3 Dog Yeast Infection Home Remedy Treatments – Top Dog Tips
Yeast infections are a fairly common skin condition in dogs. They are typically not something to worry about, but you should seek veterinary care to get this condition cleared up as soon as possible. There are a few dog yeast infection home remedy options that have been shown to be effective.
Skin infections caused by yeast are known as yeast dermatitis. One particular type of yeast, Malassezia, lives on your dog’s skin all the time. It does not typically cause problems, but when there is an overpopulation of this yeast, an infection can occur.
If your dog is scratching his ears incessantly, has cracked lips or red, inflamed skin, it could be a sign that he has a yeast infection. Chewing of the paws is another sign of a yeast infection in dogs. The yeast can build up between Fido’s toes and cause irritation.
If the red, itchy skin is accompanied with a foul smell, it’s very likely that your dog has a yeast infection. Dog yeast infection home remedy treatments may get rid of a yeast infection in dogs, but your vet can also prescribe a topical cream to help treat the condition quickly.
MORE: 6 Common & Serious Dog Skin Conditions (And What To Do About Them)
3 Dog Yeast Infection Home Remedy Treatments
1. Bathing
Giving your dog a good bath with a high quality shampoo is the best thing that you can do to help a yeast infection. You should definitely wear rubber gloves when bathing your dog, to ensure the yeast does not get on your skin.
Avoid oatmeal shampoos, because the oatmeal will actually feed the yeast. Use an anti-fungal shampoo or an herbal shampoo with ingredients that feature natural anti-fungal properties (like tea tree oil). Be sure to work the shampoo into the affected area, and allow it to sit for at least 10 minutes before rinsing.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil greatly improves the condition of your dog’s skin and coat. Possibly the best health benefits of coconut oil is that it contains anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. It offers a lot of great benefits for your dog’s overall health and well-being, as well as helping to treat yeast infections and other skin problems.
You can give your pet coconut oil orally. Just give him 1 teaspoon-1 tablespoon (depending on his size) every other day. My dogs will eat coconut oil like a treat, but you could also melt it and pour it over your pup’s food. Continue feeding the coconut oil until the infection is gone.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Organic apple cider vinegar (ACV) is another versatile home remedy that you should always keep on hand. It’s a great treatment for many skin problems including dry skin, hot spots and yeast infections.
You can apply ACV to the infected area topically. Wait at least 5 minutes before rinsing it off. You can also give it to your pup orally. Add 1-2 tablespoons (depending on the size of your dog) to his meals once per day. Continue adding it to his meals until the yeast infection has cleared up.
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