Canine candida is caused by a yeast that is normally found in the body but which turns into an invasive, mucous damaging organism. This yeast is controlled by "friendly" bacteria and a healthy working immune system and its normal role is to recognize and kill harmful bacteria. Without the "friendly" bacteria, the yeast changes from a non-invasive, sugar-fermenting organism to an invasive one, thus beginning a primary yeast infection. A secondary infection can occur when yeast enters skin that has been damaged due to injury or severe scratching.
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Symptoms of a Candida Infection
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Symptoms include crusty patches on the skin and itchy, smelly skin. Warm, moist areas such as skin folds, the inside of the ear and the areas around the eyes and the anus are most likely affected.
A veterinarian can properly diagnose an infection either by looking at it or by taking a sample with a moistened cotton swab and examining it under a microscope.
High Risk Dog Breeds
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Some breeds of dogs are at higher risk than others. They include the west highland white terrier, bassett hound, cocker spaniel, chihuahua and dachshund. Poodles, maltese, the silky and Australian terriers, Shetland sheepdogs and lhasa apsos are also at higher risk.
Home Remedies
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Proper nutrition is critical in treating canine candida. Eliminate sugars and carbohydrates, as the candida thrive on them. A raw diet is the best form of nutrition for a dog, according to "All is Well," a holistic health website for dogs and cats. Trying "no grain" canned and kibble foods is an option as well.
To treat the infection, begin by removing the carbohydrates from your dog's diet. Next, add unrefined coconut oil to your dog's food a little bit at a time, eventually getting up to 1 tsp. for every 10 pounds of body weight. Too much oil too soon can cause greasy stool, diarrhea, physical fatigue, mental exhaustion and body aches. Also provide plenty of drinking water to flush out the toxins.
Two weeks after treatment, it is important to begin rebuilding the "friendly" bacteria in the stomach. Add probiotics to the dog's food, and as with the coconut oil, start slowly and build up to the desired amount recommended by the manufacturer.
Flu-like symptoms can develop, including exhaustion, body aches, diarrhea and nausea because the body is ridding itself of the toxins caused by the organism. It can take days, weeks, or sometimes months to fully rid the body of the candida. There may also be some remaining itching and skin breakouts, but rest assured, your dog is getting better.
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