If your dog has been looking uncomfortable lately or excessively rubbing its ear, you need to figure out what’s happening. Yeast infections have become increasingly common in dogs, and you should know how to deal with them.

When you’re looking for a dog yeast infection home remedy, you can come across various treatments, but not all of them are effective. Find out more about the symptoms, causes, and treatment methods of a yeast infection in your dog.

Causes of Yeast Infection

Your dog’s skin is a natural host to abundant bacteria, fungi, and small quantities of yeast organisms. Yeast can quickly grow out of control, especially on specific dog breeds like poodles, basset hounds, terriers, etc.

While yeast infections are not contagious, your dog can be affected due to:

  • Side effect of steroid medication
  • Antibiotics prescription
  • Allergies that lead to skin irritation
  • Unhealthy skin
  • Other underlying health conditions

Symptoms

Yeast infections tend to make your dog uncomfortable and on edge throughout the day. Constant itching and scratching on the same spots can be an early sign.

Biting the same area repeatedly is another symptom, which can be accompanied by constantly rubbing against furniture or carpeting to get some relief. Dogs can also tilt or shake their head vigorously often during the day.

Progression of the yeast infection can also lead to red, irritated skin. Your dog may have a foul or weird odor lingering about it, followed by discharge from its ears.

They can also develop sores, discoloration on their nails, and thickening skin as the yeast infection grows more serious.

How to Deal with Yeast Infection on Your Dog

Topical Treatments

When looking for an effective dog yeast infection home remedy, natural topical agents are ideal. Many pet owners have begun using CBD topical ointments as they are known to have antifungal properties.

Medicated ear wash can also be helpful when the yeast infection is present in your dog’s ears only. Be careful and follow the instructions of the manufacturer or vet when you’re using medicated washes.

Antifungal or degreasing CBD-infused shampoos have also been known to affect yeast infections on the dog’s body. You can also get prescription lotions from your vet that can be applied to the affected area daily. These lotions also have antifungal elements that help treat the infection.

Oral Treatment

Topical medications aren’t always effective, especially when the yeast infection has progressed. Your dog’s dense coat can also make it hard for topical treatments to reach their skin.

Antifungal pills are commonly given to dogs suffering from yeast infections. It is ideal for advanced stages of yeast infection and can give instant relief to your dog. However, they come with side effects that can include an upset digestion system and adverse effects on the liver.

A week of proper treatment, including topical and oral medication, can lessen or completely cure the yeast infection.

Prevention Strategy

While some dog breeds can be more prone to having yeast infections than others, there are some easy ways you can prevent your dog from developing any symptoms. Good hygiene, including ear care, is essential to suppress the growth of yeast.

When you see signs of a possible yeast infection on your dog, try to take action right away that can include an effective dog yeast infection home remedy like topical agents. Taking remedial action can help your dog from further distress and save you a visit to the vet as well.

Keep Your Dog Safe from Yeast Infections

While yeast infections are common for most dogs, you don’t have to let your dog suffer when taking basic steps to ensure their well-being. Making sure their coat and skin are maintained and regularly cleansed is crucial to maintaining their well-being.

Home remedies like vinegar have antiseptic properties that can help slow the growth of yeast in your dog. Make sure to inspect your dog once in a while to ensure no weird discharge or odor is emanating from them to keep them free of yeast infections.