Yeast infections in dogs, as in humans, are caused by an imbalance in the beneficial and harmful bacteria in the intestines. Candida, an opportunistic bacteria that attaches itself to the mucous membranes of a host's intestinal tract, works with the good bacteria when there is a balance in the system, but when there is too much candida and not enough good bacteria, the yeast begins to feed upon the weakened host. This secretes toxins into the body, which weaken the immune system of your dog.
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Symptoms
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If your dog has a high-yeast condition, he may have itchy, smelly skin, rashes with bumps or tenderness, itchy paws, recurring eye or ear infections, urinary tract or bladder infections, joint pain, lethargy, hair loss, red, itchy outbreaks on his muzzle, face or under his forearms. His skin irritations may lead to a chronic case of psoriasis or eczema, or he may develop Crohn's disease or colitis as a result of his intestinal difficulties.
Causes
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An overabundance of yeast can be caused by several factors, including overuse of antibiotics, a compromised immune system, immune-suppressant drugs or a diet high in refined wheat and sugars. Many commercial pet foods contain trace elements of antibiotics, which may lead to yeast disease when antibiotics are prescribed for actual illnesses. Because antibiotics kill beneficial bacteria along with some harmful bacteria, the candida, which is unaffected by antibiotics, moves in to take the place of the beneficial bacteria that was destroyed. It proliferates and feeds off of sugars and yeast products in the digestive system, colonizing quickly until it begins to damage the immune system, which attempts to control it. The candida produce chemicals in the digestive system, including acetone, toxic alcohol and hydrogen sulfide, a nerve disruptor. These chemicals cause fatigue and sluggishness of the brain and body, in addition to skin and digestive symptoms.
Types
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There are three main types of yeast infections that may affect your dog.
A superficial yeast infection is characterized by inflammation and redness in the skin, respiratory tract, digestive system and throat and mouth.
A locally invasive yeast infection is an infection that has progressed to cause pneumonia, esophagitis and cystitis, affecting the gastrointestinal, respiratory or genitourinary tract.
A yeast infection is considered systemic when it creates lesions on the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, brain or other organs. It is an invasive and progressive infection that can become fatal if left untreated.
Treatment
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First the dog's immune system needs to be strengthened to fight off the candida infection. Put the dog on a low-carbohydrate, low sugar diet. Increase beneficial yeast in the dog's system by feeding him yogurt products or probiotic supplements and fish oil supplements. Treat any inflamed areas by bathing the dog in soothing, anti-itch soaps, such as oatmeal soap, and applying non-steroidal creams or balms to the affected areas. Do not use immune-suppressant drugs, antibiotics or steroids to treat your dog's yeast infection. These will only add to the strength of the candida yeast.
Time Frame
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Treating candida in your dog can take several months or longer. If your pet is older or has been on a lot of antibiotics in his lifetime, cleansing his body of excess yeast may take a year or longer. It is very important to remain consistent in treating your pet's yeast. Give your dog a treat very infrequently and make sure it is low-carbohydrate and yeast-free. Anything you feed to your pet that contains yeast or sugar will feed the candida and make it stronger. Stick to the yeast-healing diet recommended by your veterinarian, and avoid all antibiotics and steroid treatments while you are ridding your dog of candida.
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