Dogs primarily suffer from yeast infections in the ears, although occasionally a dog can develop yeast infection lesions on the skin. Breeds with heavy, floppy ears like cocker spaniels, beagles and basset hounds are far more likely to develop yeast infections than dogs with upright ears like German shepherds and border collies. This is because air is unable to circulate along the inner skin of a floppy ear, causing heat and moisture to build up. Yeast bacteria love warm, moist environments and next thing you know, the dog's ears stink--the first tell-tale sign of a yeast infection.
Things You'll Need
- apple cider vinegar cotton balls witch hazel tea tree oil clove oil healthy dog snacks (see below) yogurt
Instructions
Yeast infections don't happen if the environment is too acidic. If your dog has a yeast infection in his ears or on his skin, gently swab the infected areas with a cotton ball dipped in apple cider vinegar once a day for at least two weeks. To prevent the yeast infection from returning, apply the cider vinegar once a week.
Wash the area. Andi Brown, author of "The Whole Pet Diet," recommends the following solution for cleaning yeast-infected areas on your pet: mix two ounces of witch hazel with five drops of tea tree oil and five drops of clove oil.
Check with your veterinarian. If the affected areas show signs of actual infection, or if your dog is still suffering from yeasty ears or skin lesions after two weeks of daily vinegar or witch hazel solution treatments, take her to the vet.
Introduce good, healthy bacteria into your dog's system to restore a proper balance. A spoonful or two of plain yogurt in his food once a day will help prevent future yeast infections, and make his coat shiny and soft as well.
Serve healthy snacks. One possible cause of yeast infections in dogs is the over-abundance of wheat and other grains in the diet. To cut down on grains, and to add more vitamins to the dog's diet, try feeding her healthy snacks like carrot sticks or apple slices instead of dog cookies.