Dog Yeast Infection Home Remedy: Simple Treatments You Can Try
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Time to read 8 min
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Time to read 8 min
Dog yeast infections occur due to fungal overgrowth on different parts of the dog's body, especially moist areas like paw pads, ears, and skin folds.
Yeast infection presents with a musty odor, hair loss, itching, and redness. These symptoms can be distressing for dog owners and early treatment is necessary to avoid complications.
Make sure to visit a vet for an accurate diagnosis before trying dog yeast home remedies. This is to ensure you are treating the right condition. Read along to discover some simple dog yeast infection home remedies.
Table of Content
Yeast infections in dogs are caused by yeast overgrowth. These fungi thrive in moist environments thus they are usually found in the dog's ear canals and under skin folds. The most common fungus implicated in yeast infections is the Malassezia. "Malassezia pachydermatis is the most commonly isolated yeast in healthy dogs"
Yeast infections can also often be seen in dogs with underlying health issues. This is due to a weakness of the dog's immune system that gives the fungi room to thrive. Food allergies, environmental allergies, hormonal imbalances, and poor diet also predispose to dogs developing yeast infections.
Yeast infection in dogs manifests with various signs. Some common ones to look out for include:
Persistent itching
Distinct odor
Inflammation
Brown discharge
Skin redness
Thickened skin
Discomfort
A diagnosis has to be made by a veterinarian before starting treatment to ensure that the fungus involved is being treated. The vet will typically perform microscope slide analysis on a cotton swab sample from the affected area. Please see a vet for an accurate diagnosis before trying any dog yeast infection home remedies!
Mix apple cider vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio in a spray bottle and apply to affected areas. This is a good topical treatment on your dog's skin for dogs yeast dermatitis. Apple cider vinegar is a natural dog yeast infection home remedy due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties. It also helps to restore the normal pH balance of the skin.
Be careful not to apply the vinegar rinse on broken or inflamed skin as this can cause irritation.
Yeast grows when the inhibition of naturally present beneficial bacteria is lost especially in the gut. Yogurt contains probiotics that enhance microbial balance and provide comfort for pets (Qing Yang et al, 2023). Remember to give only plain, unflavored, and sugar-free yogurt.
Probiotic treatment usually involves giving two to three teaspoons of an oral probiotic supplement but topical preparations are also available.
Coconut oil contains lauric acid that inhibits yeast infection in dogs and when applied topically, it helps reduce inflammation. While coconut oil isn't harmful if ingested in small quantities, you can give your dog a cone to wear to discourage licking it off.
Bathing your dog's skin regularly keeps them smelling fresh and discourages microbial growth. Use an antifungal shampoo to bathe the affected area regularly. The anti-fungal shampoo will help to relieve symptoms and prevent yeast infections. Take care to bathe the area gently to avoid irritation.
Ear cleaners are good dog yeast infection home remedies for all dogs, especially those with floppy ears that are more prone to yeast infections. These antifungal ear cleaners e.g. those containing chlorhexidine, dry out the moist environment and remove any debris and wax which are necessary for yeast growth and yeast otitis. Make sure to get a vet's advice first to ensure you don't rupture the ear drum and to check that the chosen product is safe. Some cleaners can be over-drying or irritating so ensure you use one approved by your vet.
Yeast cells feed on sugars to grow and multiply. Dog foods with high carbs and sugar may fuel a yeast infection in dogs, so consider switching to a high-protein, low-carb diet like the Primal-Vitality™ Beef Organ Complex that ensures adequate nutrition for all dog breeds.
Healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids support skin health and boost a dog's immune system. These help in combating yeast infections in dogs by reducing inflammation and strengthening the skin's barrier to infection.
Some herbs, when used in small quantities, can be used as medication. Herbs like oregano or basil can help inhibit yeast growth. Basil also offers additional anti-inflammatory benefits. However, always consult your vet before incorporating any herb in your dog's treatment and diet.
Regular grooming and hygiene
Routine ear and paw cleaning
Monitoring your dog’s diet
While some essential oils are good for your dog's health, others can cause discomfort especially if ingested. They can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions especially if not properly diluted.
An alternative to essential oils is CBD oil supplements like the Happy-Furever™ CBD Oil which may help in handling the inflammatory process that accompanies yeast infections in dogs. Always consult your vet before considering an essential oil for your dog.
Dog yeast infection home remedies have different timelines, but it can take from a few days to a few weeks before improvement is noticed. It also depends on the yeast population and the dog's overall health. If symptoms persist after two weeks or if they worsen, you must consult your veterinarian as dog yeast infection home remedies may not be enough. Chronic yeast infections in dogs need professional guidance, as there's a possibility of an underlying health issue.
Avoid high-carb and high-sugar foods as they promote yeast growth and cause recurrent yeast infections in dogs. Instead, opt for high-quality dog foods with limited additives and sugars that can exacerbate yeast infections in dogs. Protein-rich foods are the best for your dog as they provide adequate nutrition for your dog's growth while creating a dietary environment unconducive for yeast overgrowth.
Dog yeast infection home remedies involve a balanced diet and regular cleaning to prevent infection. Also, giving your dog herbs, natural foods, and vet-prescribed medicine can combat a yeast infection.
Despite the effectiveness of any dog yeast infection home remedy, it is still necessary to see a vet. Treating yeast infection without an adequate diagnosis from a professional can make the condition worse or even hamper the early detection of a deadly illness. After trying these dog yeast infection home remedies, also see your vet to check and prescribe medication if necessary.
Maintaining a healthy balance of good hygiene, adequate nutrition, and regular vet checkups are key steps for pet parents to keep their dogs healthy and yeast-free.
How soon can I expect results?
The response time to CBD Happy-Furever™ can indeed differ from one dog to another, as it is a natural supplement that dogs may need time to adapt to. Many dog parents have observed noticeable positive changes in their pets' behavior and well-being within just a few days of starting the supplement. Common early signs of the supplement taking effect include better sleep, a calmer demeanor, and an increased appetite—all indicators of a content and healthy dog.
As the weeks go by, further enhancements in your dog's health may become evident. You may notice a shinier coat, a reduction in bodily pains, and an increase in energy, evident from bursts of playful excitement like the "zoomies" during fetch.
It's crucial to acknowledge that, like humans, some dogs may require a longer period to fully benefit from natural supplements like CBD oil. Patience is key, and during this time, it's also important to continue reinforcing good behavior.
When CBD helps to bring your dog to a more tranquil state, it's an opportune moment to introduce new habits and work on phasing out any undesirable behaviors. Remember, while CBD can support your dog's well-being, it is not a substitute for consistent training and conditioning.
Keep an eye out for signs of improvement; sometimes, they may not be immediately obvious. Documenting your dog's journey with videos and photos can help you recognize progress that you might otherwise overlook.
Furthermore, improvements might be taking place internally, such as enhanced immune function or reduced inflammation, which aren't always visible. The absence of health issues can often be a silent testament to the efficacy of the supplement, reflecting your dog's overall health and vitality. So, while some benefits of CBD are seen, others are felt—a healthy dog is a happy dog, inside and out.
Will these products make my pet 'high'?
Absolutely not! It's not possible for dogs to get 'high' off our CBD as they contain less than 0.3% THC, which won't cause any intoxicating effects. However, your pup might seem a lot more relaxed, and might be sleeping more - which is a healthy sign! Keep in mind that young puppies and senior dogs should be sleeping for up to 18-20 hours of their day, while adult dogs sleep approximately 16 hours.
The lack of quality sleep can affect their health and anxiety in many ways.
CBD can make older pooches act ‘puppy-like’ and nervous young pups feel calm. The ingredients that makeup hemp contribute to a balanced mood, resulting in a sense of relaxation for your pet.