Got Yeast?
Recently, I’ve noticed a peculiar habit in my furry companion, Mimi Lee. She’s been incessantly scratching and licking her paws, leaving my poor bedsheets drenched in saliva. While I’m struggling to keep up with the laundry, Mimi Lee seems unfazed and goes about her daily routine as if nothing’s amiss. It’s like she’s got a secret paw-tapping groove that I’m not privy to, and she’s determined to keep it under wraps.
After a visit to the vet, Mimi Lee was diagnosed with yeast dermatitis. Despite administering numerous ear drops and ointments, the stubborn yeast infection persisted. Determined to get to the bottom of it, I did some research and discovered that yeast infections are quite common in dogs, especially those with long ears – a fact that I had been completely unaware of until now.
Here are the symptoms:
(Disclaimer: this website does not provide licensed medical advice, it is better to see a vet to get an accurate diagnosis)
- Itching and redness on the skin
- Unpleasant musty odor
- Crusty and flaky skin
- Thickening of the skin.
- The development of dark, pigmented skin (brownish spots)
- Chronic ear infections (otitis externa)
- Head shaking
- Pawing of the ears
- Hair loss etc
Many things can cause yeast overgrowth.
1. Diet
Many modern dog food contains loads of carbohydrates!
Unfortunately, when the long chain carbohydrate (aka starch) gets broken down in the digestive tract, the individual carbohydrates get released to form an optimal environment for yeasts to thrive. The diets of dog ancestors consist mostly proteins and only 3-4% starch. Whereas, modern pet food has 10 times the amount of starch. Starch can be a culprit to the recurring yeast infection.
2. Heavy metal accumulation
The accumulation of heavy metals in dogs has been associated with various health problems, such as skin conditions like yeast dermatitis. Exposure to heavy metals can result in their accumulation in a dog’s body, causing toxic effects like immune system damage, skin irritation, and inflammation. Ultimately, these effects can contribute to the onset of yeast dermatitis, a skin condition that manifests as redness, inflammation, and itchiness. It is crucial to seek veterinary care if you suspect your dog has been exposed to heavy metals or is experiencing symptoms of yeast dermatitis, as prompt treatment can prevent further health complications.
3. Immune deficiencies
Immune deficiency is a condition where the immune system is not able to fight off invading bacteria and viruses. Dogs are on medication that suppresses or compromises their immune system can experience a chronic yeast infection.
4. Genetics
Some breeds are more prone to yeast infections than others. Maltese, Chihuahua, West Highland White Terrier, Cocker Spaniel, and Poodle are examples of breed suffering from recurrent yeast infections.
What can I do?
There are many proclaimed remedies out there. However, not all remedies work.
Remember to find the root cause and treat the source of the infection because the longer the disease lingers, the harder it is to treat. In severe cases, prolong yeast infection in the ear can result in a loss of hearing.
Please consult with your veterinarian for an accurate treatment plan. My advice is solely based on personal experience.