Yeast is a single-cell organism that lives on the skin and in the gut of dogs. When the dog is healthy and has a healthy immune system, the yeast stays at a normal level. However, when the dog is unhealthy and his immune system is weakened, the yeast will not be kept in check and the colonies will continue to grow. An overgrowth of yeast can cause many health problems in dogs. You can treat these infections naturally.
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Prevention
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Because dogs are natural carnivores, prevention of yeast infections starts with removing grains from the diet. There are many raw-foods diet programs in stores now, and many of these do not contain grains. Any processed-food diet in a bag can contain grains, fillers and other ingredients that may contribute to your dog developing a yeast infection.
Internal Yeast Infection
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If your dog does develop a yeast infection in its gut, the most common strain of yeast is called Candida albicans. For this infection, there are several simple remedies to try. One of the most popular, according to The Earth Clinic, is plain organic yogurt. A medium-sized dog should eat 1 cup of yogurt daily. The probiotics in the yogurt will help destroy the yeast in the dog. Generally, dogs like yogurt and willl eat it mixed in their food. Avoid yogurt with sugar added. Yeast naturally eats sugar, and this will only make the yeast problem worse and take the dog longer to heal. Adding a small amount of apple cider vinegar to your dog's water bowl may help. The recommended amount starts with 2 tablespoons. If your dog tolerates this amount, you can add more, up to 20 percent of the water. If you eliminate grains from the dog's diet while treating with yogurt and apple cider vinegar, you should notice a more dramatic improvement than if you were to stay with a grain-based diet.
Yeast Infection on Skin
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Yeast infections can also occur in the dog's ears and on its underbelly. These infections are usually caused by a strain of yeast called Malassezia. For these yeast infections, natural remedies include a mixture of half vinegar and half water sprayed on the skin or in the ears. Another possible cure includes a mixture of half cornstarch and half turmeric. This can be applied with a powder puff onto the dog's skin. It will stain his skin yellow but will also relieve the itching and help cure the yeast infection.
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