When your dog has a yeast infection you can always tell: He starts to itch, his skin gets red and irritated, and he can develop sores and begin to lose his hair. Dogs contract yeast infections from chemicals, antibiotics or grain-based foods. Yeast infections start on the inside, so that is where treatment must begin. Several important changes to your pet's diet will clear up the infection and improve her overall health.
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Cause
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Yeast infections occur when your dog's immune system is weakened. The healthy bacteria in his large intestine die off and are no longer able to keep yeast organisms from growing out of control. Yeast organisms also feed on the oils of your dog's skin. According to the Vetinfo website, seborrhea is a condition that causes skin to produce excessive oil. Yeast feeds on this oil and grows unchecked. Although regular baths can help control the oils in your dog's skin and treat the smell that yeast infections can produce, washing your dog too frequently can dry out her skin and make the infection worse.
Treatments: Topical, Oral, Holistic
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The veterinarian will need to do some basic tests to determine if your dog is suffering from a yeast infection. The symptoms of a yeast infection often look like allergies and are easy to misdiagnose. Your vet may prescribe an oral medication or a topical antifungal cream to ease the itch. The Internet is awash with recipes for holistic remedies you can mix up in your kitchen, but all of these remedies only treat the symptoms and not the cause. Because yeast organisms occur naturally in your dog's body, the best way to treat the infection is by repopulating your dog's digestive system with the healthy bacteria that keep yeast in check with a diet that promotes the growth of these bacteria.
Reset the Balance
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According to Jeanette Thomason, doctor of veterinary naturopathy and certified small-animal nutritionist, in a healthy dog's body there is a balance between the amount of yeast and the bacteria in the digestive tract. To reset that balance it's important to build up and maintain your dog's immune system. Dr. Thomason recommends adding supplements to your dog's food to keep him healthy and strong. The Vetinfo website lists four important supplements for your dog: neem oil to increase the production of T cells; omega fatty acids to increase the efficiency of your dog's digestion; and vitamin C and zinc to increase production of white blood cells.
Eliminate Grains and Vegetables
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A balanced diet of whole grains, vegetables, protein and dairy is important to keep our human immune systems working properly. However, what keeps us healthy isn't necessarily right for your dog. Dogs lack a chemical in their saliva called amylase. Amylase breaks down carbohydrates and starch in vegetables and grains, allowing omnivores and herbivores to extract valuable nutrients. According to Dr. Thomason, grains and vegetable material in your dog's food puts pressure on her pancreas, making it work overtime. Feeding your dog food that is free of vegetables and grains will improve his overall health and make his digestion more efficient, allowing his body to build a strong immune system.
Raw Meat
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Dogs are carnivores, and raw meat is the most natural food for them. It contains enzymes that help maintain the healthy bacteria in their intestines that keep the yeast organisms in check. Although humans can become sick with illnesses like salmonella from eating raw meat, the healthy bacteria in your dog's digestive tract will protect her from these illnesses.
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