Throughout a grooming career, it is common to encounter yeast infections in clients' dogs nearly every day. This often leads to immediate questions from pet parents regarding what it is, how to treat it, and how it originated.
Yeast is a fungus that naturally resides in small numbers within a dog’s digestive tract, where it aids in digestion. However, issues arise when the yeast overgrows, leading to a fungal infection.
Although groomers cannot provide official medical diagnoses for ear infections or other health issues. These must be diagnosed by a veterinarian. However, if we notice signs of concern, we may advise you if it appears your pet has a yeast infection and recommend scheduling a veterinary appointment.
We can also provide information shared with us by veterinarians, dermatologists, and nutritionists. Below are the leading causes of yeast in a dog's ears and body:
Please note that the following list begins with general food items and provides a breakdown of sugary snacks and high-carb foods. When addressing these issues, the first question I ask owners is whether the dog's diet has changed. This includes new kibble, treats, table scraps, or anything outside of their regular diet.
In nearly 90% of cases, the answer is "yes." In other instances, the issue is typically linked to another item on this list or the fact that the dog is now between 3 and 5 years old. As dogs age, they may develop intolerances to everyday foods, or those foods may cause a buildup of sugars that manifests as yeast.
Starches are the primary contributors to yeast buildup. Here are the top items to consider:
If your dog lived in the wild, their diet would contain only about 4% starch. However, most commercial pet foods contain over ten times that amount. Even grain-free options often include potatoes, sweet potatoes, or tapioca, resulting in a starch content just as high as standard kibble.
To address this, review your dog’s diet history while waiting for a veterinary appointment. Eliminate any new or unusual foods, stop feeding them scraps from your plate, and transition away from kibble with high-carb ingredients. Sweet potatoes, while popular as treats or fillers, are high in sugar and contribute to these issues.
If your pet is struggling with yeast, a veterinarian can prescribe medication to help. However, some owners find it difficult to obtain these prescriptions.
I personally prefer a more natural approach. My recommendation is a regimen by Four Leaf Rover called Yeast Guard Plus. It consists of three specific blends:
Postponing treatment only allows yeast to grow and become increasingly difficult to manage. I have seen clients battle infections for over a year after initial symptoms were ignored. In extreme but not uncommon cases, untreated yeast can compromise a pet's immune system, leading to severe complications like MRSA or secondary staph infections. Beyond the long-term health risks, yeast infections are incredibly itchy and painful for your pet. Think of it like constantly having a Poison Oak reaction.
Our pets depend on us to make informed choices for their well-being. They cannot identify which treats or ingredients in their kibble are causing discomfort or digestive issues. As their caregivers, it is our responsibility to look out for them and act early.
If you would like to dive into the world of nutrition and natural care for your pet I would highly recommend the website https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/ Their articles are written by vets, nutritionists, holistic vets, trainers and other professionals.
Sources
Germantown Parkway Veterinary Hospital
Small Door Veterinary
Animal Dermatology Clinic
PetMD
Dana Scott, founder of Dogs Naturally MagazinePlease note that groomers cannot provide official medical diagnoses for ear infections or other health issues. These must be diagnosed by a veterinarian. However, if we notice signs of concern, we may advise you if it appears your pet has a yeast infection and recommend scheduling a veterinary appointment.
We can also provide information shared with us by veterinarians, dermatologists, and nutritionists. Below are the leading causes of yeast in a dog's ears and body:
Yeast is a fungus that naturally resides in small numbers within a dog’s digestive tract, where it aids in digestion. However, issues arise when the yeast overgrows, leading to a fungal infection.
- Chewing or licking the feet
- Dark rusty-red hair between the toes
- Black skin (often with hair loss)
- Bad smell and greasy hair (seborrhea)
- Ear infections or head shaking
- Rusty-red sticky smelly goop in ear
- Speckles on the underbelly
- Hair loss on the tail and upper back
- Grayish or rust color around the genitals
- Diarrhea
- Seasonal allergies
- Secondary bacterial infection
Although groomers cannot provide official medical diagnoses for ear infections or other health issues. These must be diagnosed by a veterinarian. However, if we notice signs of concern, we may advise you if it appears your pet has a yeast infection and recommend scheduling a veterinary appointment.
We can also provide information shared with us by veterinarians, dermatologists, and nutritionists. Below are the leading causes of yeast in a dog's ears and body:
- Food allergies
- Foods high in carbs
- Feeding your dog sugary snacks
- Antibiotics
- Cleaning the ears
- Exercise in humid environments
- Immunodeficiency
- Water entering the ear canal frequently
- Frequent swimming
- Debris stuck in the ear
- Ear mites
- Heat and humidity
- Pharmaceutical drugs
Please note that the following list begins with general food items and provides a breakdown of sugary snacks and high-carb foods. When addressing these issues, the first question I ask owners is whether the dog's diet has changed. This includes new kibble, treats, table scraps, or anything outside of their regular diet.
In nearly 90% of cases, the answer is "yes." In other instances, the issue is typically linked to another item on this list or the fact that the dog is now between 3 and 5 years old. As dogs age, they may develop intolerances to everyday foods, or those foods may cause a buildup of sugars that manifests as yeast.
Starches are the primary contributors to yeast buildup. Here are the top items to consider:
- Rice
- Millet
- Potatoes and sweet potatoes
- Wheat
- Corn
- Oats
- Peas
If your dog lived in the wild, their diet would contain only about 4% starch. However, most commercial pet foods contain over ten times that amount. Even grain-free options often include potatoes, sweet potatoes, or tapioca, resulting in a starch content just as high as standard kibble.
To address this, review your dog’s diet history while waiting for a veterinary appointment. Eliminate any new or unusual foods, stop feeding them scraps from your plate, and transition away from kibble with high-carb ingredients. Sweet potatoes, while popular as treats or fillers, are high in sugar and contribute to these issues.
If your pet is struggling with yeast, a veterinarian can prescribe medication to help. However, some owners find it difficult to obtain these prescriptions.
I personally prefer a more natural approach. My recommendation is a regimen by Four Leaf Rover called Yeast Guard Plus. It consists of three specific blends:
- Yeast Guard: a blend of herbs selected to maintain yeast balance.
- Digest: Digestive enzymes and probiotics that help promote healthy digestion.
- Gut Guard: Gut-soothing herbs and probiotics to restore gut health.
Postponing treatment only allows yeast to grow and become increasingly difficult to manage. I have seen clients battle infections for over a year after initial symptoms were ignored. In extreme but not uncommon cases, untreated yeast can compromise a pet's immune system, leading to severe complications like MRSA or secondary staph infections. Beyond the long-term health risks, yeast infections are incredibly itchy and painful for your pet. Think of it like constantly having a Poison Oak reaction.
Our pets depend on us to make informed choices for their well-being. They cannot identify which treats or ingredients in their kibble are causing discomfort or digestive issues. As their caregivers, it is our responsibility to look out for them and act early.
If you would like to dive into the world of nutrition and natural care for your pet I would highly recommend the website https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/ Their articles are written by vets, nutritionists, holistic vets, trainers and other professionals.
Sources
Germantown Parkway Veterinary Hospital
Small Door Veterinary
Animal Dermatology Clinic
PetMD
Dana Scott, founder of Dogs Naturally MagazinePlease note that groomers cannot provide official medical diagnoses for ear infections or other health issues. These must be diagnosed by a veterinarian. However, if we notice signs of concern, we may advise you if it appears your pet has a yeast infection and recommend scheduling a veterinary appointment.
We can also provide information shared with us by veterinarians, dermatologists, and nutritionists. Below are the leading causes of yeast in a dog's ears and body: