Natural Remedies for Yeast Infections in Dogs
Yeast infections are extremely common in dogs and, most often, appear in the form of yeast dermatitis. Yeast dermatitis is caused by a fungus scientifically known as Malassezia pachydermatis. It’s not abnormal yeast on dogs’ skin, it’s when there’s an overgrowth of yeast that is cause for concern.
If there is a significant rise in yeast on or within the layers of the skin, a yeast infection will occur. There are a few pharmaceutical options for the treatment of yeast, but Full Spectrum Hemp Extract CBD Oil is also a promising natural remedy for canine yeast infections.
Dog Yeast Infections Symptoms
When yeast is overly abundant, our dog’s skin will become inflamed. The inflammation of the skin may appear in the form of:
- Extreme itchiness
- Redness of the skin
- Scaly, flaky skin
- Thick skin
- Dark pigmentation on the skin
- Chronic ear infections
Causes of Yeast Infections in Dogs
It’s important to know and understand that your dog’s skin (and ours) hosts a wide range of fungi and bacteria. When they are in balance with our bodies, there isn’t any reason for the body to react. The body naturally knows to keep the organisms under control only allowing a certain threshold. If the skin isn’t healthy, or the immune system isn’t functioning properly, that’s when the bacteria and/or fungi can cause infections.
You could say yeast is an opportunistic fungus. When the body can control it, it will ‘obey the rules’ the body tells it to. But, at the first opportunity to grow, yeast will multiply as much as possible. The sooner this is resolved, the better.
Are Dog Yeast Infections Contagious?
No, yeast is not contagious. If your dog has been in contact with another dog or remains in contact with another dog, there’s no reason to be alarmed as far as yeast is concerned.
That being said, there are certain breeds more susceptible to yeast infections than others including:
- Silky Terrier
- Basset Hound
- Highland White
- Terrier Cocker Spaniel
- Australian Terrier
- Chihuahua
- Poodle Shetland
- Sheepdog
- Dachshund
- Lhasa Apso
Methods for Diagnosis
There are various methods used for diagnosis. The way yeast is diagnosed depends upon your veterinarian’s preferences as well as what he or she thinks the best method is to be used.
Skin Scrape: The veterinarian will first scrape the skin with a blade to gather skin cells for examination.
Impression Smear: With an impression smear, the skin that was scraped will be placed on a glass slide to be examined under a microscope.
Cotton Swab: Cotton swab samples are used to collect yeast organisms (if present) for examination in the lab.
Acetate Tape: With this method, tape is utilized to collect skin samples.
Biopsy: This is the most invasive method of testing, but may be utilized to gather the most information possible about the yeast infection.
Western Treatment Methods
The treatment for yeast varies. There could be topical treatment (on the skin) or oral treatment. In severe cases, both may be necessary.
The most common oral antifungal medications include fluconazole, itraconazole, and ketoconazole.
Side Effects
The pharmaceuticals associated with the treatment of yeast are known to have side effects. This means your dog will need to visit the veterinarian on a routine basis to ensure the treatment is effective and their body is being tolerant.
CBD as an Antifungal
Research has determined Full Spectrum Hemp Extract CBD Oil has potential as a potent antifungal. A study published by the British Journal of Pharmacology, indicated cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, and CBC (found in full-spectrum products) can boost caryophyllene oxide. Caryophyllene oxide is the oxidized form of beta-caryophyllene (a terpene found in cannabis). Many terpenes, according to research, possess antifungal properties. Full Spectrum Hemp Extract CBD Oil is also known to possess anti-inflammatory properties which can help with swelling and tenderness associated with fungal infections.
The hemp seed carrier oil, found in CBD Dog Health’s tinctures, adds extra therapeutic benefit to handling yeast in our dogs. Hemp seed oil is an excellent source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. The proper balance of fatty acids in the body is critical for reducing the inflammation associated with yeast in our dogs by encouraging healthy skin and promoting healthy cell growth.
REMEDY Full Spectrum Hemp Extract (CBD) salve, available here at CBD Dog Health, is used to fight fungal infections, yeast infections, skin infections, polyps, warts, and other growths. REMEDY is an all-natural topical Full Spectrum Hemp Extract CBD salve for mammals, combining hemp CBD, naturally occurring cannabinoids, and essential oils in an effective formula for optimum results.
Final Thoughts
There are more veterinarians leaning toward a more alternative approach when it comes to fungal infections. Due to the side effects associated with antifungal infections, and the lack of side effects associated with CBD, CBD may be the favored option depending on the case.