A yeast infection and an allergy to an ingredient in a dog’s food can have very similar symptoms. Many low-quality dog foods can lower the immune system, causing symptoms that may be caused by either a yeast infection or allergic reaction. If your dog is exhibiting signs of allergies or a yeast infection, he should be seen by a veterinarian to determine the cause of the problem.
Canine Yeast Infection
Yeast is a normal part of a dog’s digestive tract. When the dog is in good health, his body has the ability to keep the yeast at low enough levels that it will not cause any health problems. This yeast can grow out of control when the body’s immune system has been compromised in some way.
There are three types of yeast infections. A superficial yeast infection is an inflammation of tissue linings such as the skin and respiratory tracts. Locally invasive infections include pneumonia, cystitis and ulcers on the intestinal or respiratory tract. Systemic yeast infections present as lesions of the kidney, liver, heart, spleen and other organs.
Things that can compromise a dog’s immune system include age, low-quality food, stress, vaccines, toxins, flea sprays, household cleaners and medications.
Symptoms of a Yeast Infection in Dogs
The most common symptoms of a yeast infection in dogs include excessive itching, body odor, bladder and ear infections, arthritis, sores, scabs, discharge from the genitals and blackened skin.
Low Quality Dog Foods
A low-quality dog food can compromise a dog’s immune system when it lists grain as the No. 1 ingredient. Grains turn into sugars which feed the yeast in a dog’s body.
The low-quality dog foods typically contain artificial preservatives, colorings, flavorings and substandard protein sources that can be toxic to a dog.
Dog Food Allergies
Dog food allergies are different than yeast infections. Dog food allergies exhibit symptoms such as itchy skin around the face, ears, armpits and anus. If the allergies become severe, the dog may exhibit signs such as infections, excessive hair loss and hot spots.
It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish whether a dog is allergic to the food it is eating or is suffering from another sort of allergy that can cause the same type of symptoms.
Treatment for Dog Food Allergies and Yeast Infections
If a food allergy is most likely the culprit of your dog’s skin problems, a veterinarian may recommend a food trial, which consists of feeding your dog a source of proteins and carbohydrates for 12 weeks with no dog treats or plastic toys given during this trial.
A grain free diet should be given to your dog if it is suffering from a yeast infection.
A baking soda rinse may be used on your dog's skin by mixing 2 tablespoons of baking powder with a gallon of water. Pour the mixture over the dog and do not rinse off. This will help with itchy skin.
Diluted apple vinegar may be applied to any lesions on the skin to clean the infection.
A veterinarian may also prescribe an anti-fungal medication.
Deanna Roddy - I've been writing for many years now. I ran my own underground music magazine where I interviewed many musicians, wrote articles and ...
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