Dog Yeast Infection

Skin diseases are very common in dogs and dog yeast infection is one of them. This condition always starts with simple itching and rash with a gradual thickening of skin. If neglected the itch becomes acute and emits foul odor. The entire body of the dog can be affected by it. This is quite a troublesome situation but it can be treated effectively if checked in initial stages.

Malessezia dermatitis is the fungal infection that causes this situation. The yeast lives on normal skin, in ears, and on anal glands, but if it is present in large amount then disease results. There may be many reasons of yeast proliferation but increase in skin oils is a major contributor to it. Sometimes immune deficiency or allergic conditions like seborrhea lead to such overgrowth of yeast.

Some other prominent reasons that contribute to dog yeast infection are antibiotic overuse, poor nutrition, over vaccination, hormone stress, anxiousness, high strung hyperactivity, change in environs, inbreeding, fleas, and heartworm medications.

It is important to identify overgrowth of yeast as early as possible. This identification is done by various methods like scotch tape sampling, impression smear, skin scraping with blade, cotton swab method, and skin biopsy. Although all breeds of dogs are prone to dog yeast infection, breeds like White Terrier, Maltese, Poodle, Shetland sheepdog, Lhasa apso, Australian terrier, Chihuahua, Silky terrier, West Highland, Basset hound, dachshund, and Cocker spaniel are found to be predisposed to yeast infections genetically.

The dog ear yeast infection is one of the most pestering of problems. Since yeast prospers in warm and moist environs, dog’s ear is the most suitable place for proliferation of yeast. The yeast growth manifests in external as well as internal expressions of the disease.

Some of the external expressions of yeast infections consist of itchy skin, skin irritation, redness, inflammation, odor, sensitivity to light, sound and movement. Sometime many of these symptoms passed as symptoms of allergy and bacterial infection which unnecessarily delays treatment. Some internal symptoms are gastrointestinal track problems, lethargy, bloating, depression, arthritis, fatigue, weakened immune system, and inadequate absorption of nutrients.

The treatments for this condition need to focus upon external and internal control of yeast infection. To detoxify the body of the dog, metabolic enzyme can be used. To maintain the pH balance of the stomach, digestive and dietary enzymes can be used. Use of oxy-drops in water and food can be beneficial to check the growth pathogenic bacteria and fungus in your dog’s system.

To treat dog yeast infection externally, bathe the dog using a sulfur based shampoo. Rinsing the affected parts with 50-50 mixture of Apple Cider Vinegar and water is very useful. As for the ears you have to consult you vet for proper care and medication.

Oral therapy combined with spot treatment can work wonders for dog ear yeast infection. There are many medications available in market to treat dog yeast infection and are reputed to produce good effects. Yet, it is best to consult a vet and use only prescription medicines on your pet.

Since prevention is better than cure, constant vigilance could avoid these troublesome occurrences of yeast infection. Proper care and treatment can help to prevent recurrent infections. While consulting the vet explain dog’s habit, previous medical history for proper diagnosis. A little sensitivity and a vigilant eye can save your pet from a lot of discomfort.

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