Pets and Yeast Infections, How Probiotics Help
Executive Image International10/18/09
Tags: pets, yeast, probiotics
Have you been through countless rounds of antibiotics with your dog for red inflammed skin and constant odor?
For many, pets are a part of the family. They may not have a spot at the kitchen table, but you name them, play with them and have been known to carrying on a conversation with your silent companion. Your cat or dog has a personality, a trot or tail wag that makes them special and unique. These extended relatives need care and require particular attention as they cannot voice their symptoms or aches. It is often hard to tell when pets are sick or suffering from a yeast problem.
Yeast is a naturally occurring organism in the body of both humans and animals. It can be present on the skin but commonly it is in the intestines and functions as a part of digestion. Candida albicans is the most common species of yeast present in the digestive tract. It helps to breakdown sugars and fats, creating a balance in the body. However, that balance can be thrown off for a number of reasons and yeast and fungus can grow unchecked, causing overgrowth of yeast and many health problems to ensue.
We aim for balance in our bodies, why would it be any different for your pet? They are susceptible to illness, aches and pains, which means they require special attention. Yeast problems in pets usually surface on the skin and ears. The organism that causes yeast infection in animals is called Malasezzia pachydermatis. This organism is present in many animals without doing harm but when there is a change in yeast balance, this organism causes negative effects for cats and dogs, like constant itching. Cats can lose their hair, there may be redness or chin acne can appear. Dog yeast infections are often apparent with skin lesions or sores, which can occur all over the body. Other symptoms of dog yeast infections are a greasy and scaliness of the hair, redness, hair loss, itching and a musty odor. Areas to be away of and check if you are concerned that your dog may have a yeast infection are the underside of the neck, belly and feet.
Factors for changes in yeast levels and candida overgrowth can range from a weak immune system to flea medicines. Yeast is often described as an “opportunistic” pathogen, meaning where weakness is present it will take control and capitalize on the opportunity to overrun the natural balance and order. One of the main causes for Candida albicans to go unchecked in the digestive tract in animals is due to grain-based foods, drugs, other chemicals and poisons. Processed foods as well as pet vaccines can upset the balance of good bacteria present in your pet’s body. The immune system can also be weakened by these products. Any time you are introducing an antibiotic, vaccine or chemical like frontline or heartguard you are compromising the immune system while also wiping out the good bacteria needed to fight and keep yeast in check.
Many people use cleanses to rid their system of pathogens and toxins and reestablish a balance of good bacteria. The same methods can be used in pets. While there are treatments for the problem, it is always important to keep in mind that this is a natural occurring organism in the body and sometimes the best way to combat the problem is through a natural means instead of just treating the symptoms. For dogs, it has been suggested that they are placed on a raw meat and bone diet, along with a supplement to help boost and improve the immune system. This allows you to reintroduce good bacteria to your dogs system, while also helping to rid the yeast and toxins. Grain-based foods will wreak havoc on your dog and cat’s bodies and while it’s a hard adjustment to make in their diet, it’s important. As carnivores, the digestive systems of dogs and cats are not equipped or designed to breakdown grains or vegetables. The ancestors of our household pets were hunters and primarily ate raw meat. Despite domesticating these wild animals, we are unable to change the way in which their digestive systems work. However, you do control how your pet eats. In fact, we suffer from the same dilemma, where the food we eat is over processed and contains only artificial flavors and colors so our bodies lack proper nutrition to function the way they are intended.
Prevention starts with you. Paying closer attention to the diet you feed your pet can ensure a healthy, active life for your animal. Problems with yeast and fungal overgrowth affect your lives as well as the lives of your dog and cat. Practicing some of the same healthy habits with your pets dietary needs can help keep yeast over growth at bay. Probiotics can aid in improving your pet’s digestive tract in the same way that they improve your own. Some would argue that the universe is governed by balance. It has been found that balance governs digestive health in both humans and animals, which makes it important to care for your pet’s digestive health with the same fervor that you do your own.
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Common Yeast Infection Symptoms |
Natural and At-Home Remedies |
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For Ear Yeast Infections in Cats and Dogs |
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¨ Scratching of ears ¨ Shaking of head ¨ Foul odor coming from ears ¨ Wax build up |
¨ Cleaning ears daily with a diluted vinegar solutions ¨ Removing grain and vegetables from diet ¨ Added Vitamin C to diet (in small amounts) ¨ Use probiotics to encourage “good” bacteria growth |
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Skin Yeast Infections in Cats and Dogs |
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¨ Scratching of skin ¨ Skin can be scaly looking ¨ Foul odor even after bathing ¨ Skin can be red and inflamed |
¨ Use shampoos that contain benzoyl peroxide, sulfer/salicylate and chlorhexidine ¨ Introduction probiotics and “good” bacteria to their diet ¨ Keep bedding clean ¨ Reframe from foods that are grain-based ¨ Use topical solutions for itch relief
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For further research on natural remedies and supplements please visit the following:
http://www.earthclinic.com (a community of natural healing)
