Yeast Dermatitis in Dogs

Yeast is extremely common in dogs and, most often, appears in the form of yeast dermatitis. Yeast dermatitis is caused by a fungus scientifically known as Malassezia pachydermatis. It’s not abnormal for yeast to be found on the skin of our dogs. It’s when there’s an overgrowth of yeast that causes 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 to the treatment of yeast, but CBD is also an up-and-coming, and promising, option for antifungal use. 

Signs of a Yeast Infection

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

It’s important to know and understand 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 doing as well, 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. 

 

Is Yeast 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 there) 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 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 CBD 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. CBD 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

REMEDY Full Spectrum Hemp Extract (CBD) salve, available here at CBD Dog Health, is used to reduce and heal fungal infections, yeast infections, skin infections, polyps, warts, and other growths. REMEDY is an all-natural topical 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. To learn more about how to resolve chronic yeast overgrowth in your dogs with CBD, book a consultation with Angela Ardolino (Cannabis Expert and Founder of CBD Dog Health) and Dr. Zac Pilossoph, DVM, today!

About Angela Ardolino

Angela Ardolino is a holistic pet expert who has been caring for animals for over 20 years and operates a rescue farm, Fire Flake Farm, in Florida. She is also the owner of  Beautify the Beast,  a natural pet salon and shop. After getting her certificate in Medical Cannabis Biology and Therapeutic use from the University of Vermont School of Medicine, she founded CBD Dog Health to provide high quality, all-natural medical cannabis products designed specifically for pets. Angela has seven dogs, Odie a 12-year-old mini-schnauzer, Nina an 8-year-old Doberman. Jolene a 7-year-old mutt, Maza a 7-year-old mutt, Rhemi an 8-year-old poodle, Potato a 15-year-old shih-tzu, and Miss Daisie a 15-year-old black lab, plus 4-10 more at any time she is fostering or boarding. She uses Full Spectrum Hemp Extract on all her pets at her rescue farm every day, and has since 2016. She is a member of the Society of Cannabis Clinicians, the Veterinary Cannabis Association and has trained hundreds medical doctors and veterinarians about the therapeutic uses of medical cannabis on animals. Visit www.angelaardolino.com for more information.