Dog Yeast Infection

Dog yeast infections are as prevalent in dogs as they are to their human counter parts. Yeast, aka Candida Albicans, live within the intestinal tract of both dogs and people. The intestinal track hosts both good and bad bacteria along with amounts of yeast. “Good” bacteria and a healthy immune system are what keeps Candida Albicans and the pathogenic organisms balanced and in check.

Yeast infections develop when bad bacteria rapidly grow, usually as the result of a lowered or weakened immune system which can be caused by an injury such as cuts or scratches that become infected, recent sickness or advanced aging and the natural degradation of the body. All dogs and humans have a natural balance of yeast and bacteria in our bodies; however when things get out of balance, then yeast has a chance to proliferate developing into disease and causing discomfort to your pet. Some yeast infections in dogs are caused by severe allergies and since both a lowered immune system and allergies can cause itching and discomfort, chronic yeast infections are often misdiagnosed as an allergy in dogs.

Many dog yeast problems create excessive oil in the skin which can lead to other problems. Sebaceous cysts (follicular cysts) develop from glands that produce an oily substance in the hair follicles that eventually get clogged. Although these cysts aren’t very pretty, they are generally harmless.

The main cause of yeast infections, such as Candida Albicans, comes from grain-based foods, prescription drugs, lawn and household chemicals and poisons. Any cooked foods that are sold in a can or bag can be compromised by exposure to moisture and spoilage creating a scenario for yeast infections. Because symptoms of Dog yeast infections can be attributed to a many other causes, dog yeast infections are one of the most under-diagnosed and mis-diagnosed illnesses in the veterinary field.

By performing a thorough assessment you can find out if your dog has an actual yeast contagion or another form of infection typical of dogs. For instance, make sure before you treat for yeast infection that you look carefully into the inside of your dogs ears, a common location of yeast, as there could be grass, matted hair, or other items lodged into the ear canal that can cause distress and infectivity. If there’s something lodged in the ear canal it is not advised for you to attempt to remove this yourself as the ear canal can be extra sensitive and any tear could cause infection, a breeding ground for yeast. If your dog is an outdoor pet, then it is likely that yeast infections may be caused by ear mites, which can lead to a build up of bacteria, allowing for yeast to flourish.

Take your pet to the doctor immediately, as lodged items, ear mite bites or scratched areas that become exposed can cause severe discomfort, loss of balance and can further damage skin and the ear itself. Remember that yeast needs moist, dark places in order to flourish.

Dog Yeast Symptoms

There are several warning signs that can identify if your dog has a yeast infection present. First of all, an overgrowth of yeast will cause symptoms that are uncomfortable and stressful

The list of typical symptoms to watch out for can give you a heads up and if your pup is exhibiting any of these symptoms then it is advised for you to take your dog immediately to the vet for diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms include:

• Low engery


• Whining


• Rubbing or scratching the ear


• Shaking of the head, or loss of balance


• Strong order emanating from ear canal


• Crust like substance on and/or around the infected area


• Excessive oil on the skin


• Scales or flaking skin


• Excessive itching and biting of skin and/or infected area


• Red or swollen area


• Dry patches of skin


• Discharge

When you know how yeast breeds, you can take the necessary steps to keep your dog healthy and infection free. If your dog has an ear infection due to yeast it is wise to play close attention to your dog’s regular routine and behavior; if their actions change you can catch most things early on to prevent further complications.

For instance, if your normally energetic dog begins to become agitated or lethargic it is important to be able to describe the change in his demeanor and routines to a veterinarian.

> Does your dog frequently take naps being more of a lap dog who likes to snuggle or is he always on the go, chasing after toys and enjoys playing?

> Is he eager to go outside for walks or does he remain on his bed when you open the door?

> Does your pet hide from you when he would normally welcome your company?

These are just a couple of lifestyle habits you should be aware of because should his normal habits change it could be a sign of distress or illness.

Secondly does your dog regularly fidget, lick, shake his head, or scratch certain parts of his body or does he only indulge in this behavior occasionally? From the time you first get your dog you should take the time to get to know its habits. If you do notice odd behaviors it’s important to keep notes so you can inform the vet. The vet will want to know what has changed and if there has been an accompanying modification in the dog’s activities or surroundings.

The best breeding ground for yeast is moisture. If your dog is usually at home in the yard but you recently took him swimming and now you’re noticing a change in behavior the vet will need to know this information. You also will need to describe in detail the particular actions that are alarming. There might be something that got lodged in his ear from the lake or river or a mite that is not usually in your neck of the woods could have gotten inside the ears.

Once you are able to describe your concerns and the events you’ve noticed, the vet will take a sample from inside the dog’s ear to determine if yeast is really the problem. Bacterial infections may be present with almost exactly the same symptoms as a canine yeast infection but will need different types of treatment. In addition the vet will need to examine entire ear, inside and out, to rule out other problems like infected scratches, ear mites, ruptured ear drums, matted hair or a foreign object lodged within the ear. Grass stuck far inside the ear or ear mites (from contact with an infected dog), will mimic the symptoms of bacterial produced yeast infections.

If your vet, upon examining the sample under a microscope, confirms the overgrowth of yeast he will be able to prescribe a topical solution to kill it. He will also advise you t how to avoid a recurrence.

Becoming familiarize with the telltale symptoms of yeast will allow you to save your dog from any further problems with yeast infection and save time and money.

Dog Yeast Treatments

Dog yeast infections thrive in moist, dark environments, so it’s important to keep your doggie’s ear clean and dry, especially if your dog has big floppy ears like spaniels, hounds or Labradors. Dogs with ears that stick up have less trouble with ear yeast infections because oxygen and sunlight can penetrate the inner ears and are yeast’s natural enemies. However, no matter the shape or size of your dog’s ears, it always helps to keep the dogs ears clean to prevent infections and the odor that can come from the dog’s ears once they are infected.

Other precautions to keep your dog clean will cut down on excessive oil build up in the skin:

• Dampness is another invitation to yeast – so keep your pet’s fur dry


• Special attention to the ears and in between the toes where moisture can accumulate.


• 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, so make sure to follow proven remedies and healthy habits as your pet gets older

A healthy, clean environment goes a long way toward protecting your dog from all types of infections, yeast included. A fit, lean dog can fight off physical problems better than an overweight, depressed dog. Health related issues including dog yeast infections, can become a problem with a compromised immune system .

Yeast thrives in a moist environment making sunshine and air circulation yeast’s natural enemies. If your dog will tolerate it, hold back his ears for a short period everyday with a head band. (Only do this when your dog is indoors or resting, not when he’s running through tall grass or swimming.) Again, if your dog allows you to, hold a hair dryer set on low several feet away from your dog’s ears and dry the insides for a minute each.

Ask your vet how to clean the inside of your dog’s ears with a vinegar and water solution. Not only is vinegar a mild desiccant, it also acidifies the environment further discouraging yeast growth. Vinegar will also help to neutralize nasty odors emanating from your dog’s ears.

It is wise to be sure that your dog gets top quality dog food, constant access to clean water, lot’s of exercise and has a clean bed. A healthy vitamin regime is also advised as it keeps your pet’s immune system strong to fight of infections and the free radicals that can lead to diseases.

NuVet Plus is the safe, fast way to control dog yeast infections once and for all. Recommended by thousands of top breeders and veterinarians, NuVet Plus can wipe away a lifetime of dog mange in just weeks and keep your pet healthy and protected against mites and parasites – for the rest of their lives.

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NuVet Plus is 100% guaranteed for purity, safety and effectiveness. As one of the oldest and most respected companies in the pet industry, NuVet Labs pledges that our NuVet Plus product will eliminate or dramatically reduce your dog’s yeast infections within weeks or we’ll refund your purchase.

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