Understanding The Origin Of A Dog Yeast Infection

Educate Yourself About The Symptoms And Causes Of A Dog Yeast Infection
And Why It Keeps Returning!

What Is A Dog Yeast Infection?

A dog with a weakened or compromised immune system seems to be more susceptible to yeast problems. With a fragile immune system the good bacteria lessens and the Candida Albicans change from a non-invasive yeast to full scale dog yeast infection. Yeast is fairly easy to detect because of the odor. This pesty smelly fungus is brown, thick and greasy.

It is more noticeable in a dog's ear than anywhere else and many owners innocently think that the yeast is wax due to the brown color. Wax has a hard texture while yeast is softer and greasier. It thrives in moist areas of your dog's skin such as the anal glands, the ears and the feet.

What Causes A Dog Yeast Infection?

We mention our yellow lab "Lulu" quite a bit throughout our website. For many years she battled severe allergies and dog yeast infections. Since both cause itching and discomfort, chronic yeast infections are often misdiagnosed as allergies in dogs. Many dogs with yeast problems have excessive oil in the skin. Sebaceous cysts (follicular cysts) develop from glands that produce an oily substance in the hair follicles that eventually get clogged. However, this excessive oil in the skin is very inviting to yeast. Although these cysts aren't very pretty, they are generally harmless.

•  Keep your dog clean at all times to cut down on the oil in the skin.

•  Dampness is another invitation to yeast.
  
•  Keep your dog dry at all times.
  
•  If he is out in the rain or snow, be sure to thoroughly dry him, remembering to dry between his toes.
  
•  Keep his bedding clean and dry.

•  A weakened immune system due to old age, serious health issues or poor diet can bring on a yeast infection.

What Can You Do?

If you're not already doing so, the first thing you should do is to start feeding him/her a premium food or a raw diet.

Only feed your dog an expensive all natural premium food or a raw diet. This will result in better health down the road. If your dog suffers from allergies, an allergy blend ultra premium dog food is recommended. Since dogs need meat to thrive, we suggest feeding a combination of dry and canned food, or raw.

•  Feed only all natural food and treats. Compare Dog Foods

•  Eliminate Yeast By Building A Healthy Immune System.

•  Keep your dog clean by wiping him down once or twice a week with natural baby wipes. You can also find degreasing shampoos to use when you bathe your dog.

•  Keep his ears clean and wipe around his back end.

Keep in mind that shampoos and antibiotics are a temporary fix. It can't be stressed enough that you must work with your dog from the inside out and this all starts with his food and diet. Do not skimp to save a few dollars on dog food, because vet bills can add up quickly for a reoccurring yeast infection in your dog.

Diet and patience will be what ultimately solves your dog's problem, be patient. Once we changed Lulu to an ultra premium dog food and started adding an enzyme supplement, her yeast infections and overall allergy problems became minimal. Please review all of our dog skin problem pages and find even more help there.

Helpful Tip: Try this homeopathic remedy for reoccuring yeast infections in the ears.

Mix 4 ounces of Rubbing Alcohol
2 Tablespoons Boric Acid (pharmacy will have)
1 tablespoon Glycerine (purchase at pharmacy).

Using a dropper, administer several drops into each ear. Cup the base of the dog's ear with your hand and gently massage. Let the dog shake and wipe off any excess. This recipe will not cure an existing ear infection, but will prevent future ones.

If your dog has an existing ear infection, clear that up first by having your vet prescribe antibiotics. Once the ears are free of infection, start this ear solution and USE IT WEEKLY to keep the ears free of yeast and further infections.

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