Ever seen your dog scratching a lot, their skin looking red, or maybe even smelling a bit odd? It might be a yeast infection. It’s like when we get an itchy rash. it’s uncomfortable and annoying for them. Yeast infections in dogs are caused by too much yeast growing on their skin.
Just like how we change our diet when we’re sick, changing what we feed our dogs can help them get better from a yeast infection.
So, if you want to know what’s good to put in their bowl during this time, keep reading!
How do dogs get a yeast infection?
Dogs naturally have yeast on their skin, but sometimes things get out of balance. Maybe it’s too warm and wet, or maybe the dog has health stuff going on. When there’s too much yeast, it becomes a problem and turns into an infection.
Now, why does this yeast grow so much? Several reasons can cause this. Sometimes it’s the weather. When it’s hot and humid, yeast loves that and grows faster.
Another reason can be if the dog has some health issues or takes certain medicines, making it easier for the yeast to grow. It’s like when we eat too much sugar, and we feel off; certain things make the body’s balance go out of place.
Types of Yeast Infections
Yeast infections can manifest in different forms
- Skin Infections: This is perhaps the most prevalent type. Dogs with a skin yeast infection might exhibit signs like itching, redness, and an unusual odor.
- Ear Infections: A different manifestation of yeast infection is in the ears. Dogs may constantly scratch their ears or appear distressed due to the discomfort.
What to Feed When Dog Has a Yeast Infection
The right food can play a key role in balancing out that yeast overgrowth and making it feel better. So, what should we put in their bowls? Here are some top choices:
1. Fresh, Whole Foods
Natural stuff is the way to go. Think lean meats and veggies. Boiled chicken, turkey, or even beef can be great.
Adding some green veggies, like broccoli or green beans, can be a good mix. It’s simple, clean food without any extras.
- Chicken: Boiled or steamed, without any spices.
- Turkey: A lean meat that’s easy on the stomach.
- Beef: Stick to lean cuts and avoid fatty pieces.
- Broccoli: A green veggie that’s good for them.
- Green Beans: Easy to digest and they usually love it.
- Carrots: You can steam them to make them soft.
- Peas: A nice addition to their meaty meals.
2. Probiotics
Probiotics help to keep the balance right in the dog’s belly. You can find probiotics in specific dog foods or add a bit of plain yogurt to their meal.
They’re all about keeping that stomach in check.
- Plain Yogurt: Make sure there’s no added sugar.
- Kefir: It’s like a drinkable yogurt, packed with good stuff.
- Probiotic Supplements: Available at pet stores.
- Fermented Veggies: Like sauerkraut, but only a little bit.
- Specific Dog Foods: Some brands have added probiotics.
3. Omega Fatty Acids
These help the skin be strong and healthy. Foods rich in omega fatty acids, like fish, are top picks. You can also get fish oil supplements, which are easy to mix into their food.
- Salmon: It’s a fish full of good oils.
- Mackerel: Another oily fish that’s a top pick.
- Fish Oil Supplements: Easy to drizzle over their food.
- Flaxseed: You can sprinkle some on their meal.
- Sardines: A small fish but packed with omega benefits.
4. Fiber-Rich Foods
Fiber is great for digestion. Foods like green beans, pumpkin, or even flaxseed can be good choices. It helps keep everything moving smoothly in their stomach.
- Pumpkin: It’s gentle and good for digestion.
- Flaxseed: Yes, it’s here too! Good for the skin and stomach.
- Oats: Cooked plain oats can be a nice addition.
- Sweet Potatoes: Steam or boil them to make them soft.
- Peas: They offer both protein and fiber.
5. Always Fresh Water
This might sound basic, but clean, fresh water is vital. It keeps them hydrated and helps flush out any bad stuff from their system.
What happens if a dog yeast infection goes untreated?
Well, ignoring a yeast infection can lead to some problems. Let’s break it down:
1. Constant Itching: The yeast makes the skin itchy. So, if there’s no treatment, the dog will keep scratching. It’s like when we get a bug bite. we can’t help but itch it. But for dogs, this itch doesn’t go away on its own.
2. Skin Problems: With all that scratching, the skin can get hurt. It might turn red, become raw, or even start to bleed.
Over time, the skin can get thick and feel rough, not smooth and soft like before.
3. Bad Odor: Yeast has a strong smell. If there’s too much yeast, our dogs can start to stink. It’s not their fault. it’s the yeast! Bathing them won’t help much if the yeast infection isn’t treated.
4. Ear Infections: Yeast doesn’t just stay on the skin. It can also grow inside the ears. If the ears get a yeast infection and it’s not treated, our dogs might scratch their ears a lot or shake their head. The ears can get red and smelly.
5. Pain and Discomfort: Just like how we’d feel sore after scratching a lot, dogs feel pain too. Their skin can become sensitive. It can hurt when they move or when we touch them.
6. Spreading Yeast: If one part of the body has a yeast infection, it can spread to other parts too. So, what started as a small spot can grow bigger if not treated.
The End
If our dog has a yeast infection, tweaking their food can be a big help. By offering them the right meals, packed with stuff that’s good for them, we can help them fight off the yeast and get back to being their playful selves. With the right care and food, we can keep our pups happy and healthy.
