Yeast Infection in Animals
The cause of yeast overgrowth in dogs is slightly different from that of humans only in the sense that different causes are under focus. When a human has yeast infection, the concentration seems to lie on moisture and a low immune system response. Too much moisture in an warm area for an extended length of time on a regular basis contributes to abnormal yeast growth. Inability for the body to keep the growth under control contributes to the infection.
With an animal, such as a dog, many reasons are given as to why the animal could have a yeast overgrowth that causes infection. Although, it is possible that humans and dogs do share some of the same reasons for yeast infection.
One example is the overuse of antibiotics. Both humans and animals have become subject to that because of the ease of prescribing antibiotics and their popularity for helping improve so many illnesses. The double-edged sword lies in the fact that antibiotics can both help us, yet cause a yeast infection in the process of improving other problems.
Stress is another factor humans and animals share. Animals can't discuss their stress, so it can easily be overlooked that they have a problem with it. Stress can create yeast imbalance in both humans and animals. Comprised immune systems, an imbalanced diet, and illness are all factors both humans and animals share when being subjected to yeast infections.
So, what is the difference in how humans and animals get yeast infections? Boarding, flea preparations, heartworm medications, toxic gut syndrome, vaccinations, no digestive enzymes and poor quality minerals are some of the ways animals and humans differ in how they get yeast infections.
If your pet isn't responding well to treatments for other diagnoses, maybe you should ask your vet if yeast could be the problem. The solution could be a simple diet change to remove the yeast and poor quality food your animal has received. There are animals that simply don't fare well on the lowest cost food on the market. Animals can get food allergies just like humans can.
Signs that your pet may have a yeast infection include:
Gas, bloating, lethargy, seizures, reoccurring secondary bacterial infections, redness under the pits of their legs, in skin folds, on inner thigh areas, between toes, excessive licking of paws or private areas, and scratching excessively or rubbing the nose.
You can order yeast removal kits, but be aware that detoxifying a pet can take two to six months. Your beloved pet deserves the best care, and it's up to you to provide it. Animals suffer in silence many times, enduring uncomfortable situations simply because they can't tell us there is a problem. A silent pet doesn't mean a pet is healthy. Be aware of what is normal for your animal.
Medicated shampoo may be another treatment option to help your pet through their yeast problem. Bathing more often than normal may be necessary to help relieve the symptoms. Just make sure you dry the affected areas as thoroughly as possible. It may also be necessary to place a collar on the pet to keep them from licking their wounds during recovery.
