What Are the Treatments for Canine Yeast Infection?

Canine yeast infections, or Candida albicans, can occur in any dog breed and pose a severe health risk if left untreated. These yeast infections can occur both internally and externally, and there are a variety of both prescription and natural treatments that can be used to destroy the invading yeast.

  1. Identification

    • Signs of canine yeast infections can include irritated and itchy skin, excessive scratching or licking afflicted body parts, redness, a foul odor and possibly joint pain. A yeast infection that affects the ear can show signs of excessive shaking of the head, a wax buildup and possibly discharge that flows from the ear. Signs of an internal yeast infection can include gas and bloating, lethargy and intestinal problems like constipation and diarrhea.

    Misconceptions

    • Many people believe canine yeast infections occur only in the ear canal. While this is a very common site, canine yeast infections can actually afflict any part of the dog's body, including internal organs.

    Prescription Treatment

    • There are various anti-fungal and anti-microbial medications that can be prescribed by your veterinarian to help treat a canine yeast infection. For severe yeast problems, the veterinarian may prescribe ketoconazole, a medication that is administered daily for at least 30 days, to help thoroughly treat the infection. Medicated shampoo may also be prescribed or recommended to help kill yeast and soothe irritated skin.

    Natural Treatment

    • For external canine yeast infections, natural treatments include rinsing the skin with distilled white vinegar or a baking soda rinse. Diluted vinegar can also be used to cleanse and flush the ears. For internal yeast infections, probiotics can be added to the diet to restore naturally occurring flora that will destroy the internal yeast.

    Considerations

    • A poor diet or extended use of antibiotics can contribute to canine yeast infections. If your dog is prescribed antibiotics, ask your veterinarian what steps to take to prevent a yeast infection from occurring. If antibiotics are not involved, your veterinarian may recommend a specific diet to prevent future infections from occurring.