Destroy The Yeast Biofilm
Yeast cells have a protective shell made up of several layers. This tough outer shell is called a biofilm and its what makes yeast tough to kill. Once this protective biofilm is stripped off, the yeast no longer has a safe house to protect it from the immune system. Digestive enzymes are special proteins that help your dog digest his food. Theyre also the enemy of yeast they can digest yeasts biofilm. And while yeast can build up immunity to some antifungal meds, theyre always susceptible to enzymes.
The biofilm is mainly made of fiber, but also fats and proteins so its important to use digestive enzymes that break down all three of these substances. An important addition is cellulase, a plant-based digestive enzyme. Cellulase breaks down the fiber in yeasts shell but your dog doesnt manufacture it, so it needs to be given as a supplement. Other digestive enzymes will break down the fats and proteins in the biofilm.
Its important to give your dog digestive enzymes between meals. If given with meals, the enzymes will digest your dogs food and not the yeast cell walls. Enzymes will also make your dogs digestive tract more acidic, which makes it less hospitable to both yeast and harmful bacteria. Another benefit to digestive enzymes is that they can reduce the symptoms of yeast die-off. If your dog becomes too uncomfortable, you can increase the digestive enzymes or reduce the amount of anti-fungal foods.
Home Remedies For Fungal Infections
Examples of common fungal infections are athletes foot, yeast infections, ringworm and onychomycosis.
These infections are usually treated with over-the-counter medications. Home remedies can be used in conjunction with medication or by themselves if the infection is mild. Dont ignore fungal infections, however heres a guide for when to see the doctor.
These easy-to-find ingredients are a great help when treating less serious fungal infections.
Plain yoghurt
When treating a yeast infection, plain yoghurt with active cultures will reduce the growth of the fungi. Yoghurt is full of probiotics, which are bacteria that line your digestive tract and help your bodys ability to absorb vital nutrients and combat infection.
The live active cultures in the yoghurt refer to the living organisms that essentially create yoghurt during fermentation. Most yoghurts are heated during the process which kill these beneficial organisms, so make sure you buy one that contains live Lactobacillus strains.
Coconut oil
A study published in the US National Library of Medicine found that coconut oil helped kill species of yeast.
Garlic
The antibacterial properties of garlic are great for skin infections on any area. With some fungal infections found under the nail bed, which is hard to reach, applying crushed garlic is the best treatment.
Garlic also acts as an antibiotic, helping to speed up the recovery process as an added bonus.
Apple cider vinegar
Dog Skin Yeast Infection: List Of Best Treatments
A dog skin yeast infection can easily be detected by simply looking at your pets behavior. Had he or she been scratching like mad for the past few days or had you noticed any black spots or markings in their belly or other parts of the skin which were not there previously? Had they been smelling a bit pungent and musty over the past few days?
If so, then chances are your pet is suffering from the yeast infection which can also be an indication that they are suffering from an underlying medical condition. It is important to address it early on so as to avoid any further complications.
Yeast infections are one of the most prevalent yet often neglected skin conditions that a dog can have especially during the early stages. They are often treated as mild skin infections that will just clear up after a matter of days. The problem though lies in the fact that yeast infections can spread very easily if not treated early on and when this happens, it can damage your dogs skin and health in a way which cannot be reversed by future treatments.
Curing this condition at the outset will help not only to stop the spread of the fungus but will also greatly improve your pets health as well.
You May Like: Rough Skin Texture Large Pores
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.
Is It A Yeast Infection Or Something Else Four Conditions To Consider
Vaginal concerns can be a common occurrence. Sometimes the cause is obvious such as changes in menstrual cycle, sexual activity or a new product you may be using. Other times, the cause is not as clear.
Since many have had a yeast infection before it may be easy to assume your recurrent symptoms have the same cause, however that is not always the case.
A vaginal yeast infection is a common fungal infection that causes burning, itching, discharge and discomfort in the vulvar and vaginal areas, said Jennifer Nelson, DO, an internal medicine-pediatric specialist at Banner University Medicine Internal Medicine Clinic in Phoenix, AZ. Although its common, many other vaginal conditions can mimic a yeast infection but require different treatment. This is why its always important to discuss symptoms with your doctor to ensure that you are receiving the correct treatment.
As Dr. Nelson mentioned, there are a few common conditions that can be mistaken for yeast infections. She walked us through four other important vaginal health issues to consider when these symptoms arise.
You May Like: How To Heal Tooth Infection Without Antibiotics
Don’t Miss: What Different Types Of Skin Cancer Look Like
Causes Of Yeast On Dogs Skin
Yeast is naturally present on dogs skin, as well as inside their bodies. At normal levels, it does not cause issues. But when there is an overabundance of yeast on the skin, a yeast infection can occur.
There are many causes of canine yeast infections. It could be caused by an overactive or underactive immune system, allergies, improper diets, bacterial infections and more. There is some evidence to suggest that sugars, starches and carbohydrates may increase yeast production. Thus, some pet owners have found success by moving their dogs to low-carb, low-starch diets. This is link between carbs and yeast production is somewhat controversial, however, and not definitely proven.
Since there are a wide variety of causes, we recommend seeking veterinary care. It can be difficult to identify the root cause without the help of an experienced vet.
Prevention Of Dog Yeast Conditions
Owners should always check their dogs paws, ears, nails, and skin regularly check for discharge, odor, irritation, and swelling. If you have a dog that enjoys swimming or playing in the water, gently dry the outer area of the ears thoroughly.
If your dog is hairy around its ear openings, get them trimmed regularly. Keeping the area around the ear clean and dry is key. Moist or dirty skin will allow yeast to grow uncontrollably. Bathing your dog on a regular basis will also help prevent yeast conditions.
We cannot preach the importance of Probiotics enough. Probiotics are live microorganisms that can help improve the overall health of your dog. The stronger the immune system, the less likely it is that your dog gets a yeast infection.
Recommended Reading: Is Basal Cell Carcinoma Genetic
How Do You Treat Yeast Dermatitis In Dogs
If you suspect your dog has a yeast infection, take them to the vet as early as possible. Early detection will help your dog recover more quickly, after all.
Your vet will start by taking a sample of your dogs skin to detect the presence and quantity of yeast. Once diagnosed with the yeast infection, your vet will prescribe an antifungal medicine. It could include ointments such as miconazole which is applied to the infected area. Your vet may also suggest using special antifungal shampoo to relieve the symptoms.
Oral tablets such as fluconazole, ketoconazole, or terbinafine may be prescribed for more serious cases of the condition.
However, if your dogs ears are infected, it could cause deafness. When this happens, it may require a surgical procedure called total ear canal ablation. Since surgeries and other treatments for injuries can get steep, it always pays to get a dogs health insurance for your peace of mind.
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.
Recommended Reading: Why Do I Have Red Spots On My Skin
What Is Skin Yeast Infection
To better understand what this condition is, we first need to know what causes it. A skin yeast infection in dogs is often caused by a fungus known as Malassezia pachydermatis. Under normal conditions, this fungus does not present any problem for the dog and it remains in its yeast form as its growth is checked by the natural acidity of the dogs skin.
When an underlying medical condition or when external conditions have changed the dogs skin pH level making it more alkaline, it spreads by producing spores that penetrate the skin where it obtains its nutrition. At this stage, the yeast had become a pathogen which is capable of destroying the skin and producing toxins which can affect your dogs health.
Another possible cause of a skin yeast infection is Candida Albicans which is a type of fungus normally found in the dogs gut. When the internal balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut is thrown into disorder, it can reproduce and spread throughout the body by entering the bloodstream.
One of the ways in which this is manifested is through skin infections and it can be a very serious condition since this can only mean that the fungus may also have spread to the various organs in the body. Since an average person cannot easily tell which of the two is the cause of the infection it is always a good idea to bring your pet to a veterinarian.
The Causes Of Yeast Dermatitis & Ear Infections In Dogs
Yeast and other bacteria and fungi naturally occur on your dog’s skin, and usually, they don’t cause any problems, unless something causes a change in your dog’s skin condition or makes their immune system less effective, which can result in yeast infections. Here are a few of the most common causes of yeast dermatitis and ear infections in dogs:
- Heat and humidity
- Frequent bathing
- Trapped moisture in skin folds, ears, or paw pads
- Foods high in sugar and carbs
- Certain ear drops
- Trapped object in the ear, ear wax, or discharge
- An underactive or overreactive immune system
Don’t Miss: What Is The Best Treatment For Melanoma
Types Of Yeast Conditions In Dogs
All yeast are fungi, and they live on the bodies of both dogs and humans. For the most part, these fungi are usually harmless. Its the overpopulation of fungi, or yeast overgrowth, that causes health issues.
There are additional yeast conditions or fungi that can trespass into the bloodstream and create difficulties in the liver, eyes, lungs, brain, and bones. Yeast conditions can occur on your dogs paws, ears, skin, and nails. Dog paw and ear yeast conditions are diagnosed the most and are not life-threatening.
How Is A Yeast Infection Diagnosed
Your veterinarian will diagnose your dog with a yeast infection after collecting a sample and examining it under the microscope. Samples are usually taken on a cotton swab or by pressing some tape or a microscope slide onto the affected skin. All samples are stained with a dye to highlight the yeast and/or other organisms so that they can be identified.
Yeast looks different from bacteria and other causes of infection and requires different treatment. Because of this, it is important for your veterinarian to diagnose the specific type of infection present. Some dogs may develop multiple kinds of infections at the same time.
You May Like: How Quickly Does Skin Cancer Appear
Are There Any Breeds That Are Susceptible To Yeast Infections
There are several breeds of dogs that are more susceptible to yeast infections, including West Highland white terriers, basset hounds, bulldogs, dachshunds, cocker spaniels, shih tzus, English setters, poodles, and German shepherd dogs. The greater frequency of these conditions in certain breeds may be due to a genetic predisposition towards Malassezia dermatitis or because they are more likely to suffer from atopic dermatitis and/or seborrheic diseases.
Do I Have To Treat The Whole Body
Some dogs will start out with a mild yeast infection on their feet. The dog may be allergic, lick between his toes, and in the moist environment, the yeast proliferate. Many holistic vets will recommend a foot bath to treat this problem. I do not. Bathe your dog’s whole body in the shampoo and use the vinegar and coconut oil as described. The yeast infection may have already spread before you noticed it so do not worry about just one part of his body.
Recommended Reading: How Is Melanoma In Situ Treated
Diagnosis Of Fungal Dermatitis & Bacterial Skin Infections In Dogs
Our vets at Guilford-Jamestown Animal Hospital are trained in dermatological veterinary medicine. We treat a wide variety of skin, eye, ear, and nail conditions in pets. We use several techniques to collect samples and diagnose yeast dermatitis, including:
- Impression smear
- Acetate tape preparations
- Cotton swab sample
For a staph infection, your pet will need a complete physical examination, and your veterinarian may perform a complete blood count, biochemistry profile, and urinalysis, in addition to thoroughly reviewing your pets medical history and asking questions such as when you began to notice symptoms.
Skin tests may also be done to find out whether the inflammation is caused by immune-related issues or an allergic reaction. A skin biopsy may be required, during which your veterinarian will swab the skin to determine which antibiotic should be used to treat the condition.
At our in-house lab, we can perform tests and get results quickly with our advanced imaging and testing equipment.
Is Your Dog Emitting An Unpleasant Odor
If your dog is licking his paws, scratching his ears, and smells like a bag of corn chips, a loaf of old sourdough bread from San Francisco, a musty old attic, or something you recognize as budding yeast, he needs your help. Those smells are caused by a type of yeast on your dog’s skin called Malassezia pachydermatis. When your dog has a mild case of yeast overgrowth, he will just scratch his ears, smell his feet, and then go back to his nap.
Once a mild infection starts, though, the yeast releases proteases and damages the skin so that even more yeast can thrive. Your dog will be miserable, and they will start chewing on their feet, rubbing on the carpet, and scratching until they are raw and their skin is bleeding.
Dogs that have allergies and have been put on antibiotics and immunosuppressants are common victims of yeast infections. Yeast are normal organisms that live on the skin and can overproliferate if conditions allow, especially in those moist areas like the underarms, between the toes, and in the ear canals of the floppy-eared breeds.
Here is the best thing you can do to get them back under control while your dog is still at home.
A yeast infection can be treated at home without going to the vet.
cc-by www.flickr.com jremsikjr 80676499
Don’t Miss: Does Skin Cancer Ever Itch
Which Dogs Fall Prey To Yeast
Healthy dogs that are fed a nutritious diet don’t usually succumb to yeast infections. However, any dog can be affected by yeast overpopulation. The ones that are vulnerable are those that have existing health issues, are on antibiotics, or have been on steroids for a prolonged period.
Also, certain breeds are more likely to suffer from a yeast infection than any others, these include:
- American Cocker Spaniels
What Causes This Type Of Infection
As we have already learned, skin yeast infection is brought about by the uncontrolled growth of fungus in your dogs skin. What we are going to discuss here are the circumstances which allows for this uncontrolled growth which is unhealthy for your dog. There are different reasons why fungus can multiply without warning and sometimes, the owner can unwittingly trigger those actions. It is therefore important to learn how you can also contribute to your pets skin infection so you can avoid them.
Here are some reasons why Malassezia and Candida can easily spread and infect your pets skin:
You May Like: What Doctor Checks For Skin Cancer