 |
Dog Yeast Infection
Can you guess
the most common dog yeast infection?
Ninety
percent of them occur in this spot, so if you reading this
because your
dog has stumbled across this problem you probably guessed
correctly: dog ear yeast infection.
A yeast infection is a
simple skin
condition that is caused by Malessezia dermatitis, a fungal
infection that forms an excessive build-up of yeast in one particular
area of the body.
Fortunately, there is a perfectly safe and natural cure that will
eliminate your dog’s unpleasant symptoms.
How to determine if your
dog has a yeast infection
Common causes
Holistic
treatments for yeast infections
Preventing future yeast
infections in your dog
How to Determine the Presence of a Dog
Yeast Infection
Most
of us view our dogs as part of the family and feel we know our dogs as
well as we know our spouse or child. If you feel this way,
you
are already on the right track to determining whether or not your dog
is suffering from a dog yeast infection.
What does knowing my dog have to do with diagnosing a dog yeast
infection? Let me give you an example…
If
you know that your dog is usually very energetic and rarely a
consistent scratcher then you will probably realize
that something is
wrong if your dog begins to mope around and scratch her ear
frequently. The better you know and understand your pet, the
easier it will be to spot a problem before it becomes too serious.
If you notice a change in your dog, determine if a dog ear yeast
infection is the culprit by examining the ear for:
- Crustiness around the center of the ear
- Discharge
- Foul smell
- Redness
- Shaking of the head
- Swelling
Note:
The common symptoms of a dog yeast infection can mimic those of a dog
that has contracted ear mites or has something stuck far inside the
ear. Your vet will be able to determine the difference
between
these issues.
Common behaviors of a dog suffering from a dog yeast infection of the
ear:
- Moping around with noticeably less energy
- Rubbing the ear on carpet or furniture
- Scratching the ear excessively
- Shaking of the head
- Whining
If
you have observed your dog’s strange behavior or symptoms, get him to
the vet as soon as possible. The yeast infection can worsen
if it
goes un-treated, so the sooner the better for your dog and your brand
new oriental rug!
(back to top)
What are Common Causes of a Dog Yeast
Infection of the Ear?
There are a number of possible contributors to yeast growing in the ear
of your dog:
Antibiotics:
A dog yeast infection of the ear can be caused by common
antibiotics. Your veterinarian may prescribe an antibiotic to
treat one bacterial infection, and
that antibiotic may in turn cause
another. Be wary of this when your vet prescribes an
antibiotic
and always remember there are usually holistic
alternatives.
Dark and
Moist growing spots:
Yeast thrives in moist, dark environments, which makes the ears of all
our beloved “floppy eared dogs” a perfect growing spot. If
your
dog has floppy ears, frequently use a wet wipe or natural ear cleaner
to keep them as clean as possible.
Low Immune
System:
In the end, a healthy dog will always have a greater chance at fighting
off illness and disease. It is the same with a dog yeast
infection. Yeast takes advantage of an unhealthy dog that may
not
have to best diet, exercise and bathing routine. Give your
dog a
fighting chance against yeast by keeping them healthy!
Scratched or
Wounded:
An ear that has been scratched or wounded is more susceptible to
excessive yeast growth. Check your dog’s ears often for
scratches
or wounds. If one is spotted, do your best to keep it clean.
(back to top)
Holistic
Treatments for a Dog Yeast Infection
Your
first step to treating your dog’s yeast infection is to have it
diagnosed by your veterinarian. If your dog is suffering from
ear
mites or a particle lodged in the ear, it is important to have that
treated by a professional.
If your veterinarian diagnoses your dog’s yeast infection, you are safe
to go ahead and try some at-home holistic treatments...
- First,
try cleaning the dog’s ear with a diluted white vinegar
treatment.
Dilute the vinegar in water, pour a small amount
into the dog’s ear and gently massage the outer part of the
ear.
Wipe away any extra that may seep out of the ear canal. Doing
this once a day may help to clear up your dog’s yeast infection and
doing so weekly may help to prevent future infections.
- There are certain herbs that help cure and
prevent the
over growth of yeast in the body:
- Rosemary and
Tea Tree oil work as topical pain relievers
for inflammation
and as a
natural disinfectant for wounds caused
by repetitive ear scratching.
Ear Dr. from PetAlive contains
both along with Marigold (good for the skin) and Verbascum Thapsus
(commonly used in ear drops to promote ear health).
- Acidophilus helps promote a healthy
balance of flora in the stomach, which will
help prevent the overgrowth of yeast in the body. Acidophilus
is
found in a pill form and also in yogurt.
- Vitamin C is a proven anti-oxidant that can
help to regulate the growth of yeast in the body.
(back to top)
How to Prevent
Future Yeast Infections in Your Dog
Follow these tips to help prevent a dog yeast infection of the ear:
- Keep
the ear and the area around the ear as clean as possible.
This
can be done by using a dog ear cleaner,
along with baby wipes for
everyday use. Since a dog’s ear canal is L-Shaped
(rather
than straight as in humans), you can also use a Q-Tip without fear of
puncturing the ear drum.
- Consider
using Ear Dr. as mentioned above.
In addition to curing an ear yeast
infection, it also works well as a preventive measure.
- Help your dog maintain a
consistent healthy balance will help to prevent yeast infections from
occurring. A healthy, balanced diet along with plenty of
exercise
and regular vet visit, should do the trick.
- Keep your dog well groomed. It will
proactively fight against bacterial ear infections.
(back to top)
For
additional research, search our site...
Also see...
My Online Vet MD
to get specific advice from our veterinarians about
your dog
Other Dog Ear Problems
Finding
the Right Veterinarian
Pet
Insurance Reviews
Back to Common
Dog Health Problems from Dog Yeast Infection
Back
to Organic Pet Digest Dog Care Home Page
Free Work from Home Employment - How to Create a Site Like This One
Disclaimer: In the spirit of full disclosure, we wanted to let you know that we proudly support this website through advertising and affiliate marketing. In other words, when you click on a link that takes you outside of this website, we often earn a small commission. These small commissions allow us to keep the site up and running and to continue offering it completely free of charge to you. Rest assured that all content, recommendations and advice are created before, and are independent of, any sponsorship or affiliate relationship. Click here for more info.
|
|
|