are oats bad for dogs with yeast infection

Yeast Infections in Dogs

What Are Yeast Infections in Dogs?

Does your dog frantically itch their skin? Have you noticed a bad smell or greasy fur when you pet them?

If so, they may have a yeast infection.

Yeast are fungal organisms that normally live on a dogs skin without causing problems. However, when a dogs immune system weakens or an underlying health condition, such as hypothyroidism, is present, yeast can overgrow and cause an infection.

The yeast that commonly causes skin infections in dogs is Malassezia, which grows on warm, moist areas of the skin. Yeast infections cause extreme itchiness and changes to the skin, such as thickening and discoloration over time.

Yeast infections in dogs are common among pups of all ages.

While yeast infections in dogs are not considered medical emergencies, they should be treated by a veterinarian immediately to prevent symptoms from worsening. If left untreated, yeast infections can cause extreme discomfort, which can lead to a decreased appetite and lethargy, necessitating prompt veterinary care.

Because yeast infections typically develop secondary to an underlying illness or suppressed immune system, they are not contagious among dogs or to pet parents.

Types of Yeast Infections in Dogs

Yeast infections can affect various areas of the skin, including the ears, skin folds, paws, armpits, vulva, and groin.

• EarsYeast infections of the earalso referred to as yeast otitiscause a thick, brown discharge and strong odor in the ear canal. Affected dogs repeatedly scratch their ears to try to relieve the discomfort. They may also shake their heads and develop a head tilt. Ear infections are commonly related to food allergies.

• SkinYeast dermatitis refers to a yeast infection anywhere on the skin. Affected dogs have a musty odor, greasy coat, flaky or thickened skin, and hair loss. They tend to lick the affected areas of the body, which leads to brown discoloration of the skin over time.

  • Dermatitis, which is often due to allergies or a suppressed immune system, can affecta dogs skin folds, armpits, vulva, and groin.

• PawsYeast infections that affect the paws are generally related to environmental allergies, such as allergies to grass or pollen. Dogs constantly chew or lick their itchy paws, which leads to brown discoloration between the paw pads. Over time, open sores can develop on the paws.

Symptoms of Yeast Infections in Dogs

Signs of yeast infections in dogs can vary depending on what area of the body is affected.

Symptoms of yeast otitis may include:

Symptoms of yeast dermatitis may include:

• Itchy skin

• Small, red bumps on the skin

• Brown discoloration of the skin

• Frequent licking or chewing of the affected area

• Greasy hair coat

• Thickened skin

• Strong odor

Symptoms of a yeast infection affecting the paws may include:

• Licking and chewing the paws

• Brown discoloration of the skin and fur

• Red, moist areas between the paw pads

Causes of Yeast Infections in Dogs

Yeast is opportunistic, which means that although it is naturally present on the skin, it can cause an infection when conditions are favorable.

Yeast infections in dogs can develop if a pup has a weak immune system or an underlying health condition. Underlying environmental or food allergies can predispose dogs to developing yeast infections.

Skin parasites, including fleas and mites, can cause dogs to repeatedly itch their skin, which disrupts the normal skin barrier, making an infection more likely.

Some breedssuch as Pit Bulls, Boxers, and Cocker Spanielsare more frequently affected by yeast infections.

How Veterinarians Diagnose Yeast Infections in Dogs

A vet may use several tests to diagnose a yeast infections in dogs.

First, they will gather a through medical history, including when the symptoms started, if your pet is taking any medications, and if they have previously been diagnosed with any health conditions.

Next, your veterinarian will perform a full physical exam to check your dogs overall health. They may also perform blood work to check for any abnormalities.

Additional tests will depend on what your veterinarian finds during the initial exam, but may include the following:

• Tape impressionDuring this test, your vet presses a piece of clear tape to the affected area of skin to collect a sample. Its then stained and examined under a microscope to identify yeast.

• CytologyA cotton swab is used to collect a sample from the affected area, and it is then rubbed gently onto a microscope slide. The sample is then stained and examined under a microscope to look for yeast.

• CultureA sterile cotton swab is used to collect a sample from the affected area. It is then sent to a lab to identify the type of organism present.

• Skin biopsyFor chronic infections or those that are unresponsive to treatment, a small sample of skin can be taken and sent to a lab for a more accurate diagnosis.

Treatment of Yeast Infections in Dogs

Treatment for yeast infections in dogs will depend on the location and severity of the infection. Yeast dermatitis is often treated with antifungal medications and prescription shampoos.

If the infection affects only one area, a topical medication may be all that is needed. For more widespread infections, oral medications and frequent bathing can help resolve the issue.

Yeast otitis is typically treated with topical antifungal medications and steroids to reduce inflammation. Your veterinarian may recommend that you use a medicated ear wash prior to instilling ear medications.

Paw yeast infections may benefit from medicated antifungal wipes and oral medications, including antifungals and steroids.

Recovery and Management of Yeast Infections in Dogs

Because yeast infections in dogs often develop secondary to another health condition, they will not resolve without veterinary treatment.

Determining the underlying cause of the yeast infection and treating it accordingly improves treatment success. For example, if your dog has an underlying food allergy, an accurate diagnosis and treatment can help their skin improve.

It can take a few weeks to a few months for a yeast infection to fully resolve, depending on the severity. Most dogs start to feel relief from their symptoms in a week or two, but it can take several additional weeks for a pet parent to notice significant improvement to their skin and coat.

Prevention of Yeast Infections in Dogs

Ensuring your dog receives regular preventive care and vaccinations keeps them healthy and less likely to develop infections.

Additionally, health conditions that can lead to yeast infections in dogs can be caught and managed early during routine wellness visits.

Yeast Infections in Dogs FAQs

What food causes yeast infections in dogs?

Most of the food ingredients that cause allergies in dogs are proteins. Chicken is the most common food allergen related to yeast infections.

What happens if dog yeast infections go untreated?

If a dogs yeast infection is left untreated, it will progressively worsen and lead to extreme discomfort. Over time, the discomfort can cause the dog to become very sick.

What should I feed my dog when they have a yeast infection?

Unless the yeast infection is due to an underlying food allergy, its generally fine to continue your dogs usual diet. However, it is best to follow your veterinarians recommendations when deciding what to feed your dog.

Featured Image:SerhiiBobyk/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

WRITTEN BY

Brittany Kleszynski, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. Brittany Kleszynski is a veterinarian and freelance medical writer who specializes in creating meaningful content that engages readers...

Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal?

A healthy breakfast choice that offers an abundance of nutritional value to humans, oatmeal is a staple found in many peoples homes. But, can dogs eat oatmeal? The answer is yes, but there are some things you should keep in mind before feeding your pup this snack.

Is Oatmeal Good for Dogs?

Oatmeal is high in fiber and contains a plethora of nutrients, minerals, and antioxidants. Served in moderation, oatmeal can benefit a dog in a variety of ways, says Dr. Carly Fox of New York Citys Animal Medical Center. It is a great alternative carbohydrate for dogs that may be sensitive to wheat or grains. Oatmeal contains vitamin B, which helps maintain a healthy coat, and linoleic acid, which is a type of omega-6 fatty acid that helps to maintain the strength of dogs skin.

Its also a great source of soluble fiber, which can regulate blood glucose levels and help dogs that have irregular bowl movements. But Dr. Fox cautions that feeding your dog foods containing a lot of fiber can lead to GI upset, whose symptoms include diarrhea and vomiting.

How to Serve Oatmeal Safely to Dogs

When preparing oatmeal for your canine companion, make it with water, as opposed to milk. Dogs are very sensitive to dairy, and their bodies dont break down lactose as easily as humans do, says Dr. Fox.

If you plan to share your oatmeal, make sure its cooked and not sprinkled raw over food; serving it raw will only make it harder for your pup to digest. It should also be plain; while humans might enjoy additives, such as salt, butter, chocolate, raisins, or grapes, these ingredients can be extremely harmful to a dogs health. Never feed your dog flavored oatmeal, as it often contains more sugar and may even have artificial sweeteners, such as xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Once the oatmeal is cooked, serve it at room temperaturegiving your dog food thats too hot can cause burns inside their mouth.

Dr. Fox also advises owners to stay away from instant oatmeal. While its faster and easier to prepare, its highly processed, and the health benefits your dog gets from eating oats will decrease. It loses its nutritional value, explains Dr. Fox. The least processed version provides the most health benefits.

Dietary Advice

Whats important to remember is that too much of any human food can be upsetting to a dogs stomach. Just because youre eating oatmeal daily for breakfast doesnt mean your dog should, too. Generally, you can feed your dog one tablespoon of cooked oatmeal for every 20 pounds of their weight.

Dont give your dog too much oatmeal at once because it contains a lot of carbohydrates and is relatively high in calories. Consuming a large amount can also lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and/or bloat, which can be life threatening. Half-a-cup of cooked oatmeal (at most), one to two times a week is more than enough for most large dogs. Your dog should be eating a well-balanced commercial diet, Dr. Fox says.

When introducing human food into your dogs diet, start off gradually and gauge how well he handles it. If he has any adverse reactions, consult your veterinarian immediately.

Here at the AKC, we field many queries from anxious dog owners about what is and isnt safe for their canine companions to eat. Questions range from the obvious (Can dogs eat steak bones?) to the trendy (Can dogs eat quinoa?) Check out more Can dogs eat articles on AKC.org to see what foods could be harmful to your dog, includingcherries,avocados, andonions.

What To Feed A Dog With Yeast Overgrowth

Food and diet can be a major cause of yeast overgrowth in dogs. So heres some help with what to feed a dog with yeast overgrowth ... plus a recipe for homemade dog food for yeast overgrowth.

First, here are some of the symptoms of yeast overgrowth in your dog.

Symptoms of Yeast Overgrowth in Dogs

Yeast overgrowth is uncomfortable for your dog. Here are some of the signs you might see:

• Head shaking
• Dark rusty-red hair between the toes
• Blackened skin
• Chewing or licking the feet
• Seasonal allergies
• Hair loss on the tail or upper back

If your dog has more than one of these signs, it could be yeast. And theres a way to manage it with homemade dog food for yeast overgrowth.

So heres what to feed when a dog has yeast overgrowth.

Homemade Dog Food Recipe for Yeast Overgrowth

Here's a recipe you can use to help manage your dog's yeast overgrowth.

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground turkey 1/2 pound chicken hearts, chopped1 oz beef liver (1/3 deck of cards), chopped2 eggs without shells1/2 cup chopped kale1/2 cup chopped broccoli2 Tbsp bone meal 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar2 Tbsp ground pumpkin seeds2 tsp turmeric2 tsp (2 cloves) garlic2 tsp ginger2 tsp MCT oil 1 tsp chlorella1/2 tsp kelp

Add before servingOmega-3 oil (such as fish oil) 1/2 tsp Himalayan pink salt

Directions

Mix up the meat and organs. Add in the vegetables and eggs. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well. When adding Safe-Sea or fish oil, use 3/4 tsp for a 50-pound dog or the same amount per 1 lb of food.

This makes about 2 lbs of food. Feed a 50 lb dog about 16 oz (1 lb) and adjust according to your dogs weight. The recipe can be doubled or tripled for larger dogs.

Why Feed These Ingredients?

Heres why these ingredients are important in your homemade dog food to help with yeast overgrowth.

• Bone meal: supplies essential minerals and nutrients.
• Kale &broccoli: great sources of antioxidants that also support the immune system.
• ACV: can help support the normal detoxification of yeast.
• Pumpkin seeds: a natural source of vitamin E (and theyre also a great solution for intestinal worms).
• Turmeric: can help support the normal detoxifcation of yeast.
• Garlic: supports a healthy liver and gut function, which is important for yeast die-off.
• Ginger: support gut health and liver function.
• MCT oil: contains caprylic acid that helps support the normal detoxification of yeast.
• Chlorella:supports the body from exposure to heavy metal or environmental toxins.
• Kelp: rich in iodine. Yeast can be linked to hypothyroidism and iodine can help balance the thyroid gland.

Other Foods to Include in Homemade Dog Food

There are other foods and vegetables that you can include to increase the level of antioxidants for your dog, like leafy greens or asparagus. If you give fruit, useberries, blackberries and raspberries that are lower in sugar and offer exceptional health benefits.

RELATED:Antioxidants for dogs

Foods to Avoid for Yeast Overgrowthin Dogs

Avoid starchy vegetables, foods that contain carbohydrates and added sugars that may show on labelsas dextrose and fructose. They include:

• Carrots, parsnips, peppers (which are also a nightshade vegetable that you should avoid because it contains solanine, which may further aggravate inflammation).
• Potatoes
• Sweet potatoes
• Squash including pumpkin
• Tapioca
• Grains like rice, millet, wheat, corn and oats
• Starchy vegetables like carrots, parsnips and peas
• Legumeslike lentils, chickpeas, lima and kidney beans
• Dairy, including yogurt

Note:Youll often see yogurt recommended for yeast infections in dogs. But dairy, including yogurt, contains natural sugar that will continue to feed the yeast. Instead of yogurt, its best to give a probiotic supplement. Then youll know youre giving enough CFUs (colony forming units) to address problems like digestive issues or diarrhea.

The Best Supplements for Dogs With Yeast Overgrowth

Here are some of the best foodsand herbs for dogs with yeast overgrowth.

Caprylic Acid MCT oil is the best source of caprylic acid. Start slowly and work your way up to avoid diarrhea until your dog adjusts to it. Medium to large dogs should start at tsp.

Olive Leaf Olive leaf powder contains oleuropein. Many studies show it can help with the normal detoxification of yeast. Give small dogs 1/4 tsp, medium 1/2 tsp and large 1 tsp daily, but again, start slowly.

Pau DArco Pau darco comes from a tree native to the Amazon. A potent powerful, it can help with yeast overgrowth. Choose pau darcoin a dried herb thats standardized and high quality. Give small dogs 200 mg twice daily, medium 300 mg and large 400 mg.

Caution:Dont give pau darco to pregnant dogs.

Goldenseal Studies show that goldenseal can help with yeast overgrowth. It containsberberine, a protective alkaloid.Choose dried goldenseal or goldenseal tincture. For powder, give 1 tsp per 20 lbs of body weight, or 510 drops of tincture per 20 lbs, 1-2 times daily. .

Caution:Dont use goldenseal long term and avoid it with pregnant or hypoglycemic dogs.

Yeast overgrowth is uncomfortable for your dog. When you improve his diet, you begin building better health for him,from the inside out.