Dog Food Yeast Problems

Food Allergies

• According to PetEducation.com, 10 percent of the allergies seen in dogs are directly connected to the foods they eat. Unlike a food intolerance, where the digestive system is turned topsy-turvy over an inability to digest certain foods, food allergies do not cause tummy upsets. They do, however, cause a plethora of other medical problems that can plague your dog mercilessly until you figure out exactly what is causing the problem. Unfortunately, it's a process that takes some time. But it's a relatively simple process so your veterinarian's directions, which will include an elimination trial period, are easy to follow.

  When a veterinarian diagnoses a food allergy, most likely she will ask you to begin what they call an "elimination diet." During this phase, you will give your dog a protein and carbohydrate food product they have not tried before. For example, if your dog is eating a commercial food like Purina or Eukanuba, the vet will switch your dog's diet to a highly specialized food such as salmon and potato. Once the dog is doing well on that diet, other foods are slowly introduced to see which one triggers the allergic reaction.

What is Yeast?

• Food allergies sometimes trigger a yeast infection in dogs. Candida, commonly known as yeast, is a type of fungal infection. It is the result of the dog's inability to properly process certain elements of dog food. Candida, which thrives on sugars, is a naturally occurring organism in a dog's digestive system. The sugars in your dog’s diet come from grains and starchy foods, as well as other carbohydrates. The problem results when the yeast organisms begin to grow out of control, overwhelming the dog’s system. Most dogs can fight off this proliferation of yeast. But dogs that are immunocompromised or simply prone to yeast infections will experience symptoms of an infection once the candida takes over. The body manufactures a normal bacteria, (Lactobacillus acidophilus) tasked with keeping candida in check. But when the yeast cells take over, they create an environment too toxic for that beneficial bacteria to thrive. The result is a yeast infection directly connected to the food that your dog is eating.

Ears

• One of the most baffling yeast problems resulting from a food allergy is an ear infection. Dogs with long, floppy ears are most prone to ear infections because air and light can't circulate inside the ear, drying the yeast and helping to treat existing problems or avoid future ones. Dogs with small ears open to the air are also candidates for ear infections if a food allergy is the culprit.

  A yeast infection in your dog's ears is diagnosed by both clinical observation and laboratory testing. The dog will scratch his ears constantly, trying to relieve the intense itching. His nails can tear the delicate tissue inside the ears, causing redness, swelling and inflammation. Upon examination, the vet will find a thick, yellowish discharge with a consistency and odor similar to peanut butter. Under a microscope, a yeast cell presents as a peanut-shaped cell.

  Ear flushing and one of a variety of ear drops will most likely be prescribed to control the infection. If the problem is chronic, it may indicate a food allergy and the vet will direct you on the elimination diet.

Skin

• Skin problems can also develop as a result of a dog food yeast allergy. The dog's fur will appear moth-eaten, with spots of fur missing. Licksores, also called "hot spots," are one of the most difficult problems to address because they can become a serious threat to your dog's health. It begins as a small pimple-like eruption or rash on the dog's skin and can appear anywhere on the dog's body. The dog will lick at it in an attempt to relieve the itching and irritation it causes. The more he licks and bites at it, the worse it gets. There is no truth to the myth that a dog's mouth is very clean. That belief arose from the fact that a dog with an injury can keep it clean and infection-free with salivary enzymes. While that is true, modern antibiotics work much better than a dog's saliva. The result of all that licking and biting will be further inflammation and irritation. Hot spots are treated topically with a calming salve and may require the use of prophylactic antibiotics.

Other Problems

• Though ear and skin eruptions are the most common symptoms of a food allergy due to yeast, there are many other dog food yeast problems. These problems include depression, brittle nails, asthma, mucus in the stool, insomnia, bloating, muscle and joint pain, irritable bowel syndrome, rectal itching, sinusitis and a host of other disorders. These problems are treated symptomatically. Avoidance of the cause of the allergy, however, is still the most important thing dog owners can do for their companion animals to maintain a state of homeostasis.