These oral medicines can also be used in the same way for external yeast infections, and as a dog ear yeast infection treatment.
A lot of the decisions vets make will be based on your dog.
A puppy yeast infection, for example, may require a different course of treatment to that of an adult dog.
But going to the vet is big deal so is there a dog yeast infection treatment home remedy that is effective?
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Hot Spots And Hair Loss
A yeast infection can cause cracked and oozing skin, but the worst part of the infection is the fact that it will make your dog severely itchy.
This causes him to scratch and bites at himself incessantly, both of which are likely to culminate in hot spots and hair loss which can not only be uncomfortable but extremely painful and leave your dog open to developing other, more severe infections.
Treatment For A Yeast Infection In Dogs
Managing yeast infections in dogs is tricky because once the fungus starts to overpopulate, it’s difficult to get under control. The most effective way is to treat the digestive tract and skin simultaneously AND ensure the immune system is working optimally.
The gastrointestinal tract accounts for 70% of the immune system. As mentioned above, yeast starts to grow out of control when the immune system is compromised. Starting here helps your dog’s immune system fight potential invaders such as yeast.
The first thing to do is to ensure the digestive tract has all the essential nutrients it needs to work efficiently. Adding a supplement that contains beneficial amounts of omega-3 and omega-6 is a good start. Both omega-3 and omega-6 are essential fatty acids that are essential to dogs and support a healthy immune system. These EFAs are found in fish oils, salmon, in particular, has an abundant supply.
Be careful when selecting salmon or salmon oil as there is a vast difference between wild-caught salmon and farm-raised salmon. Be sure to choose wild-caught over farm-raised salmon as studies have shown that farmed fish is full of contaminants.
I recommend and use Pawsome Naturals Wild Alaskan salmon oil.
It’s made from fresh-caught wild Alaskan salmon, is manufactured here in the USA in a facility that has earned the Good Manufacturering Practices stamp.
You can find my review of salmon oil, here which goes into more detail of why it’ll help with a yeast infection.
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Dog Vulvar Dermatitis Home Remedies And What You Need To Know
We enjoy the bond and time spent with our canines as dog owners. But just like any day in the life of a pet owner, it’s inevitable that you will be facing health issues along the way.
There are various illnesses that your dog could experience. Gender is an essential factor since female dogs develop different health challenges like dog vulvar dermatitis.
It could also co-exist with other underlying health issues such as dog yeast infection vulva.
Fortunately, there is no need to be highly alarmed about vaginitis in dogs. There are dog vulvar dermatitis treatments you can do at home.
This article will learn dog vaginitis, its causes, symptoms, and dog vulvar dermatitis home remedies.
If you come across this condition, it’s best that you are fully aware of it and how to treat it.
However, keep in mind that the symptoms of dog vulvar dermatitis are pretty vague and could be plainly expressed when the dog’s vag is swollen.
If you are hesitant and quite concerned about your puppy, it’s best to consult with a vet.
Best Cleaning Wipes For Yeasty Dog Folds
Yeast loves to grow and thrive in dark, moist places on a dogs body, such as facial folds, in between toes, underarm areas, and in the groin. Unlike liquid cleaners, Pet MD Chlorhexidine Antiseptic Dog & Cat Wipes are mess-free pre-moistened wipes. Formulated with an advanced veterinary formula of chlorhexidine and ketoconazole, fungal and bacterial infections dont stand a chance of advancing. Keep a container on hand for travel and in between baths.
Highlights
- Helps control the itchiness of hot spots, yeast-prone areas, and canine acne
- Easier to use than dog shampoo
- May lessen the amount of itching, scratching, and licking in yeast-prone areas
- Advanced veterinary formula from a trusted name brand
- Made in a regulated manufacturing facility in small batches in the USA
- Soothing skin-friendly formula with aloe and glycerin
Things to Consider
- Alcohol-based solution
- Do not allow your dog to lick the treated areas until the product dries to prevent ingestion
- Do not use on open wounds, cuts, or raw areas
- Wipes include a fragrance
Highlights
- Gentle enough to use every day for one to two weeks
- Suitable for use on and in surface skin folds such as face wrinkles
- Available in a non-hydrocortisone formula
- Recommended for hot spots, wet eczema, yeasty areas, dermatitis, cuts, and wounds
- Gently soothes and cleans the skin without burning or stinging
- Product has a catheter tip for easy, direct application
Things to Consider
Read Also: Best Probiotic For Bv And Yeast
Helpful Products For Balancing Yeast In Dogs
All featured products were chosen at the discretion of the Great Pet Care editorial team and not directly recommended or endorsed by the author of this article. Great Pet Care may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.
After consulting with your dogs veterinarian to address the underlying cause of yeast overgrowth, its time to prevent a recurrence. While natural home remedies may suppress yeast growth, its best to eliminate the problem altogether. Weve curated a list of the best products to help balance yeast in dogs. By safely and effectively keeping your dogs yeast problem at bay, she wont get caught in a vicious cycle of vet visits, antibiotics, and harsh medical treatments.
Can I Put Vaseline As An Ointment
As mentioned, it’s not advisable to use over-the-counter or human creams for your dog. However, Vaseline is an exemption.
Make sure that it is fragrance and paraben-free. Other exemptions include A& D and zinc oxide ointment.
Apply a small amount of these canine creams into your dog’s vulva to protect the skin and ease the discomfort. You can use olive or vegetable oil if you want a natural alternative.
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Apply Coconut Oil Mixture On The Yeasty Region
After you have stopped the itch, you can start working on your dogs skins affected parts. And one of the best homemade solutions for treating the yeast infection is by massaging the affected region with a coconut oil mix at least once every week.
Just melt about 8 oz of virgin oil into a small bottle and two drops of lemon essential oil and about ten drops of lavender oil. Shake the mixture and then apply on the affected part of your dogs skin. This mixture can last for a few months, so you can store it in a safe place and apply it to your dog every week.
Prognosis Of Yeast Infection
The prognosis of a yeast infection on your dog is generally pretty good. If you provide the right treatment strategy, the infection should go away within a week. If there are any issues with your pups immune system or allergies, then it may take longer for your dog to recover. Its uncommon for dogs to die from a yeast infection, but it could be troublesome for older dogs to recover from one if they have a weaker immune system.
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Changes In Urination Habits
Like it or not, most of us are attuned to our dogs elimination habits. Many of us have been caught in the act of examining our dogs poop by non-dog owners, and the same goes for urination. This attention to detail is more than just excessive caring it can help your veterinarian diagnose a medical condition before it gets out of hand.
Changes in your dogs urination habits always necessitate a visit to your veterinarian. While accidents in the house could be a behavioral issue, they could also be a sign of a serious medical condition. Accidents or increased frequency in urination may be symptoms of diabetes, hypothyroidism, Cushings disease, cancer, trauma, or urinary tract infections, just to name a few possible conditions. Your vet my suggest certain supplements or medications.
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 Monistats active ingredient can actually put a stop to an infections growth.
For your dogs sake, and for best results, it is highly recommended that you involve a veterinarian.
Read Also: How To Treat Yeast Infections At Home
How Your Dogs Yeast Infection Is Diagnosed
The only surefire way to tell if your dog has a yeast infection is to take him to the vet. Your vet will take a sample from your dog’s infected ear or skin by swab or scrape, with a piece of tape, or by simply pressing a microscope slide along the skin. Reviewing this sample under a microscope can reveal if your pup has yeast and how much of it there is.
In addition, your vet will analyze the sample for other issues. “Frequently, dogs with yeast also have bacterial infections or skin mites ,” Kelso says. “In these cases, treating only the yeast won’t solve the problem.”
Easy Ways To Manage Yeast Infections In Dogs
If your dog is tilting their head, scratching their ears, licking their paws, or having a musty odor, they might have a yeast infection.
Yeast infections are a common condition among dogs with folds or allergies. Yeast infections in dogs can cause inflammatory skin conditions in the folds between the genital region, ears, and paw pads.
This infection is quite common among dogs whose immunity has been suppressed or compromised by medications. Yeast infections can occur more often during allergy seasons, especially in dogs that have been taking antibiotics or steroids.
Antibiotics dont cause this infection, but being on antibiotics for a very long period can diminish the dogs normal flora, which helps keep yeast under control.
Steroids can also affect a dogs immunity, which can result in yeast overgrowth.
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Give Your Dog A Really Good Bath
One obvious yet important home remedy for yeast infections in dogs is simply giving your pet a good bath. Using a high-quality shampoo while bathing your pup is one of the best places a dog owner should start when treating yeast issues. After youve soaked your dog with water in the bath, make sure to put a good amount of shampoo on them while gently massaging it in.
Generally, you want the shampoo to penetrate the yeast complicated skin, so follow the instructed time frame suggested when leaving the shampoo on your dog. Youll also want to ensure youre wearing rubber gloves so the yeast does not get on your skin!
Causes Of Yeast Conditions In Dogs
Yeast overgrowth often occurs in the ears of dogs. The ear canal of a dog is shaped like an L. It goes downward before changing direction and heading straight back. Water and debris can easily get trapped in the ear canal of your dog due to its angle. Allergens like mold, dust, feathers, pollen, smoke, and certain foods can also lead to ear issues in a dog.
Normally, the fungi living on the skin of your dog do not cause an issue when they are regulated by the immune system. A weakened immune system or a change in the condition of the skin on a dog can be the catalyst for yeast problems. If given the chance, yeast can be very opportunistic and will thrive on your dog once the environment allows them to proliferate. Though opportunistic, a yeast condition itself is not contagious, which means your dog cannot spread it.
Recommended Reading: How Do You Know When Yeast Infection Is Gone
Rinse Your Dog With Apple Cider Vinegar
According to The Crazy Pet Guy, the first step to managing yeast infection is getting rid of the itch. Apple cider vinegar is the best solution for fungal infections that works with dogs, especially if your pooch loves the water. All you have to do is apply diluted apple cider vinegar directly on your dogs coat and massage his/her whole body.
Apple cider vinegar can help restore your pets healthy pH levels and stop yeast overgrowth. Remember, yeast loves wet environments, so you can immediately apply this solution after your dog has finished swimming or after bathing him.
How Are Yeast Infections Diagnosed
Your vet will start by examining your dog. This could include looking down his ears with an auroscope , as well as checking his skin and paws.
Samples are sometimes taken for analysis. Cytology can be performed, where samples of skin or ear wax are examined under the microscope. This allows your vet to see the yeasts, as well as any bacteria. Swabs may be taken for culture to check for any concurrent bacterial infections. Your vet will also be looking to rule out other causes of skin disease such as parasites.
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Reduce The Amount Of Heavy Metals Your Dog Consumes
Yeast has a high affinity for most heavy metals, especially mercury. These metals generate free radicals that can cause severe health problems.
Since the body cannot remove them on its own, these metals tend to accumulate over time. And a large amount of some heavy metals like mercury, lead, chromium, cadmium, and arsenic can be quite toxic to your dog.
Yeast tends to bind to heavy metals and stop them from getting into the dogs system, which is good news. However, heavy metals are toxic to competing bacteria. The heavy metals can reduce the population of the competing bacteria resulting in the outgrowth of yeast. Therefore, if you want to stop a yeast infection in dogs, you must reduce the number of heavy metals it consumes. So you can reduce the heavy metals by doing the following:
- Avoid feeding your dog low-quality fish oil or fish-based diets.
- Stop giving your pet fluoridated water.
- Feed him organic food.
Dog Yeast Infection Belly
Yeast infections can take hold on dogs bellies. Both on the outside as with the paws, but also on the inside!
A different species of yeast, candida albicans, is usually responsible for this ailment.
In a healthy dog a small population of this fungus is spread throughout the gut and respiratory system.
As with the yeast that can cause skin infections, they usually dont cause a problem.
Changes in the gut, and lowered immunity, can cause the yeast to overpopulate.
Overpopulation can also be caused by broad spectrum antibiotics.
This condition is known as candiasis.
The most common symptom of candiasis in the belly is diarrhea.
The overgrowth of yeast irritates the lining of the gut.
Occasionally this overgrowth may spread to other parts of the body. At this point it becomes much more serious.
If your dog has diarrhea for any long period, its a good idea to see a vet. This symptom can cause dehydration in and of itself.
A huge range of conditions can cause diarrhea so its good to make sure the right one is identified.
You may have heard about yeast infections in humans. This usually seems to be to do with their private parts, and that word candiasis might be ringing a few bells with you from the medicine cabinet.
Dogs can be affected in the same way.
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How To Prevent Yeast Infections
A few preventative steps will go a long way towards not needing Monistat.
Routine cleaning of your dogs 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.