A red yeast infection, sometimes referred to as tear staining, can be a troublesome problem for many dogs. Despite the condition being mostly cosmetic, red yeast infections should never be ignored.
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Facts
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The bacteria Ptyrosporin, or red yeast, is responsible for causing the infection. Ptyrosporin thrives on moist skin and damp hair.
Symptoms
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A dog suffering from a red yeast infection will develop reddish or dark brown stains below the inside corners of its eyes. The condition is particularly noticeable on dogs with white or light-colored fur.
Causes
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While Ptyrosporin bacteria are responsible for the infection and resulting red stains, it's actually excessive tearing that triggers the yeast overgrowth. A dog's eyes may produce too many tears for a number of reasons, including fleas, allergic reactions, improper diet, obstructed tear ducts and intrusive hair.
Identification
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The signs of a red yeast infection are unmistakable, but a veterinarian can run a culture on the bacteria to determine the best course of treatment.
Treatment
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Red yeast infections can be treated with antibiotics, like tetracycline or tylosin, or through natural, herbal remedies. The best way to address the problem is to find and eliminate the cause of the dog's excessive tearing.
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