The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Posted by Amanda (Sagadahoc County, Maine) on 03/26/2012
I believe my 11 month old lab/chessie mix has a yeast infection. I have begun spraying him with Apple Cider Vinegar and water solution 3 times a day. How long should it take for his bald patches to begin to grow back? I am also giving him plain yogurt with his meals.
I have 2 English Bulldogs, a male and a female! My male has no problems at all. My female on the other hand has had ear, feet and wrinkle problems for about a year. My vet said it is probably an allergy. Well I have been usiong the Zymox on her ears which helps alot!
My question is, can I use the apple cider vinegar on her face, (wrinkles) and if so how much?? I purchased acidopholus pills today, so I will be starting that with plain yogurt tonight! Does anyone have any tips for the folds of her face?? also I just switched her food to Wellness core Oceanfish.
Posted by Nina (Fernandina Beach, Florida) on 12/31/2012
My vet in Fernandina Beach florida told me ACV/water 50/50 to flush the ears weekly to restore the PH balance. If I don't... the lab smells. I just took a Mastiff to foster for adoption for Mastiff Rescue of Florida--will start the ACV and go for yogurt today.
I have a 10 year old SharPei and German Shepherd mix. Two breeds known for skin issues. She's had seasonal allergies her whole life but this year has been especially bad. We've always dealt with her yeast issues with predisone - but steroids are not only bad for the animal, they lose effectiveness over time. The yeast and allergies has been compounded over the last couple years due to hypothyroidism. Sandy dog is having a rough year. She currently has a yeast infection on her skin that I just can't seem to beat. I had it almost cleared up using Malaseb shampoo, but then we went to the beach for a week and she was wet all the time and it came back. So, here we go again. The poor dear hates the baths, but it seems to help the itching immediately. I switched her food to Blue Wilderness this week and I'm going to start giving her the acidophilus supplement. She gets yogurt, but not every day. Guess we'll change that too. And no more human scraps. Anyway, I wanted to share that the Malaseb shampoo really does work. We've also used Be Soothed tea tree oil shampoo in the past - it works fine on lesser yeast infections. OH, and this will seem weird - but if you have spot yeast infections in the armpit or around the genital area you might try generic monistat cream its usually miconazole cream. You can find it in the drug store. It works awesome for killing the yeast. Unfortunately, for the whole dog, it would be rather messy and expensive. lol
I have a 10 year old SharPei and German Shepherd mix. Two breeds known for skin issues. She's had seasonal allergies her whole life but this year has been especially bad. We've always dealt with her yeast issues with predisone - but steroids are not only bad for the animal, they lose effectiveness over time. The yeast and allergies has been compounded over the last couple years due to hypothyroidism. Sandy dog is having a rough year. She currently has a yeast infection on her skin that I just can't seem to beat. I had it almost cleared up using Malaseb shampoo, but then we went to the beach for a week and she was wet all the time and it came back. So, here we go again. The poor dear hates the baths, but it seems to help the itching immediately. I switched her food to Blue Wilderness this week and I'm going to start giving her the acidophilus supplement. She gets yogurt, but not every day. Guess we'll change that too. And no more human scraps. Anyway, I wanted to share that the Malaseb shampoo really does work. We've also used Be Soothed tea tree oil shampoo in the past - it works fine on lesser yeast infections. OH, and this will seem weird - but if you have spot yeast infections in the armpit or around the genital area you might try generic monistat cream, its usually miconazole cream. You can find it in the drug store. It works awesome for killing the yeast. Unfortunately, for the whole dog, it would be rather messy and expensive. lol
Posted by Jan (Denver, Colorado Usa) on 11/11/2011
I would suggest you feed a dog with yeast issues a grain free/potato free food such as nature's variety instinct or great life grain free. Also make sure any treats do not contain any grains or potatoes... Yes, they are expensive but compared to vet bills and meds it is actually cheaper. Find a shampoo that does not contain any grains such as oatmeal.... Tea tree or neem works... It has been my experience that most vets do not have much knowledge of nutrition or using food to heal. Google yeast free diets for dogs. I now have a foster golden with this issue and am using the foods above....
I've tried a grain free diet and it has seemed to work. I heard their raw diet works well too. I have an English bulldog who constantly gets ear infections.
Posted by Monika (Cooroy, Queensland, Australia) on 02/20/2013
hi, my dog a west highlander has a very bad yeast infection. I'll start tomorrow with the ACV treatment and yoghourt. I use for a short time the shampoo and conditioner Pet Esthe. It is 100% natural. The ingrediens are from bamboo and charcol. After the first wash my dog my dog didn't scrached at all for two days. I hope with the vinegar I get rid of the yest.
Posted by Lilly (Pompano Beach, Florida) on 02/20/2013
Please know that after years of searching for a remedy for my dog's itching, scratching and allergy to fleas. I read (in one of my many searches) that if your dog has allergies and or licks their feet. They have candida albacan (spelling may be off). You need to take her or him off all carbs, to starve the yeast. So I took my dog off of all dog food, bought some beef liver, heart, and ground beef. She gets one patty (ground beef), one liver and one slice of heart for breakfast and dinner, nothing else. I also give her activated charcoal and diatomaceous earth to help get rid of the yeast. It's only been one day but I think this will detox her from the yeast and any other allergies she may have. Good luck. BTW, she is a 70lb pit bull.
I have a 14 week old blue pit bull pup named Bella, she's a rescue dog and I got her at only 4 weeks old. Needless to say she had not been weaned so I weaned her on Purina Puppy Chow and a weaning formula from PetSmart. She was not infested with fleas thank goodness but I very quickly noticed she was scratching and itching a lot. I kept her on the basic puppy chow and formula until she was 6 weeks old, at that point her itching was getting much worse and I could see her skin, which is very pink on her belly looked red and felt hot to the touch, so I took her completely off the puppy chow and started her on Pedigree Healthy Digestion (canned) and One Beyond kibble by Purina. She's a very active and rambunctious little gal with loads of energy, I caught her rolling and tumbling in poision ivy. Seemed like she was drawn to it for some reason, my husband went to the point of fencing the area with the posion ivy off, anyway I beleive she is allergic to it just as most human's are. At this point I know I am dealing with allegies and that she also has yeast. Thanks for all the great information on yeast infections! I am using tea tree oil shampoo and white vinegar rinse, also started her on probiotics, fish oil and DE. I am now searching for the right food for her. I am open for suggestions, please. Blue Buffalo Wilderness has been highly reccomended as well as Precise lamb meal and rice.
The wonderful Theresa from Minneapolis, MN has been helping pet owners and their beloved pets around the world on Earth Clinic since 2013.
About Theresa
Theresa from Minneapolis was born and raised in the inner city, always wishing she had been raised on a farm.
Her love for creatures great and small began at an early age, starting with caterpillars - which continues to this day, along with an interest in all insects and 'creepy crawlies'.
Theresa's interest in pet health started with a bird keeping hobby at age 14, where she learned from another hobbyist that the simple addition of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in a bird's drinking water kept fungal infections away; she was able to share this with her avian vet who in turn prescribed it to her own clients; Theresa was surprised to learn that she could teach her vet a thing or two. This important lesson - that each of us can be a teacher - was a turning point for Theresa, and fueled her quest for the knowledge held in lore, and remedies passed by word of mouth. That quest for knowledge continues to this day, as new and old remedies alike are explored. She may not have experience with a particular issue, but she will research it to the best of her ability and share what she finds freely, in the hopes that you can heal or improve your pet's health.
-----------------------------
How To Show Theresa Your Appreciation
If you would like to thank Theresa for her helpful posts, she asks if you would please consider making a donation to one of her favorite local rescue organizations, or by making a donation to help the genius contributor, Ted from Bangkok, recover from his stroke.
Your baby sounds like a lil' doll-baby! [Yes, I am partial to the breed! ]
The probiotics are certainly a step in the right direction; consider this formula - DDS w/FOS - am and pm for 3 weeks as a start. After 3 weeks consider switching to a PB8 formula for an additional 3-6 weeks. Probiotics are good, but they are not all the same - the DDS w/FOS contains both acidophillus and sort of a starter medium to help get the bacteria established in the gut. The PB8 has additional strains of acidophillus and also has a bacteria 'feeder' to further help establish the 'good' bacteria in the gut.
You are right to consider a change in diet. There are so many kibbles out and the branding and advertising can make it confusing and hard to choose. The right diet is whichever one your pup thrives on. If you started on a puppy chow, at 14 weeks you should be switching to an adult forumla. The main ingredients in the diets you have been feeding is CORN. This can cause all sorts of problems as you have seen. Consider feeding a 5 or 6 star diet from the diets rated on this site:
I typically hard switch diets rather than fiddle with the gradual mixing of kibbles; to avoid loose stools simply feed a small quanity to start, and increase the portion over 2 days. If after switching fully to the new diet you see loose stools it may be due to feeding too large a portion, so reduce the portion size; this is particularly true for high protien/mostly meat based diets such as Orijen.
Be on the lookout for yeasty gunky ears and urinary tract infections; if you notice frequent urination keep an eye out, as high corn diets are thought to contribute to UTIs and now that your girly is heading down the road to puppy puberty changes in her vulva may also create an environment for a UTI to take hold.
Ahh - pibble puppy breath! I can smell it from here!
Hello, my puggle has a ear yeast infection. How do I use the Apple Cider Vinegar? Do I put it in her ears or in her water? Please help my baby is so uncomfortable
The wonderful Theresa from Minneapolis, MN has been helping pet owners and their beloved pets around the world on Earth Clinic since 2013.
About Theresa
Theresa from Minneapolis was born and raised in the inner city, always wishing she had been raised on a farm.
Her love for creatures great and small began at an early age, starting with caterpillars - which continues to this day, along with an interest in all insects and 'creepy crawlies'.
Theresa's interest in pet health started with a bird keeping hobby at age 14, where she learned from another hobbyist that the simple addition of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in a bird's drinking water kept fungal infections away; she was able to share this with her avian vet who in turn prescribed it to her own clients; Theresa was surprised to learn that she could teach her vet a thing or two. This important lesson - that each of us can be a teacher - was a turning point for Theresa, and fueled her quest for the knowledge held in lore, and remedies passed by word of mouth. That quest for knowledge continues to this day, as new and old remedies alike are explored. She may not have experience with a particular issue, but she will research it to the best of her ability and share what she finds freely, in the hopes that you can heal or improve your pet's health.
-----------------------------
How To Show Theresa Your Appreciation
If you would like to thank Theresa for her helpful posts, she asks if you would please consider making a donation to one of her favorite local rescue organizations, or by making a donation to help the genius contributor, Ted from Bangkok, recover from his stroke.
Posted by Chichiritad (Boston, Ma, Usa) on 10/04/2011
My cat has a yeast ear infection that is not going away. Can I use Apple Cider Vinegar to treat this and how would I do so? I am only reading about using this for dogs with ear yeast infections.
I bought Dr. Karen Becker's book about what to feed our cats and dogs for optimal nutrition. My pitbull has yeast and after thousands of dollars on vet bills, medications including antibiotics, steroids and atopica. We also took him to a dermatologist, we gave him injections for allegies. Sadly these "doctors" even advised to feed him sweet potatoes as treats. At that time I was new to owning a dog. Now I feel like over the first year of his life taking the advice of these vets actually caused more harm to him. He is now on a raw diet, getting meats, vegetables, bones and also organ meats. His yeast has significantly reduced but hasn't fully gone away. I think there's more I can do and just researching. All in all though to help your dog it begins with diet. Sadly store bought dog food is mostly bad for them. If you can't give them a raw diet try at least buying the "raw diets" for dogs that some stores are now carrying.
Can someone please tell me the proper mixture of ACV for treating my dog's Yeast ear infection. (either spray the ears of put in drinking water). Thanks
My Black Lab mix is constantly getting a yeast infection in both ears. Go to the vet, get medication, clears up, comes back again. I heard about using ACV and yogurt but don't want to cause more damage to his ears. What is the recommended way to treat his ears with the ACV? Is there any particular brand of ACV to use?
Posted by Kathie659 (Plains, P, Usa) on 02/01/2011
I've just begun giving my boxer 2 TBS of organic ACV, yougurt and acidophilus to combat a yeast infection. I also wipe down the black, itchy areas on her underbelly and ears.
I've tried many dry foods, prescription and otherwise. She is currently on Fromms senior formula.
I've read on your site that "Yeast-proliferating foods-such as sugar, (including honey), and vinegar exacerbate intestinal candidiasis"
So does the ACV help or worsen a yeast infection? I've read many cases of ACV helping with yeast..... I'm confused
I've been reading about apple cider vinegar here for my dog who has very bad arthritis, all kinds of allergies and prone to yeast infection. She has been on weekly allergy shots (allergen, NOT steroid) and various medications for her allergy and yeast infection. For arthritis, I've been giving her glucosamine/chondroitin/MSM, vitamin C and fish oil, and very rarely adequan shot when she can't walk. She has only one front leg and that leg has arthritis, and it gets pounded a lot.
I started giving her ACV, 1 tablespoon mixed with her food (raw diet) once a day. But now I'm a little confused. Is ACV good or bad for yeast infection? I was going to make a 50% ACV and 50% water solution and spray on her to give her relief from the itch, but many people are saying ACV feeds yeast and some people are saying it cures yeast infection? Can anybody clarify this? Also, if it is bad for yeast infection, should I also stop giving her ACV orally?
Posted by Peggy Chan (South Houston, Tx) on 03/15/2010
Some brands exacerbate a yeast infection because they contain yeast. The manufacturers added yeast to ferment the vinegar. But some brands ferment their vinegar without adding yeast. These cause no problems. The brand I use is yeast-free--I called the manufacturer today and asked. It won't cause problems. I get it from a health food store, and the label says it's organic, raw, unpasturized, and with the 'mother'.
Posted by Wendy (Great Cacapon, WV) on 06/16/2009 ★★★★★
thank you all for this site. the acv is healling my black lab. i clean them just once a day now and he no longer licks the area. now anyway to get rid of the smell. he still gets baths evey 2 weeks but it seems not to leave. ty wendy
Posted by Hailey (Granada Hills, California) on 05/05/2011 ★★★★★
Just diagnosed my lab with yeast and I have been fighting my own battle with candida with coconut oil so what easier way to give to them in their food and put in their ears, belly, paws, and groin and is harmless of couse give them the best virgin coconut raw oil you can buy it for 45 at rawfoodworld.com for a Gallon!
Posted by Linda (York County, Maine) on 04/27/2009
Saundra, my yellow Lab mix had terrible skin for most of her 12 years, up until 6 or so months ago. I switched her to a grain-free food and before she finished the first bag, her skin was much better. I buy chicken and cook it to add to my dogs' supper, tossing in an egg on occasion or mixing in some yogurt or beef along with some chicken broth. The grain-free dry food is costly, but maybe if you can substitute a portion of what your dogs are eating now it would help. Perhaps there's a source of the dry food that's less expensive; I pay close to $25 for a 13 lb. bag. Good luck and thank you for taking care of those in need.
Posted by Adrianna (Emerson, New Jersey) on 04/24/2011 ★★★★★
I would definitely start with changing the food your dog is eating. The brands you are giving them are of the lowest quality. It's made of slaughterhouse waste and fillers. Check out the website www.dogfoodadvisor.com it will help guide you to a better food. Grain free is not always expensive. A lot of people use Taste of the Wild and it's affordable.
Saundra, Beneful is the worst dog food on the market! Pedigree is not much better. Go to Dog Food Advisor dot com for more dog food info. I feed raw food which is high fat, moderate animal protein, low carb, grain free. This is a dog's natural food. Too much carb feeds yeast bc it breaks down to sugar in the digestive system.
Posted by Ruth (Vancouver, BC Canada ) on 12/26/2008
I have an 8 month old yorkie male..he has now had 2 ear infections, confirmed by microscope that they were yeast/bacteria mix. The vet casually mentioned he may be allergic to his protein source (chicken), but said we'd investigate if he had more infections. I changed him off his chicken based merrick food, and switched to Orijen (fish based, no grains, no corn). I've also taken chicken & beef out of his diet, removed all treats and am hoping this and ear care will work.
My question.....he is 8 lbs, how much apple cider can I give him, any ideas on how to hide it? He does eat probiotic yogurt daily, but again how much should he have.....by the way the vet stated these treatments had no proven basis, at that point I lost faith in her, as I know yogurt has had backing from the human medical field and vinegar has multiple medical uses.
Posted by Leslie (Clearwater, FL) on 10/22/2008 ★★★★★
Apple cider Vinegar is great to use on your dog for yeast. I mix some with water in a spray bottle and spray and brush her. She doesn't mind smelling like a salad. When I first got her, she use to chew on her paws till they were raw. I thought it was a nervous habit, but a vet recommended giving her a bath in Selsun Blue shampoo. But.. you have to get them to stay in it for like 5 min. It worked.. she has never chewed her paws again. Thank you everyone for this wonderful web site.
Don't use Selsun Blue or ANY HUMAN SHAMPOO on DOGS! That's for humans! The PH is different for dogs skin/ears. I used to use dandruff shampoo on my dog and never did get rid of his fungus. I later learned it was too potent for animals to use human shampoos. I found Vetrust antibacterial/antifungal shampoo for dogs at Walmart and it works great. Good luck!
The wonderful Theresa from Minneapolis, MN has been helping pet owners and their beloved pets around the world on Earth Clinic since 2013.
About Theresa
Theresa from Minneapolis was born and raised in the inner city, always wishing she had been raised on a farm.
Her love for creatures great and small began at an early age, starting with caterpillars - which continues to this day, along with an interest in all insects and 'creepy crawlies'.
Theresa's interest in pet health started with a bird keeping hobby at age 14, where she learned from another hobbyist that the simple addition of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in a bird's drinking water kept fungal infections away; she was able to share this with her avian vet who in turn prescribed it to her own clients; Theresa was surprised to learn that she could teach her vet a thing or two. This important lesson - that each of us can be a teacher - was a turning point for Theresa, and fueled her quest for the knowledge held in lore, and remedies passed by word of mouth. That quest for knowledge continues to this day, as new and old remedies alike are explored. She may not have experience with a particular issue, but she will research it to the best of her ability and share what she finds freely, in the hopes that you can heal or improve your pet's health.
-----------------------------
How To Show Theresa Your Appreciation
If you would like to thank Theresa for her helpful posts, she asks if you would please consider making a donation to one of her favorite local rescue organizations, or by making a donation to help the genius contributor, Ted from Bangkok, recover from his stroke.
I must respectfully disagree with your proclamation.
First, the basics:
For both humans and dogs "A highly important component of skin is what is called the acid mantle. This is a lightly acidic layer that covers the skin, serving as a barrier to protect the porous topmost layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, from environmental contaminants such as bacteria and viruses. The stratum corneum is responsible for keeping the outer body well hydrated, by absorbing water and not allowing excessive evaporation to occur. When we bathe, using soaps and shampoos, we wash away this layer of acidic oil."
Next: "The acid mantle can also be defined as the relative pH balance of the skin. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with levels less than 6.4 considered high acidity, and levels more than 6.4 considered high alkalinity. The normal range of skin pH levels for humans is 5.2 to 6.2...Depending on breed, gender, climate, and the anatomical size on the dog, the pH levels range from 5.5 to 7.5, ..."
"...if a shampoo that is formulated for human skin is used on a dog, the dog's acid mantle will be disrupted, creating an environment where bacteria, parasites, and viruses can run rampant. Unknowingly, many pet owners will repeat washings of their dogs because of the smell caused by a proliferation of bacteria, making the problem worse as the skin's acid mantle/pH level becomes more imbalanced."
Because dog shampoos can be very expensive, and human shampoos are usually very affordable, the solution is to give your dog an ACV rinse after the bath to restore the acid mantle and balance the PH of the skin.
And, about the Selsun Blue not working on the fungal infection on the skin of your dog, the working ingredients in Selsun Blue are selenium sulfide [anti-fungal]or salycilic acid [anti-bacterial] in either 1% or 3% concentrations. The VetTrust shampoo from Walmart has chlorhexidine gluconate [anti-bacterial] and ketoconazole [anti-fungal]. It would seem that the yeast/bacterial infection on your dog was simply not sensitive to the Selsun Blue, but was sensitive to the VetTrust product. What works is what works, however a far less expensive and super effective approach would be Ted's Anti-fungal/Anti-staph remedy.
I live very close to you and have been battling ear infections for 9 years with my cocker. I am wondering what vet you use, the name of the product you mentioned and where you got it. She has been on Natural Balance Potato and Duck dog food for years. What dog food do you use? The yeast infection has always been in her ears and often her eyes - now added on 3 paws. I am now doing a dip of 1/4 C vinegar, 1/4 C hydrogen pyroxide, 1 qt water. I am worried about getting her dry enough.
Posted by Cherrie (Victoria, Canada) on 09/15/2008 ★☆☆☆☆
Our 3 year old yellow lab has been dealing with allergies for a year now. With antibiodics and steroids with decided we needed to have some other solution. I read this site and have tryed the vinegar and water and washed her tummy because it is black. It seemed to make her drier but the colour is still black and she is scratching everywhere like crazy. Not sure whether to give her the yogurt and ACV mixture or not. Any suggestions? The vet said she has a yeast infection.
EC: She may be having an allergic response to one of the ingredients in her dog food, so topical applications won't help much.
Cherrie - my part-Yellow Lab has had skin/ear probs since she was a pup; it's been a constant struggle, mostly for her. I've spent my child's inheritance on vet bills! Vet just kept prescribing the industry shampoo, steroids, etc. Allergy test proved she's allergic to dust mites, storage mites, mold, straw..you get the idea: nothing I can really DO anything about. She eats Nutro, which is supposed to be all natural..she hasn't had canned food since the tainted pet food episode.. I've given her colloidal silver appropriately diluted (with a syringe)and that seemed to help a little..the black skin, according to my vet, is "saliva stain". Mine has it, too and I don't think it's anything to worry about, even tho' it's a bit unsightly.
Linda, I had a yellow lab who was allergic to dust mites and I had the vet give him IVERMECTIN injections .. 1 shot then 2 weeks late a second one.. I dont know the dosage.. But it completely cured him. Good Luck
Posted by Anne (Calamvale, Qld Australia) on 07/20/2012
I have a white Maltese with a yeast infection who has turned pink and rather smelly her skin is very flaky and it shreds like desicated coconut the vet keeps giving me different shampoos but so far has not made any real difference she has taken a course of Nizoral tablets which calmed the skin a little but the dog has been quite miserable and snappy and has suggested we try just changing her food to just dry food and water for next 4 weeks I would like to try your remedy can someone give me the dosage please?
I realize the post is old but thought I would respond in case anyone is still having these problems. Regarding the stomach discoloration, dirty spotted looking belly etc. that doesn't come clean with a bath. I shave my dogs stomach or area then put baby oil on it. I let it sit for about 5 minutes then with a baby oil soaked Q-tip I rub off the discoloration. I think it's just dead skin cells, she's left with a nice soft pink tummy and she loves it. I think bathing your dog at least once a month helps keep the discoloration at a minimum, use extra soap on the tummy area and give them a good rub.
With regard to the yeast infection did anyone try monistat cream? I would think that would be the best treatment for a yeast infection anywhere. When my daughter was small she had a red area on the top of her nose, she was diagnosed with a yeast infection. Doctor prescribed monistat cream it cleared up quickly.
I'm glad you posted today because it did help. I thought about the monistat but would be concerned if my dog ingested it. I am going to try your baby oil idea. Thanks
I'm not sure how your baby is doing but if you are fighting a yeast infection more than likely your dog could have candida of the stomach like humans often have. Give them an excellent probiotic daily; I use Dr. beckers on Dr.Mercola's website and it is high about 30 billion per serving. It needs to be high. Also, watch what you are feeding them, no grains, sugar, starchs such as potato in foods. Wet food is better. I have totally switched my dog to a dehydrated organic dog food which he loves! Hope this helps! Best of luck!
I had a beloved black Scnauzer mix named Missy about 25 years ago. When she was about 4 years old she developed a horrible, black, oozing, gummy, stinky secretion on her entire body. She would scratch non-stop. No amount of baths, different shampoos helped. My vet told me it was bad genes/hereditary, and there was nothing to clear it up! He had no idea what she had. I did everything I could think of to help her, to no avail. She became so crazed with scratching, that she wasn't even the same happy, little dog anymore. She literally scratched all the time. I came home from work one day, and she had rubbed her little body all over the walls and blood was everywhere. I had to take my sweet little dog and have her put to sleep. She was only six years old. I cried my eyes out all the way home. Today, I believe she could have been helped. Obviously, she had a terrible yeast infection. If I had only known....
The wonderful Theresa from Minneapolis, MN has been helping pet owners and their beloved pets around the world on Earth Clinic since 2013.
About Theresa
Theresa from Minneapolis was born and raised in the inner city, always wishing she had been raised on a farm.
Her love for creatures great and small began at an early age, starting with caterpillars - which continues to this day, along with an interest in all insects and 'creepy crawlies'.
Theresa's interest in pet health started with a bird keeping hobby at age 14, where she learned from another hobbyist that the simple addition of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in a bird's drinking water kept fungal infections away; she was able to share this with her avian vet who in turn prescribed it to her own clients; Theresa was surprised to learn that she could teach her vet a thing or two. This important lesson - that each of us can be a teacher - was a turning point for Theresa, and fueled her quest for the knowledge held in lore, and remedies passed by word of mouth. That quest for knowledge continues to this day, as new and old remedies alike are explored. She may not have experience with a particular issue, but she will research it to the best of her ability and share what she finds freely, in the hopes that you can heal or improve your pet's health.
-----------------------------
How To Show Theresa Your Appreciation
If you would like to thank Theresa for her helpful posts, she asks if you would please consider making a donation to one of her favorite local rescue organizations, or by making a donation to help the genius contributor, Ted from Bangkok, recover from his stroke.
Please do not beat yourself up over putting your girl to sleep- she well may have had atopic dermatitis, which is a genetic condition and for some dogs PTS is the only way to get relief. You sound like a conscientious pet guardian, and I am sure your girl got the very best care during her time with you.
Hi all just want to say I have a rescue pup who has allergies of some kind food or evironmental. I like holistic vet care but the closet one is in Austin, TX. You look him up and you can follow him and learn how to care for your pets. Like how repeated vaccines hurt and toxic flea meds are bad.
This is what I recently did for my rescue: coconut oil 2oz and 2ml colloidal silver in a hair color bottle from Sally's...rub it into coat and skin head to toe and leave for 2 hours, then bath and boy he looked so much better the next day and the good news is if there are hidden mites, which happens often, the colloidal silver kills them. Pup allergies bumps biting itching gone.
Witch hazel cleans ears. This last time I put 2-3 drop colloidal silver messaged and cleaned out.
They say that food allergies are either chicken beef or grains. Its' my under standing that grains are not good for us or pets. Raw or home cooked best or canned dog food. I use standard process muliti vitamin - great product. Sometimes shedding is low vitamin e. I hope this helps someone.
After numerous visits to vet with scratching, skin sores, inflammation, and yeast infections my shepherd mix's medical root cause was determined to be a low thyroid. He is now on low dose of thyroxine which helps but at onset of spring he still had a severe skin flair-up. My observation is that his recurring yeast infections manifest from an overgrowth of yeast in the gut that he cannot balance due to his poor immune-system. After listening to a lecture on probiotics from a doctor at recent dietitian conference I decided that this was worth a try. I have now had him on Mercola's probiotics (human dosage) which had 70 million flora and I do believe it seems to be helping. My philosophy is it can do no harm. His itching is waning and he's resting better, less anxious. Not sure if this is the answer but I believe it is a part of the answer. The right probiotic helps restore the yeast imbalance caused by the complexity of a immune-system run amuck.
I had a pit that had very sensitive skin had to put him on taste of the wild salmon, he healed up beautiful.... My dogs don't eat anything but that.
Don't ever use wheat germ or grains cause these all are yeasty so for ears go to vet they give good tube of stuff that takes yeast away but then you also get a bottle of ear cleanser which you need to do especially if your dogs ears get wet like swimming baths. Always dry ears cause yeast likes wet dark places so go to vet, get these things, doesn't cost much but as in my dog who has yeast all over bottom and arm pits. I need a shampoo and she cannot have any sugar! Taste of the wild has some potato which is sugar but it's from me feeding her crackers, potatoes, chicken, lots of dogs are allergic to chicken!!!!!!!
Posted by Emily (Charlottetown, Prince Edward Islan) on 08/29/2008 ★☆☆☆☆
Quincy is a 7 year old lab/rotty/husky mix. My vet has told us that he has a yeast infection in his ears. I've read and tried the ACV stuff, but it only appears to be getting worse. I've also noticed that he has delveloped raw bumps on his front paws, I tried aloe vera on those, and it seems to be helping. He's also been really down and sad lately, due to some extreme renovations going on at my house, he's completely out of his norm. But his ears aren't getting any better. If anything, they're getting worse. I've noticed that by spraying a 50/50 mix of ACV and water on his skin, he hasn't been scratching near as much, but I need help with his ears. I've had him at the vet many times, and he's been on many different meds, and none of them helped. He's allergic to the only med that seemed to have helped at all. Please, help. I don't think I could bear to put him to sleep.
No, please don't put your dog to sleep because of this issue! I am certain you can solve it. Sounds like you might need a better vet if they haven't helped you with this issue after all this time.
What brand of dog food are you feeding your dog? This may be part of your problem. You may want to switch to a brand without preservatives. Check Petco if you have one in your area as they carry a number of better quality holistic brands.
I rescued a mutt last year who had been dumped on a trail and he too had a very bad ear infection, besides being underweight and crazy with anxiety. When I found him he smelled absolutely terrible, even after I bathed him. I figured out whoever had him before me feed him nasty cheap dog food. Within a week of feeding him the good stuff with ground beef and turkey added to it (I use blackwood but it's hard to find), his smell went away. I still had to treat his ear infection at the vet with topical antibiotics to solve the issue. Make sure your vet tests the dog for various bacterial strains from an ear culture. My dog had 2 different types of bacteria in one of his ears (nasty black crud that smelled terrible) and had to have custom prepared drops to treat the strains.
For his anxiety, make sure you give him enough exercise every day. If he's tired out enough, he won't get anxious.
For yeast infection in the ears if the vinegar did not work you might try over the counter yeast cream that women use for yeast infections. I used this for my yorkie and it worked. Just rub the cream in the applicator inside the ears for seven days.
When a child has an ear infection you try one of three things I know that all work. Mullin or garlic oil. (If you have mullin around it's easy to use but most people don't. Garlic on the other hand, I always have. Just use the prediced in a jar type, and add some oil. then drain it off after stiring and presto!) Other than those, I always use the regular 3% hydrogen peroxide, and let it bubble in there, holding the dog on it's side for as long as 10 minutes, or until it stopps bubbling.( It needs to be full so you can see it preferably) Then repeat on the opposite side. It always works for my kids.
Hi Emily, I hate to advertise for brands but, You may want to try using "Halo" brand Herbal Ear Wash. This stuff has worked wonders for my Dog and Cat for all ear issues (including bad infections that usually needed antibiotics). It is sure worth a try. Good Luck!
Posted by Cathy (Johnstown, New York) on 10/03/2009
my vet recommended a mixture of 1/3 vinegar, 1/3 water and 1/3 rubbing alcohol. I cleaned my dogs ears everyday with this solution using Q tips. she has been much better and only gets it in one ear occasionally. I have a 7 yr old english springer spaniel. I am having trouble with her scratching. going to try switching her food and ACV spray.
For yeast problems: Please stop shampooing with oatmeal products, eliminate all grains and potato products from diets. These products all inflame yeast problems. 1 cup vinager + 1cup peroxide to 1 gallon of water is a great rinse for after shampoos (anti-fungal). Can also be used daily especially on the paws. This cured my dogs yeast problem in 2 weeks. Hot and humid weather also adds to yeast blooming, so pets should be kept cool and dry. T
Posted by George (Wappingers Falls, Ny) on 08/15/2012
A few posters here mentioned about not feeding dogs carrots while dealing with yeast infections because they are high in sugar. Will steaming them help reduce the sugars or should I just totally avoid them? My dog has been living on them for years. Isn't it true that dogs cannot digest carrots and pass them completely?
Posted by 5 Pooches Home (Houston, Tx) on 08/17/2012
You can feed them carrots but make sure to saute them very long as they need to be very very soft for dogs to digest and get the benefits from them.
You can put some oil in the steel pan, saute the carrots on low and then sqeeze some fresh lemon juice and cover so it can steam and this will not only cook the carrots slowly but will retain the nutrients. Give all types of veggies to your dogs as they contain all kinds of nutrients and are full of fiber.
I have been giving my dogs organic carrots everyday for the past few years and it does keep them healthy. When serving, put in a 2-4 tablespoons of good unrefined coconut oil depending on your dog size. Both carrots and lemon juice help in liver detox - the most imp. organ in our body (next to heart).
I also add spices - tumeric, GROUND fennel seeds, GROUND cloves, thyme, iodized salt and little cayenne along with flax seeds, GROUND sunflower seeds and GROUND pumpkin seeds - all done in the grinder then and there just before going in the cooking pan.
Posted by Lplaunt (Madison, Ohio, United States) on 09/03/2012
Hi There, I am new to this board and have been reading all the replies. Great info. I have a 4 month old english bulldog who just started to develop yeast on her under belly side and on the face around the folds as well as her eyes. Lots of oozing on the face. Poor baby. I have made a list of things from all the tips I have been reading but wanted to add my input on one great thing that I am using for the yeast treatment on the skin and face. Coconut oil. I have been cooking in coconut oil for a healthier immune system and intestinal tract.
Coconut oil is a wonderful treatment for many things including YEAST. It also kills the strep virus, staph infections, and many other things.
I melted the coconut oil and then poored over my dogs food. I also took some of that melted oil and rubbed it all over her skin where the yeast was present. It's also safe to apply to her mouth area and eye area. Not to mention she likes licking her chops afterwards. lol. Here is a link on more info on coconut oil.
Here's a quote from the article.
"Melt 2 tblsp of oil in a cup of hot water. After bathing, refill the tub with luke warm water, add the cup of melted oil into the running water. Using a plastic bowl, pour the coconut oil water all over the dogs coat, rubbing to get down to the skin. Be sure to get the whole body.
Do not rinse
Dry as usual. You will immediatley notice the coats healthy condition. And it smells great!
Whenever I bathe my dog she always gets an ear/yeast infection. What works the best whenever your dog gets wet from baths, swimming, etc. is Epi-Otic Advanced ear cleaner by Virbac. Apply after bath or swim, it dries up any water in the ear and helps prevent bacteria from attaching to the skin surface in ear. I also bought Zymox ear solution from the "pet store" to treat an ear infection when we were on vacation. It worked faster and better than antibiotics, it's a natural bio-active enzymes, It treats bacteria and yeast infections. I saw results the next day and it cleared up within 2 days and only 2 applications. These products are the best for dogs ear issues
Posted by Nadia (Brooklyn, NY) on 08/03/2008 ★☆☆☆☆
Apple cider vinegar should not be used if a yeast allergy is present! This is obvious in retrospect because yeast is used to ferment the apple cider.
I introduced this to my dog by adding 1/2 mL of organic apple cider vinegar to his food on the first day and 1 mL on the second day, and rather than relieving his mild allergy symptoms it induced a full allergy attack (head to toe hot, pink, itchy skin, severely itchy paws, ears, and muzzle).
You should really give it a try for at least week. I didn't think it was working either initially, of course of meds it looks like the vinegar is just making it worse, but it really does work. Absolutely amazing. This site saved my dog.
Posted by Kathryn (Scottsdale, Arizona) on 07/24/2008 ★★★★★
After reading about ACV on this website, I tried it on my pug Lotus, who was treated for 2 years by my vet before I read this. Her feet were the worst, so I let them soak in half and half ACV solution and dandruff shampoo while i wash the rest of her. In one bath I noticed her coat was much shiner, and after a few baths her hair started growing back in some bald spots and her feet were much much better.
Warning: yeast is stubborn and does come back (the minute you stop looking for it) and it seems hot humid weather makes it worse. It remains a problem in her ears, but I emailed my vet and told him the ACV worked better than any of the shampoos and creams he had been prescribing.
I have a German Shepard with a ear/yeast infection problem. I keep seeing ACV listed as a part of the cure. What is ACV? He's currently on cephalexion because of what the doctor calls a secondary infection. I'm assuming after reading this that is a yeast infection on his skin, black under his legs. So what exactly is the ratio of vinegar and water? I've seen 50/50 listed on this site. Do I spray him all over and wipe his ears with it? He's 100 lbs. How much _____ [Yogurt] would a dog this size need daily? Thanks for your time. Hope you have some answers for me
I also have a German Shepard with yeast problems...A K-9 Officer told me to put 2 Tablespoons of plain yogurt into his food everytime he eats. Mine is also about 100 lbs. I used it on him and he got better, we ran out without me being told and he got a horrible ear infection to the other ear.....use the 1/2 (warm) water 1/2 apple cider vinegar solution a couple times a week along with the yogurt. don't let the vet give him antibiotics cause it will kill the good bacteria in his body. good luck....
In large breed dogs, low normal thyroid levels can also contribute to yeast overgrowth. Unless the low normal levels are corrected the probiotics will not work. If you are having trouble fixing the yeast problem, get a T3 and T4 thyroid panel run and medicate if needed. Once the thyroid is hormone in in balance, the yeast treatments will work.
I am the owner of 2 Dane mastiffs and the male one, Zeus, had nearly chewed the padding of his foot off. They gave him antibiotics and it seemed to do the trick. But he has a tummy rash. His sister has huge welts on her tummy that appear to be yeast so I'm pumped to try remedies tomorrow. I hear you mentioning Omegas and since I manage my lupus with adult opcs I am going to order her pet opcs. They are already on Blue dog food so I'm going to do mobistar and yogurt and the apple cider vinegar and medicated shampoos. Thanks!!!
The wonderful Theresa from Minneapolis, MN has been helping pet owners and their beloved pets around the world on Earth Clinic since 2013.
About Theresa
Theresa from Minneapolis was born and raised in the inner city, always wishing she had been raised on a farm.
Her love for creatures great and small began at an early age, starting with caterpillars - which continues to this day, along with an interest in all insects and 'creepy crawlies'.
Theresa's interest in pet health started with a bird keeping hobby at age 14, where she learned from another hobbyist that the simple addition of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in a bird's drinking water kept fungal infections away; she was able to share this with her avian vet who in turn prescribed it to her own clients; Theresa was surprised to learn that she could teach her vet a thing or two. This important lesson - that each of us can be a teacher - was a turning point for Theresa, and fueled her quest for the knowledge held in lore, and remedies passed by word of mouth. That quest for knowledge continues to this day, as new and old remedies alike are explored. She may not have experience with a particular issue, but she will research it to the best of her ability and share what she finds freely, in the hopes that you can heal or improve your pet's health.
-----------------------------
How To Show Theresa Your Appreciation
If you would like to thank Theresa for her helpful posts, she asks if you would please consider making a donation to one of her favorite local rescue organizations, or by making a donation to help the genius contributor, Ted from Bangkok, recover from his stroke.
You asked: "Why would the condition reappear if she was on a maintenance diet - not feeding the yeast."
Many factors are involved here - including airborne allergens and seasonal molds. It could also be that while you are not feeding the yeast, it is not getting digested/eaten/ imbalance of internal flora. You might consider switching the probiotics - change acidophillus brands frequently which will allow a variety of strains to populate the GI tract. I switch around between DDS w/FOS, PB8, Shiff's Digestive Advantage, Forti Flora, and whatever I find on sale. The key is variety.
Ted has some remedies - this is paraphrased from his many posts:
Sometimes we are dealing with internal/systemic yeast or an internal fungal infection - and sometimes despite the best nutrition out there we will experience an individual that for some reason is deficient in a mineral such as boron. If the dog is low in magnesium quite often allergies will arise. If you are dealing with yeast try adding 1/16 teaspoon of Epsom salt in 1 liter of drinking water for 2-3 days - max; this is not intended for long term use, just to nip a break out in the bud. When you stop the Epsom salt in the water you can then start adding 1 teaspoon baking soda to 1 liter of water; do this for 5-7 days. This is a 'break out' or crisis dose. After a week you can cut it back to a maintenance dose of 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to the water. If you suspect a fungal component [yeast] you can add 1/16 teaspoon borax along with the baking soda in 1 liter of water. In acute and extreme cases 1/4 teaspoon of borax in 1 liter of water is indicated. Many humans take 1/8 - 1/4 teaspoon borax in 1 liter of water daily as a detox and antifungal/antiyeast, so long term use is not an issue, however all these remedies are something you should 'play by ear' and should be adjusted as you see fit. The water additives address mineral deficiency issues and should be addressed first.
Now, when I am dealing with a dog with the itchies I first treat with Ted's mange remedy; I find that the veterinarian prescribed or OTC medicated shampoos just do not have the efficacy that I seek and they also tend to be on the spendy side.
Ted's Mange Remedy
Ingredients: Borax laundry booster - the plain stuff with NO scent. 1 -16 oz bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide
I get both of these from the grocery store.
Process: Empty hydrogen peroxide into larger bottle - I use an empty 1 gallon vinegar jug. Add to this 32 oz filtered or distilled water - I just refill the hydrogen peroxide bottle twice - and dump into the jug. What this does is change your 3% hydrogen peroxide into 1% hydrogen peroxide.
Next add 1 cup of the borax crystals and shake. There should be some undissolved crystals in the mixed solution - this is just right. I try to use hot water from the kettle on the stove, that or sit the jug of mixture in the sink full of hot water while I bathe the dog.
NEXT: Bathe the dog - use whatever shampoo and rinse well. Squeeze out excess water and make sure the tub is drained. I then plug up the tub. Now pour the mixed up solution over the dog. I use a small sponge to soak up the solution from the bottom of the tub and squeeze it out onto the dog again and again, making sure I get the head and underneath. Keep squeezing solution over and over onto the dog for about 15 minutes - 30 minutes is better. Then pull the stopper from the tub and let the excess drain. DO NOT DRY THE DOG OR RINSE THE DOG. The solution has to remain wet as it is still working. Allow the dog to air dry. I just pop mine into their crates and I remove any absorbent bedding.
If you are worried about poisoning your dog keep in mind that borax has the same toxicity as table salt. The solution doesn't seem to hurt the eyes or sting any sores on the skin. Some dogs feel instant relief!
You can make up a solution for a spray bottle and touch up areas on a daily basis if you choose – just keep the hydrogen peroxide ration 1:2 – so 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide straight from the bottle to 2 cups filtered water OR 1 tbsp hydrogen peroxide to 2 tbsp water – and then add powdered borax until it stops melting into the solution and remains as grains on the bottom of the mixing bowl. The key is to make a “saturated” solution, the point of saturation is where the grains of borax stop dissolving; again the solution should be grainy whatever the ratio of hydrogen peroxide and water that you use.
To make a stronger or more aggressive solution use an equal amount of white vinegar [NOT ACV] - so add 48 oz of vinegar to recipe above for a peracetic acid solution and then use as directed above.
Now, the above remedy is for mange - but its a good start for troubled skin. If that doesn't seem to be working and things do not look better you can make a topical skin solution for the troubled spots. I would first make up a large batch of the following solution and bathe with the above protocol - ie no rinsing, allow to drip dry for as long as possible.
Anti fungal/staph skin solution - you will need: Milk of Magnesia [magnesium hydroxide] Epsom salts [magnesium sulfate] Borax [sodium tetraborate] 1% hydrogen peroxide solution
Mix 1 tbsp of MOM with 1 tbsp epsom salt and 1 tbsp borax into 1-1/2 cups of 1% hydrogen peroxide. Apply and do not rinse. This solution should knock out any staph infection or yeast infection going on in the skin.
Additionally you can add pet vitamins, ie Pet Tabs - for a week, along with flaxseed oil and evening primrose oil; you can also try flaxseed oil and coconut oil - 1 -2 tsp am and pm in the food; you should see improvement in a couple of days.
I have a 70# dog with yeast issues on her feet and arm pits. How much ACV do you add to the food and can this help or hinder UTI. I was adding this to her water, but she didn't like the smell and wasn't drinking much water. Is there any other help for oozing, inflamed & itchy paws?
Posted by Jimmy Yeo (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) on 07/11/2008
I brought my dog, Syberian Husky, for his second vaccination earlier this week and made a full check up. He's only about 2 1/2 months old. He was shacking his head and scratching his ears this few days so i ask the vet to check if there's any infection in the ears. The answer from the vet was, suspected to have yeast infection. Reddish color around his neck area but according to the vet, it's still hard to say if it's 100% yeast infection. He gave him injection and also anitbiotic for this problem. The vet told me that if he confirm to get this infection, it will be for his whole life. I was shocked to hear the result so i search the web to find for help and solution and found YOU. So i read about the vinegar solution and i tried it on for the first time today. Hopefully with the knowledge i read from this site, i would be able to cure my pet, Thunder. Can you tell me if this actually works? Thank you.
Posted by Ellen (Charles Town, West Virginia) on 08/06/2008 ★★★★★
I am so happy to see this site. It gives me hope that my poor English Setter, Lady has some chance to finally get well. She has been miserable for so long that I have been considering putting her down. I hate to lose her but she is so miserable with itching and she is constantly raw and bleeding all over. This has been going on for almost 6 years with her getting worse and worse. I don't know if this will work but at least there is some hope. How much should I feed and do you also use it topically? I love my pet so much that it hurts to see her suffer.
Posted by Lesley (Sydney, Australia) on 02/13/2009
after our poor dog Hamish has suffered for 5yrs on cortisone tablets and gaining huge amounts of weight, (even though we were feeding him the correct amounts for his size) we decided to stop the tablets, he has just gone from bad to worse now I have found this site Im gong to try everything to help my pet, we just cant afford the vets bills and need to find something we can use for the rest of his life other than anti-biotics, it makes me feel like crying every time I see him scratch his ears raw and bleeding once again weve bathed him in every wash the vet has suggested, including Malase, with no results whatsoever, so wish me luck thanks everyone for putting your remedies here for anything is worth trying once
Posted by Ang (Port Elgin, On Canada) on 05/26/2011
I almost lost my dog to sysmatic yeast infection. Her symptons were red sores, greasy skin, discharge for her bum and finally seizures that almost killed her. Not to mention thousands of dollars in vet bills.
After hours of research I highly recommend these two sites, The great dane lady and Dr Dodds. Dr Dodds is a vet and a thyroid specialist. Yeast infection and hypothyroid are 99% connected. When reading the information on the great dane lady my chin hit my chest. She describe my dog to a tee' This is very dangerous condition. As I said before it almost killed my dog.
I'm glad to say my dog yeast free, rash free and living a healthy and happy life after a year and a half of hell. And may I add she is only on and 1 low dose thyroid pill and vit.
I agree 100% on the info given from Great Dane Lady and Dr. Dodds. My response to the info was jaw dropping as well. I knew that the topical creams I had been administering to my 5 year old Rottweiller were bogus, but I had no idea how bogus and threatening to her immune system they had been. I have treated her on and off for the past 4 years with the topical creams Otomax and Surolan. I switched to the Surolan only after insisting to my vet that I felt my dog had developed some sort of immunity to the Otomax. (Which also made sense to happen after 4 years). Again the Surolan started working then would fail miserably. Her flare ups in her ears had actually progressed with each new flare up occurring. I strongly encourage all of you to read the article by The Great Dane Lady on Systematic Yeast Infection and how it attacks your dogs system. I was so angry at myself for allowing the vet to give me what I knew(antibiotics) weren't helping.
I strongly urge you to get to the "core" of the infection which is VERY INTERNAL and in most cases VERY MISTREATED by our vets today. A holistic approach to managing your dogs needs is crucial. After all it's common sense that guides us as humans with our physical well being....... Do the same for your dog. Food choices(which don't have to be expensive) are the number 1 ally you can have paired with your dogs physical/nutritional needs. Please feed your dog nutritional food. And please stop with the topical steroid treatments. The pretty packaging on Pedigree brands and Beneful brands are just that..... Pretty packaging. They can be a slow death sentence to a dog who already suffers from yeast. And the steroid treatments only remove what's left of your dogs natural immune fighting defenses, which take into mind are probably VERY depleted already(Hence why you are on this site desperately seeking help) Great Dane Lady definitely hit the nail on the head with this one.
Our buddy Mike has been having a terrible time with what we have figured out (after 2 vet visits, all blood ok, thyroid ok, 2 rounds of antibiotics-which made him worse- and some Science Diet 50dollar food which smelled awful and he hated) to be a systemic yeast infection. He has an odor which he never used to have, very painful joints and diarrhea, he is lethargic and grouchy, has blackened skin on one ear and under arms... ( we've been wiping him down with diluted Apple Cider Vinegar on the yeasty spots which he seems to like) We changed his diet to anti-yeast and gave him probiotocs but now has extreme die off symptoms and his joints are so sore especially ankles, and his eyes look dry and irritated.
So, we stopped the probiotic for now to ease these symptoms a bit, still eating anti-yeast, taking natural joint supplement. We ordered enzymes product for him so we will see how that goes when it arrives. It is so hard to watch your best friend suffer, we are trying to be patient but it's tough to keep perspective.
Posted by Annie (New Jersey, Camden) on 12/28/2011
I have a dog who has elephant skin on her back of head below the ears. She has allergies which I have not been able to find anything to help her eyes from drying up and peeling. She has yeast on the inside of her ears. I have to keep socks on forever because she will lick them constantly and make them bleed. The puffiness is starting to go down. She doesn't have excessive thirst and I have trouble with her appetite. And she doesn't pee often. But I make sure she gets water. If she cannot have potatoes and rice what else can you give her? She has one ear tip that won't heal it keeps getting larger because she flicks it all of the time. She also has anal gland trouble so I have to make sure she eats foods with fiber. I tried elimination of diet and never found anything to work right for her. Prednisone make her worse so she is off of it. She has been to holistic vets many times. I had her on a kit called enzymes and it did not work. I need a special shampoo for the yeast infection. Any suggestions?
Posted by Akeentruth (Las Vegas, Nevada, Usa) on 01/12/2012
Hello I need some advice, I have been reading a lot of post on this site and I was hoping someone my be able to direct me in the right place. My name is Krys I have a 5 1/2 year old pit/chocolate lab mix with skin issues like no tomorrow. I have had my dog since he was 3 weeks old. When I first got him he had parvo and I made sure he survivred it. The first year and a half of his life he was fine no skin or ear issues.
After he hit two everything went down hill. His skin started to get really oily, and he would shake his head a lot. Slowly but surely he devoloped hives, losing hair, ears all red etc. Needless to say he also had happy tail syndrom... When the itching became excessive he chewed a sore on his tail and he caught gang grene and I had it amputated. I have tried everything, I feel like, for him. He was living in a cone/donut for the last 2 years on and off. I have taken him to vets, and dermatologist. He has been put on various meds, kenakonzol, doxicyclin, prednizone, many anti fungals, he takes zerytec daily, benadryl stopped working, I wash him with 3 medicated dog wash every other day. I have tried a daily bath of dawn dish soap per the dermatologists, I have tried yogurt in his food, as well as fish oils, and acidophilus.
Now he has developed a blood pocket in the inside of his ear, I have to take him to the vet tomorrow... Oh I also have tried switching his foods many many times. Right now my dermatologists has him on natural balance duck and potato high protein no grain. I am really at a loss. I love this dog with all my heart and I am afraid they have given him so many meds nothing is working, that the steroids are affecting his kidneys and that he is suffering, even though he is playful and full of life. If anyone and give any advice I would be so grateful.
Akeentruth - try getting your dog tested for hypothyroidism. This is commonly associated with skin disorders. It is like an autoimmune disease in that it lowers a dog's resistance to infections whenever they get a surface scratch on the skin. It takes about 45 days to see improvement and about 4 months to get 90% better. Please note that hypothyroid tests tend to not be accurate. So, if it comes back no problem with hypothyroid you might want to ask your Vet if it would hurt any to try a low dose med for hypothyroid for 30 days and see if there is improvement. This med is very inexpensive. You should also try Ketochlor Shampoo at the same time, bathing 3-4 times a week for 3 weeks, reducing to 2 times/ week and then once/ week at the 3-4 month mark. For ketochlor to be effective, it is best to shave the areas where the lessions are. I ordered a gallon of it since I was sure my dog would have outbreaks from tiem to time for the duration of his life. The shampoo works its way down the hair shaft- it is very effective. I also try rubbing apple cidar vinegar on my dog on days when he does not get a bath, to kill bacteria and yeast. The vinegar does not seem to bother him. Good luck!!
My dog has developed black elephant skin, itches all the time, and it has started developing on her front paw where she limps a little. I heard that apple cider vinegar and plain low fat yogurt helps so I have started using one teaspoon of Apple Cider Vinegar and a heaping tablespoon of yogurt in her soft food. I also read that it takes about a month to work. Has anyone tried this. My poor baby looks miserable and I can't afford for the vet to do test after test only to find they didn't find anything.
Sounds like a really bad yeast infection. Read how people have treated their dogs at this link (using ACV, Monistat, changing the dog's food to a higher-quality/no grain food, yogurt, and other treatments): https://www.earthclinic.com/pets/yeast_infections_dogs.html
Posted by Debbiefudge (Brighton. Uk) on 08/18/2013
Hi. The most important thing to do is to change the dogs diet. Change to raw feeding only. Give probiotic yogurt every day. Half a clove of raw garlic daily. Bath in an antifungal shampoo and after the final rinse, mix half white vinegar/half water and soak every part of the dogs skin and leave to dry. Do this once a week. And also have a spray bottle with the same mixture in and spray any hot spots or where the dog is scratching, twice a day. I would stay away from the ACV until there is some improvement. Add a teaspoonful of DE (Food grade only) to the yogurt and mix well. This will help detox the dog. Don't give any vegetables. Just alternate different types of raw meat and raw bone. And, fish, once a week.
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