DOG YEAST INFECTIONS

CAUSES:

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. “Good” bacteria and a healthy immune system are what keeps Candida Albicans balanced and in check.

Yeast infections are caused by rapid bacterial growth usually as the result of a lowered immune system. 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 grow and cause discomfort in your pet. Some yeast infections in dogs are caused by severe allergies. 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 canine 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, is from grain-based foods, drugs, chemicals and poisons. Any cooked foods that are sold in a can or bag can be compromised can be a cause of yeast infections, as the natural state of the food is compromised. Yeast infections seem to be one of the most under-diagnosed illnesses in the veterinary field.

With proper diagnosis you can find out if your dog has an actual yeast infection, or other form of typical ways that dogs can get infected. For instance, make sure before you treat for yeast infection that you look carefully into the inside of your dogs ears, as there could be grass, matted hair, or other item lodged into the ear canal. If there seems to be 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, which is a breeding ground for yeast. Take your pet to the doctor immediately, as lodged items or infection can cause severe discomfort, loss of balance and further infection. Remember that yeast loves to find moist, dark places, where it craves to flourish.

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. 

SYMPTOMS:

There are several warning signs that can identify if a dog’s yeast infection is present.  First of all, an overgrowth of yeast will cause symptoms that are uncomfortable for your dog.

Read the list below to see a list of typical symptoms to watch out for 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.

Look for symptoms including:

low energy

whining

rubbing or scratching the ear

shaking of the head, or sense of imbalance

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.

As a responsible pet owner, you should know that there are several steps to take to discover 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, so that their actions change you can catch most things early on, to prevent further infection.

For instance, if your normally energetic dog begins to become agitated or lethargic, it is important to observe his behaviors carefully so that you will be able to describe his normal energy levels and routines to a veterinarian. Does your dog frequently take naps and is more of a lap dog who likes to snuggle, or is he always on the go. chasing, playing and running? Is he eager to go outside for walks, or does he remain on his bed when you open the door? These are just a couple of lifestyle habits you should be aware of, as if he tends to be energetic and wants to go on walks, and then one day you notice that he isn’t so keen on lot’s of exercise, there is a great possibility that there is something wrong.

Second, does your dog regularly fidget, lick, shake his head, or scratch certain parts of his body? Or is he free from habitual scratching, only indulging 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 behaviors have changed, and if there has been an accompanying change in the dog’s activities or surroundings. 

Also, another 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 behaviors 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 that will get inside the dogs 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 present with almost exactly the same symptoms, but will need different treatment. In addition, the vet will need to examine the dog and his entire ear, inside and out, to rule out other problems like matted hair or an object lodged in the ear. Sometimes, if a dog has grass stuck far inside the ear, or if the dog has contracted ear mites (from contact with an infected dog), the symptoms will mimic those of a yeast infection.

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 the fungus. He will also advise you about how to avoid recurrence.

Once you know your dog very well, and familiarize yourself with telltale symptoms of yeast, you will be able to save your dog from any further problems with yeast infection in the ears.

 COMPLICATIONS:

Dog yeast infections are caused by a dog that has a weakened or compromised immune system. 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 pesky 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.

This causes the dog to have complications in their ear canal, which can understandably throw of their balance and cause loss of hearing. If you notice that your dog has trouble standing up, or seems to be a bit wobbly when walking, then the infection might have increased to a serious nature and it is highly recommended to get your pet to the hospital at once.

Yeasts are single cell organisms, which are found on the surfaces of all living things, including your dog’s body. Yeasts normally live on the mucous membranes of the digestive tract. One family of yeasts called, Candida Albicans, live in the digestive tract and consume substances such as sugar and fats in order to survive.

When our dog’s immune system is healthy, the body is able to destroy the yeasts and keep them under control. However, when the immune system is weak, the yeast, being an opportunistic feeder, may produce in mass amounts causing toxins that disable the immune system and prevent it from functioning properly. At this point, the system becomes altered causing a host of health problems. So, It goes without saying that an overgrowth of yeast toxins will affect your pet’s immune system, nervous system, and their endocrine system. Since these systems are all inter-connected, yeast toxins play a major role in causing allergies, bladder infections, skin disorders and many other health problems.

Yeast infections in dogs are usually found in the skin and ears and are caused by an organism called Malasezzia pachydermatis or malasezzia for short. Malasezzia, interestingly enough, appeared on the dermatology scene about 10 years ago, but may have been around a lot longer. It used to be, and still is in many dogs, one that is ever present but doesn’t do any harm.

Many times dogs who are suffering from malasezzia will have skin lesions or sores. These lesions can be only one or two or, localized in patches, or in some cases all over the body. These sores are usually red and are accompanied by areas of increased pigmentation, hair loss, and scaliness or greasiness. This scaliness and greasiness with a yellowish tint is usually indicative that malasezzia is the culprit. The dogs are also usually very itchy and have a musty type odor. The most common sites for these sores are the underside of the neck, the belly, and the feet, especially between the toes.

Candida Albicans is another yeast-like fungus that normally lives in a healthy balance in the body. When the balance is upset, infection results. This is known as Candidiasis and the fungus travels to all parts of the body through the bloodstream.

As mentioned above, Normally, the large intestine hosts a balance of beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus bifidus) along with yeast. The harmful Candida is usually kept in check by the Lactobacillus bacteria, partially by the production of lactic acid. Candida actually provides growth factors for Lactobacillus. They exist in a natural balance, until something happens to upset that balance.

Although there is no “single factor” responsible for turning this naturally occurring organism into an agent of disease, the candidal species is notorious for being an “opportunistic” pathogen: “They incite disease in hosts whose local or systemic immune attributes have been impaired, damaged, or innately dysfunctional”. Candida has a tenacious ability to adhere to mucosal surfaces. This is a necessary step for the initiation of candidiasis, and adherence depends on the immune status of the host. Candida secretes enzymes which destroy membrane integrity, leading to dysfunction. Candida also secretes toxins which activate the immune system, overload the liver, and deposit in body tissues.

Many different types of traditional treatments are being used to treat yeast and other skin problems. Although drugs are temporally effective for the symptoms, they do not eliminate the cause of the symptom. It is advised to get at the cause of the situation, by looking at the whole picture, and the whole dog if you will. Once the cause is found, a PREVENTION PLAN can be initiated.

PREVENTION: 

Dog yeast infections thrive in moist, dark environments. so it’s important to keep your doggie’s ear clean, 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 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 eliminate the infection and therefore the odor from the dog’s ears that are infected. 

Other precautions which lead to great prevention is to keep your dog clean at all times to cut down on the oil in the skin:

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

              •            If your dog is out in the rain or snow, be sure to thoroughly dry him, even 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, so make sure to follow healthy 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 dog 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 compromised immune system.

To that end, do whatever you can to keep your dog’s ears clean and dry. Since yeast thrives in a moist environment, sunshine and air circulation are 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. Finally, vinegar will 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 diseases. With NuVet vitamin regime, a daily dose of this vitamin will help prevent complications to your pet’s health. NuVet Labs™ has designed a cutting edge formula that we believe will help increase your pets longevity and quality of life.

REMEDY/TREATMENT:

Dog yeast infections can mainly be treated, as they are with humans and that is with prescribed antibiotics for a bacterial infection. However, antibiotics are powerful medicine, and their use is implicated in several undesirable side effects, one of which is yeast infection. For this reason, antibiotics should not be over-prescribed, or there becomes a cyclical affect and can promote chronic infections in your dog. So the best way to treat your dog’s ear yeast infection is to do whatever possible to avoid it in the first place.

If  you haven’t been able to fight off the yeast infection and 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.

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.

Most bacteria can be readily treated with antibiotics, however, repeated use of antibiotics can render them ineffective and can cause problems in the rest of your dog’s body, including yeast overgrowth. Once yeast gains a foothold in an animal, it can become very difficult to treat, and may even become a chronic condition. 

Diet and patience will be what ultimately solves your dog’s problem, be patient.

Helpful Home Remedy: Try this homeopathic remedy for recurring 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.