The question of Do Allergies Cause Yeastinfection in Dogs is a complex one. While it is common for allergic reactions to be the root of yeast infection, the opposite is often true.
How Do Allergies Cause Fungal Infections in Dogs?
Allergic Reactions
Many factors can trigger yeast infection in your dog. Your dog’s age, body size, and breed all play a part in the treatment of the condition.
One of the most common reasons a dog can develop a yeast infection is because it’s experiencing an allergic reaction to something. While allergies are a common cause of a yeast infection in dogs, a lack of knowledge about this condition can result in an undiagnosed case.
Yeast in dogs may also cause red, greasy, or flaky skin. Your dog may develop a thick layer of skin, which is an early indication of a yeast infection. You may also notice hair loss on the tail and upper back of your dog, speckles on the underbelly, and diarrhea.
Dogs can develop this condition due to an overgrowth of the fungus, Malassezia. Yeasts usually live on a dog’s skin and in its anal sacs.
Overactive Immune System
Many factors can cause a dog to suffer from a yeast infection, including an overactive or underactive immune system. In addition to allergies, certain medications can alter the balance of good and bad bacteria.
Antibiotics and steroids can help with symptoms, but they don’t fix the underlying problem. Antibiotics, for example, destroy healthy yeast and kill good bacteria.
Yeast is also a common cause of chronic infection, and sometimes a dog may suffer from chronic yeast dermatitis. However, a chronic yeast infection can be caused by an underlying condition, such as immunosuppressive drugs.
A veterinarian can diagnose a yeast infection by taking a sample of your dog’s skin. An antifungal medication, such as ointments and miconazole, may be prescribed. Oftentimes, a topical antifungal shampoo can relieve the symptoms of a yeast infection.
Candida Albicans
Just as in humans, the overgrowth of candida in the body can cause a number of health problems. A diet high in carbohydrates feeds the Candida population, resulting in a condition called candidiasis. The author of The Yeast Connection, Dr. William G. Crook, linked chronic health problems with candida and a high-carbohydrate diet.
There are several causes of candidiasis in dogs. Poor quality commercial dog food can cause the infection, as an expensive premium food. These foods may contain grains and starches that are unnecessary for the health of your dog.
If your dog is suffering from a yeast infection, it’s likely that it’s having an unhealthy diet. Food sets the baseline for the body’s systems and organs, and 70% of your dog’s immune function is based on gut health. As such, your dog needs to eat a balanced diet to stay healthy.
Another way to minimize the severity of a yeast infection in your dog is to switch your dog’s diet. A yogurt is a good option for treating this condition. Give your dog about two tablespoons of yogurt a day to reduce the growth of candida in his or her body.
Fleas
To treat a yeast infection in your dog, first, you have to remove all the yeast from the dog’s body. To do this, you can apply a topical or oral antifungal medication.
Depending on your dog’s condition, you may only need a topical treatment, or you may need to use oral medication. To treat a widespread yeast infection, your vet may prescribe a combination of medication and topical treatments.
During treatment, your dog may be asymptomatic, but you must monitor your dog for certain symptoms. Affected pets may exhibit head shaking and tilting, as well as licking and scratching.
A dog with a yeast infection will have a distinctly pungent smell, but you may get used to it after a few days. Yeast can infect dogs in many places, so your veterinarian is your best bet for a definitive diagnosis. The odor is caused by the overgrowth of yeast in the dog’s gut.
Antibiotics
In order to prevent secondary yeast infections in your dog, make sure to check his immune system for signs of an underlying disease. Some dogs with weakened immune systems are at greater risk for secondary infections than others.
If you suspect that your dog has a yeast infection, it is important to contact your veterinarian. During an appointment, the vet will likely take samples of the infected area and prescribe an antifungal medicine.
Yeast in the dog’s digestive tract is composed of three main substances: fiber, fats, and proteins. Digestive enzymes should break down all three substances. Yeast’s shell is made up of fiber, so these medications should contain enzymes that break down fiber.
Yeast infection in dogs can be a persistent issue that requires ongoing monitoring. Some veterinarians recommend using antifungal shampoo and antifungal spray to soothe the infected area.
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