A Few Facts About Dog Yeast Infection

An organism called malasezia is the cause of the condition called dog yeast infection. The organism is found on dog's skin, normally. When it gets out of control, there are symptoms in the ears, belly, neck and toes. Although the yeast inflection is found in the canine's ears, it should not be confused with ear infection. The infection is diagnosed by a visit to a veterinarian.

The affliction in dogs is caused by several different factors. Food that is consumed by the dog often includes protein from animal sources. If the food animal has been treated with antibiotics, the dog may be subject to an infection from yeast.

An infection in the ears is very obvious due to the bad odor and possible drainage. Dogs with long and furry ears are prone to yeast infections. The infection due to yeast organisms can also be seen on the skin. A dog will typically lose hair where the yeast is growing and the affected patch is more obvious.

Dogs can suffer from an outbreak of malasezia due to vaccines they have been given. Alternatively, giving pets doses of antibiotics can reduce the number of good bacteria on the skin. With nothing to control the growth of yeast, they soon overrun the dog's ability to maintain proper pH values on the skin.

Steroids are another recognized cause of yeast infections in dogs. The responsible pet owner will avoid steroid injections if possible. A visit to the vet will offer alternative treatments. This is when a cheap dog insurance policy can come in very handy. Usually, these policies cover yeast infections. There is some concern that vaccines may be linked with yeast outbreaks.

A dog yeast infection can be treated by veterinary care, but it can also be relieved by naturopathic treatments. According to Dr. Pat Bradley of Dogs' Health, the best method of treating yeast is to prevent the conditions where yeast can thrive. Once the symptoms manifest themselves, dogs can be treated by creams containing chlorhexidine, benzoyl peroxide, or sulphur. Larger infections are treated with oral antifungal medications.

Source: Dr. Pat Bradley, Dogs' Health