Julie (Mt. Washington, Kentucky) on 11/16/2011

What kind of acidophilus can I give my dog and how much? He weighs 69 lbs. and we have him on Holistic Select Duck Formula.

Replied By Jana (Naples, Fl, Usa) on 01/07/2012

My 10 yr old, 35 lb. PBGV, Max, was diagnosed 1.5 years ago with Cushings Disease. I am managing his disease with one Trilostane 100 mg capsule per day. He is doing extremely well.

However, he was constantly scratching and licking his paws creating bloody, hairless patches. I tried EVERYTHING my vet, dermatologist, recommended: injections, special shampoos, allergy meds you name it... spend hundreds of dollars.

Fortunately my groomer informed me Max was suffering from yeast and I should call my Vet to request a medicated shampoo for the treatment of yeast and administer Acidophilus in pill form. I ordered the medicated shampoo and consulted my local heath food store, Whole Foods, and found an ACIDOPHILUS capsule 340 mg. I administer one, sometimes two pills, per day inside a pill pocket size of an all meat hot dog... He gobbles it down, a treat!

In addition, I have switched to feeding him Blue Wilderness brand dog food with high protein, NO GRAINS, corn, wheat or soy. He likes the Salmon best but will eat the chicken and duck flavors too! The food is expensive, approx. $30.00 for a 11 lb bag but worth every penny.

Max was a sick and "ugly" looking dog until I finally found the right combination of food and medication. His coat is thick and soft, he rarely scratches and almost never licks. He walks with me a least a mile each day. He is alive and thriving. I contribute his well being to my groomer and from the information I gained from reading posts on this site.

Replied By Kelly (Langley,bc, Canada) on 03/15/2012

I have spent the last 6 months taking my cairn terrier to the vets and being told he has allergies to the environment. The vet told me to feed HP and gave me meds for his skin condition. He has gotten worse over the last month and I had him at my groomers and right away she told me he had a yeast infection. Told me to try Natural Balance with sweet potatoe and salmon. I also after reading about the acidophilus am now giving him that. Does it get worse looking before it gets better is my question? And what can I put on his sores that won't harm him? Thanks

Replied By Maegan (Houston, Texas) on 03/16/2012

For the sores I use hot spot medicine. I don't really like it too much though because it's messy. I found a spray that has medicine to treat wounds. It prevents infection. I can't recall the name, but I found it at a pet store. Honestly, I believe it's a generic. Also, I sometimes spray the apple cider vinegar directly on her. I have some spray with bitterant in it, so she won't chew her skin, but it doesn't work as well as the vinegar. She hates the taste and won't lick. Besides that it seems to help treat the infection from the yeast.

Replied By Maegan (Houston, Texas) on 03/16/2012

I'm about a week or so into the acidophilus treatment, along with a few other things I'm doing. Sadie was so bad that I was about to give up. She was one hundred percent bald and completely miserable. So far I have noticed that she sheds skin A LOT more than before, but after every bath, her skin looks healthier. She's even getting wisps of fur where there hasn't been any for months. I don't really know if a dog like this gets worse looking before they get better, but with my Sadie that is definitely the case. Her yeast odor is a lot worse, but like I said, after a bath she seems better. The only annoying thing in all this is that I have to bathe her daily because of all the skin shedding and odor. I just make sure to bathe her in medicated and oatmeal shampoos, followed by a good rub down in Monistat. She is already in better spirits. She was playing with her toys and loving on my pug. I'm going to stick with it because, so far, things look encouraging.

Replied By Jeane (Quezon City, Philippines) on 03/18/2012

Hi, Maegan! I have tried steeping a bag of jasmine tea in water and then giving my dogs a rubdown with this infusion. I am not sure if other types of tea have the same effect, but our dogs have stopped continually scratching and biting themselves after only a few applications. And the jasmine tea smells great on them. However, it still takes a few weeks at least for the hair to gradually grow back. I have read of another product that got me thinking. It is white vinegar. I find that the tea infusion is helpful in treating hot spots and yeast infection but not too effective in killing off ticks and then read somewhere about the benefits of white vinegar. So now I am using white vinegar with water as a spray on them. And then I also dissolve a bar of the mildest and most natural soap I can find here in water and then mix two to three caps full of white vinegar into it and make a homemade shampoo. This shampoo we use like a regular shampoo on them, and it leaves them smelling just great! So I was thinking this vinegar concoction may be of help to you, too.

Replied By Jeane (Quezon City, Philippines) on 03/18/2012

Hi, Kelly! Maybe you can try using a tea bag on his sores? I have tried steeping a tea bag (jasmine, have not tried anything else though) and then rubbing the infusion all over their bodies. This method seems to stop their itching and also dries up the sores. Hope this helps!

Replied By Shelley (Roseville, Ca) on 04/24/2012

Just reading your great tips on yeast infections. Just brought my dog home from the groomer today and she said my buddy has a yeast infection. She told me NOT to use shampoos with oatmeal as the yeast feeds on it. I noticed someone mentioned batheing their dog with it and thought you may want to know. Thanks for the great tips!

Replied By Marilyn (Austin, Tx) on 05/24/2012

Our 14 year old chow mix has been plagued with a yeast infection of her skin for several years now. She has also been diagnosed with Cushings. We treated her with Lysodren for over 2 years for the Cushings with little change. We finally gave up on the Lysodren. Being encouraged by your postings here about acidophilus, I started giving her 3 to 4 pills spaced throughout the day. I also started bathing her in a medicated shampoo every 4 days. I treat her flare up spots with an otc spray for athlete's foot. This is working!!! She feels better because she's off Lysodren, she's not itchy and her skin and hair are very much improved. Just wanted to let others know there is hope to clear this up. I feel she has turned the corner.

Replied By Mypapagaio (Newport Beach, Ca/usa) on 06/04/2012

There is a comment in here from someone in March 2012 who said her groomer told her that her dog has a yeast infection and that she should switch to Natural Balance with Sweet Potato.... THIS IS WRONG! Sweet potato is a starch, starch turns to sugar and yeast feeds on sugar.

She is correct in that when on a proper treatment to rid your dog of yeast that the symptoms do get temporarily worse. This is due to the body purging the toxins at a greater rate through the dogs skin which itches terribly. However, feeding your dog an inappropriate food that contains starch or sugar will also make it get worse, but for the wrong reason.

Special made raw food (research the types online) is the number one recommendation. As well as a supplemental daily dose of pro-biotics the dog needs to replenish their system with in order to maintain the proper levels of yeast. And a medicated anti-fungal shampoo is also recommended with bathing at least twice a week. Again, research online for brands. There are also a number of homemade daily rinses that you should do IN ADDITION to all the other treatments. They involve a diluted mixture of water and vinegar, or water and lemon juice, or water and baking soda.

Diet is number one and whatever you do, DO NOT LET YOUR VET ADMINISTER ANTI-BIOTICS OR STEREOIDS!!!! RESEARCH YEAST INFECTIONS IN DOGS ONLINE AND DO IT NOW. There is a ton of information online about this and thank God I found it as our 6 month old puppy has been suffering for 8 weeks. Everyone thought it was an allergy. Vets were quick to treat some random infection they thought it was with more anti-biotics. Anti-biotics only strip the poor dog of the good bacteria it needs to fight the yeast. RESEARCH!!!!

Replied By Emilia (Sugar Land, Tx) on 07/04/2012

I need help. I just wrote a whole thing and lost it! So here I go again.

He is two from the vets information and we rescued him from the city. he is a french bulldog and when we got him home he was on antibiotics because the city thought his skin was bad from being out in the Texas heat and fleas, she said they did skin scrapes to make sure it wasn't contagious because we have other dogs and he was safe.

So my trouble started when his antibiotics were done from her skin concerns and being neutered.

First the odor and then the elephant skin growth in the folds of his neck. My husband did some research on the internet and found the yeast infection infrmation and suggested we change his food and get better less aggressive shampoo. We went straight to the store and found, NUTRISCA, grain free and potato free and sprinkle oregano on it at meal time. It has helped his gas problem although he has gas it doesn't STINK! Anymore.

The first shampoo we changed to was a baby shampoo with lavender and it made him fell better but then I found a pet shampoo with tea tree as suggested on another site. It did work on lossening up the elephant skin spots and is suppossed to soothe the skin. But my next research/purchase will be the Malaseb shampoo.

What does work is the white vinegar and water rinses. I do them daily. I put a gallon of water and one cup wv and it helps him. After I soak him I towel dry him and put a clean T shirt on him. The t shirts , with some modifications, help protect the red spots from direct scratching and I use my son's old T shirts because store dog shirts seem to irritate him. He has a large neck and broad chest so the store clothes bother him in this area. My son's shirts work best I put them on him backwards. Anyway he gets hours of relief and a clean shirt everday. With the tea tree and rinses I have gotten a lot of the odor under control. But I want to get the peppermint oil to complete this portion of the regimen.

But today was a downer! I woke up and his skin was inflamed and oozing. It hurts my heart to look at his tender skin under his thinning coat. I have to count myself lucky because he doesn't have the ear issues but every other symptom. What I am thinking is we changed to food in time and the ears didnt have a chance to get started.

QUESTION # 1 But when does the inflammation even out. With all the efforts! Will it get worse and then better because I really feel this has to be the worst. He has spots all over and under and his neck is bad again. And today the smell came back!

I want to try acidophilus to round out my efforts. But I have a question. I looked at the health food store but didn't buy it because it was not free of soy yeast or dairy products. And the ones I found at the pet store were not acidophilus so I am going to have to order some on the internet.

QUESTION #2 Yogurt? I am guessing you are using the plain unsweeted kind but are you using it to give additional enzymes or the way to give the enzymme with out purchasing additional probiotics.

Awaiting any feedback to help keep me strong and not fall weak and head to the vet!

Emilia.

Replied By Suzebel (Kure Beach, Nc Usa) on 07/12/2012

Struggling with dogs yeast: Hi Emilia, Sorry to hear about your dog's problem, I hope this helps you get started. I have a 1 1/2 yr old cockapoo. She has already been on antibiotics for yeast infections 4 times. The last time for 21 days. This did not help and a few days ago it started again. I noticed the tell tale smell and irritated skin. I had minor surgery and wasn't as involved with day to day caring of kids and dog for a few day. I wasn't suppose to drive yet and wanted to give her relief and that is when I found this site which is amazing.

I want to share what I've done so far because I believe it is working. The first thing was a baking soda and water soak so she could get some relief. I filled the tub just a few inches and added 3 tsp of baking soda. I sat her in the water because her problem was her girl parts, behind, stomach and underarms. Then I wiped it on the areas that couldn't soak then removed her from the tub. I towel dryed her and blow dried her hair because the vet said the yeast grows faster when wet. I was going to take her in the next day until I read on. There are so many natural treatments but I didn't want to over do it. The next treatment I tried was plain old white vinegar because that was all I had. I made a small amount of 50/50 solution white vinegar and water. Other people have said you may not want to use on open sores and I agree. My girl didn't squeel in pain but was happy when I was done. Then I gave her a human fish oil soft gel coated in peanut butter. It was 1000 mg and Many post say you may want to give more for dogs with skin problems but I want to build up. The WV did give her relief for a few hours.

Meanwhile I went to a health store and bought organic coconut oil, organic Apple Cider Vinegar and plain organic yogurt. Greek was all they had so that is what I bought. When I came home I put 2 tsp on top of her dog food which is a limited ingrediant grain free. A note, she has been on special food for over a year and the yeast still comes back. I don't think that is reason enough to go to easier to find or cheaper food, just confirms to me, food change is not enough. She loved the yogurt and ate it up. Then I made another small 50/50 Apple Cider Vinegar and water mix and wiped her again. When it was dry, I used the co. I Very generously coated her rectom, under tail, back legs, girl part, under belly and under arms. I used a different napkin every time my napkin was dry because I've been told yeast can spread. She was very greasy so I did cover the furniture. So we both went about our business for an hour or so and when I checked on her, the red was so, so, so much better. Not perfect but it was obvious that she had relief and at this point relief was what I wanted for her.

The antibiotics are a band aid and nothing done correct or well happens fast or without experimenting. I have been very watchful and let her out often. I'm assuming there will be some type of diarrea or less than normal ability to hold bowels in with the addition of yogurt and a fish oil pill. I kept her very greasey for the rest of the day and had her sleep on a towel on my bed so I can easily change it daily. Gave her the same today. 2 tsp of yogurt with food, Fish oil with peanut butter, Lubed with coconut oil. Midday I bathed her with a med shampoo in the tub and rinsed very well. Emptied and rinsed tub well and added fresh water and some acv. I used a rag to rub the clean mix on all affected areas. I did not rerinse. Towel dry then blow dry. I use a small, not super powerful travel size dryer and concentrate on drying the infected areas. I will rub coconut oil on before bed and give her a clean towel to lay on. No diarrhea yet but still taking her out often.

She is doing very well and is suffering much less. When I'm sure she can tolerate the yogurt without bathroom problems, I will give her coconut oil to eat because other posters have reported good results. Lucy's yeast doesn't sound as serious but I sincerely hope one of these treatments gives your dog the relief that lucy found. Good Luck!

Replied By Suzebel (Kure Beach, Nc, Usa) on 07/14/2012

July 14, 2012 Update "I need help with dog yeast"

Hi, I posted some treatments found on this site for chronic yeast infection that I just started with my 1 1/2 yr old cockapoo. I have been treating topicly with 50/50 Apple Cider Vinegar and water and I have been rubbing coconut oil on affected areas. I am happy to report singificant relief for my dog. Less red and lesions from biting and scratching, smell almost gone and noticably less scratching all over. She still has pink fur but she's a white dog so I think she needs a few baths to rid stain.

I also added 2 tsp organic greek plain yogurt to limited ing. dry food and 1000mg fish oil.

Question She has started not coughing or vomiting but kind of like a human trying to release phlegm. She doesn't know to spit out and I can tell she re swallows it. She just vomited some yellow bile like substance and isn't very excited to eat. I have read many reviews saying whether human or animal, releasing of toxins when starting natural treatment is common. If anyone can give advise or let me know if this is normal I would appreciate it very much. She has not had any diarrhea from change in diet. I will say this is positively working, I just don't want to ignore signs that may need vet atten. And I also dont want to go to vet and get talked into antibiotics or steroids. Thank you!

Replied By Jessica (Texas) on 07/16/2012

Hi Suzebel, Your situation sounds a lot like what we went through with one of our dogs. This site has been a lifesaver for her, for sure, because our vet had her on steroids constantly which I know was not good for her.

What put our Daisy on the way to health was a combination of things: 1) chewable acidophilus tables and 2) making sure in addition to being grain free that the limited ingredient dog food didn't have any potato or sweet potato products.

She liked yogurt at first but then would not eat it regularly which is what got us to the chewable tablets. After about 10 days of the acidophilus, she lost most of her appetite, was visibly bloated, and had green slime in her waste. After 2-3 days of that (to the point where we were seriously worried and had scheduled a vet visit) she slimmed down to normal and had appetite again. With just the acidophilus tablets and limited ingredient food, her skin started to heal, the smell went away completely, and hair started to grow where she had been elephant-skinned. Our theory is that period of bloating and slime was the dying-off effect.

We continue to give her 2 tablets daily (she's a 70 pound dog) and it maintains her health in that instance. She does occasionally get itchy and then has reduced appetite spells for a day or two, but it is nothing like what she was before.

I hope your dog is going through a dying-off of the yeast also and will come out the other side on the road to health. I am not a health professional so cannot confirm what you are describing is that but wanted to share our experiences with our dog because I know it can be scary!

Replied By Suzebel (Kure Beach, Nc, Usa) on 07/16/2012

Jessica from Texas, Thank You. I have been diligent with treatment and still researching. I have read about grain and starch free food. Found a few brands but couldn't find reviews that weren't posted on retailer websites. Lucy contiues to get better with the yogurt and fish oil. The coconut and 50/50 acv/water continue to relieve her itch. I will order the food and add acidophilus pill. Thanks again for sharing Daisy's recovery treatment! I hope it continues to bring her good health!

Replied By Lawoman (California, Usa) on 07/31/2012

Yellow bile, sounds like a vomit sour stomach... don't use vinager..its not poison, but its ACIDY.. for your breed type. Give the dog pepto bismol or acid reducer OTC pill, NO FOOD for 24 hrs. Some rice... with bit of chicken- its fine.

Replied By Piperwrst12 (Bronx, Ny) on 08/03/2012

You have to be careful when feeding dogs food with chicken. Many stomach and skin sensitive dogs can develop chicken allergies, my Shih Tzu did. He now eats an organic food with duck or bison meat, vegetables and no grains. He has gotten better.

Replied By Diane (Port Jervis, New York) on 08/09/2012

wow, my dog has seen the vet numerous times in the past few weeks, she is miserable, smells is itchy and has licked her paws raw. She was misdiagnosed several times, I did my own research and it seems my dog has systemic yeast infectiom. I read Coconut oil and oil of oregano are very helpful so I am staring this along with probiotics and the vet did give her a full thyroid workup which did not show much. Her yeast levels came back on the low side, but I am sure this is what it is. NEVER use oatmeal shampoos as oatmeal is a grain and yeast thrives on oatmeal. Use tea tree or lemon shampoo. I have been feeding my dog CHICKEN and RICE, but am switching to truly grain free. One brand has rice, both brown and white. Will let you know how this all works out. (the vet prescribed antibiotics and steroids) we all know antibiotics kill the good bacteria so be careful if thats what your vet prescribes. Even vets can be wrong. Be your own dogs advocate!

Replied By Mary (Aberdeen, New Jersey) on 08/13/2012

Hi, to you all! I had 3 yorkies suffering from yeast, I know what you all are going thru. I did my research and found a website that helped me cure them, until two years ago, I took Mutsy for a dental and without my authorization they gave him rabies vaccination. From then on, Mutsy went backwards, first he was diagnosed with Cushing (caused by all the cortisone injections and pills the vet gave him, in addition to antibiotics) and because of the Cushing, I was afraid of giving him the drops that had cured him from yeast before. He also has developed kidney failure and the diet he is in k/d is full of potatoes which is very bad for yeast infection. I am now taking him to get acupuncture, he is still not doing well. The vet that does the acupuncture told me to give him plain yogur that we need to boost his immune system. I need to explain to you all that my Mutsy is now 16 yrs old, so you would understand my situation is delicate. I know about white vinegar, but his skin is so raw and he has open sores, so I cannot use it. I did use Malaseb shampoo together with pledges of Malaseb as that website had recommended and it worked. Unfortunately, the feds shut them down and I was not able to get the Malaseb shampoo for the past two years until now: I was able to get it online, but not the Malaseb pledges.

Since I know the pain of seeing your loves one scratching and itching and even crying, I wished to let you know my experience. Careful with the acidophilus pills, better use the yogur. Good luck to you all!

Mary

Replied By Bch208 (Elizabeth, Nj, Union) on 10/08/2012

This is just to share my experience and maybe help someone who might be going through the same problem I was. I have a 5 year old black cocker mix and she is a very picky eater when it comes down to dog food. I've always had her on what I though was good dog food like iams but she ate very little of it and always seemed hungry. Months ago I was in Shoprite and saw Purina Lamb and rice and noticed that it looked like it had little pieces of meat and bought it thinking maybe my dog will like it. Less than three days later she started scratching and she developed a yeast infection so I took her to the vet. He prescribed antifungal shampoo by the end of the week she was a lot worst so I took her back and he prescribed some fungal pills by the end of that week even worst she now had soars all over her body and fungus everywhere including her ears. She had huge scabs all over her body and the sores where looking bloody and infected so back to the vet we went. He did blood work, scraped her skin and a couple other tests and put her on antibiotics but she just kept getting worst and now she wasn't even eating the home cooked food I was making for her.

At this point after like four visits to her vet I was giving up on him. Even though I had been googling all along I started to try different things. I tried the vinegar and peroxide rinses after her antifungal shampoos every two days, I started her on vitamin c to boost her immune system and omega 3 oil pills. http://www.natural-dog-health-remedies.com/vitamin-c-for-dogs.html I had her shaved so that the shampoo got a better chance of working but still 2 days later the fungus kept coming back. I also started her on the human version of acidophilus (Walgreens). This all helped but I still had to bathe her every two days because the fungus and little pimples kept coming back.

Then one day I was sitting in the living room applying castor oil to my face, neck and hand like I do every night (good for wrinkles and dry skin) and I decided to put some all over her body thinking it might help with the itching. I went to work the next day knowing that when I got home I would have to give her a bath but to my surprise there was no obvious fungus anywhere so I sat in front of the computer and googled castor oil and fungus and was surprised to see that it works great on fungus, infections, sores, lice, ticks ect ect so I've been doing it every other day and the yeast has not returned. http://www.diagnose-me.com/treatment/castor-oil.html now I'm not saying that castor oil can cure fungal or yeast infection because from everything I've read fungal and yeast infections are caused by allergies to either food or other things but it has stopped her itching, she doesn't have a single sore and I haven't seen any white fungus since I started using it. Her skin is looking really good and her hair is growing nicely and she's not shedding and now I'm only bathing her once a week. She doesn't evens shed as much in the bath tub which would always take me a long time to clean after a bath because of all the hair loss. Now I'm only giving her a bath once a week. Three days ago I started her on Great Life Grain Free Salmon dry food and to my surprise she likes it and so far so good.

For her ear infection I do my own solution. I found the recipe on the cocker Spaniard AKA page years ago because she was always getting ear infections and that too has been doing really well. I have given the ear solution recipe to many people and they all have said that it's the best thing ever & that it works faster than anything the vet has ever prescribed for them. (The ingredients you'll need are white vinegar, powdered boric acid, isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol), and Betadine antiseptic solution. Generic versions of the Betadine are known as Povidone-Iodine, and those are fine, too. Just be sure not to use "Betadine Scrub", which is Betadine with a detergent added. What you want is "Betadine Solution" or generic "Povidone-Iodine Solution".) http://www.zimfamilycockers.com/EarCleaner.html I've been using this for many years (Boric acid has mild antibiotic properties against fungal or bacterial infection) http://www.drugs.com/mtm/boric-acid-ophthalmic.html. My dog has never had to be treated for ear infections since I started using this years ago. As soon as I see she's getting an ear infection or I catch her scratching her ears I start the treatment and it clears it in a few days.

Anyway like I said in the beginning I'm just posting this in the hopes that it can help someone.

Replied By Coopersmom (Plainview, Ny, Usa) on 10/11/2012

I have a 5 year old Shepherd mix, adopted from the North Shore Animal League. He is a wonderful guy... but we've recently been dealing with the dreaded yeast.

Switched to Nutrisca - Chicken and Chickpa recipe
Bathing him 2x per week with Malseb; spray w/ACV & Water mix
1x day - 2 capsules - Probiotics
1x day - 2 capsules - Apple Cider Vinegar
1x day - 2 capsules - Candida
2x day - 2-3 Benedryl

I've purchased an inflatable collar for him to wear because he's ripping his skin apart. If he gets the collar off, I find a new spot on his head that he's ripped open. It's breaking my heart and after going though the regimen every day, I still don't feel like I'm helping him at all. Some say they see improvement within days or weeks. On some websites, I read it will take months to see any improvement... very discouraging.

I've been putting Hydrocortisone cream on his open wounds... It seems to help with the healing process fairly quickly. Is there anything else I should be using? I'm will try anything!

I've spent $$$$ at the vet with steriod shots, meds, antibiotics... Antihistamine shots, nothing works. I've lost my money and my faith with this vet... Not sure if I am going to take him somewhere else for a look. It's been great to find this website... I just hope I'm doing the right thing!

Replied By Kaz (Sarasota, Florida) on 10/11/2012

I love all the suggestions. I wish I had looked this up earlier. I have been battling the yeast for almost 2 yrs now and been down the road with the vets giving steriods and antibiotics. After it got to costly I finally have decided to take things into my own hands. So yes we are doing the Rice and meat, Bathing with Hibiclens (can get at pharmacy and came recommended from pharmacist)active ingrediant Chlorhexidine gluconate which has been helpful. I also used an Walgreens anticeptic cleanser/pain reliever to help with the sores. I had a friend remind me yeast feeds on moisture so I got the idea to use Medicated Gold Bond Foot Powder and it appears to be working great! Of course you have to get the sores cleared somewhat but it keeps his skin dry, less itchy, and smells good. I have only been using it for two days but his mood has improved drastically and has started wagging his tail again. I'm not claiming these are the tell tale remedies but so far its looking promising. Look forward to trying some of the remedies posted too, especially the ear one (powder probably not good idea for ears). Thanks

Replied By Emmy\'s Mama (Central, Fl) on 10/25/2012

To Coopersmom in NY: One more thing I would suggest is yogurt. I have been using a lowfat, plain organic yogurt. My dog is about 70 pounds, and I give her about a generous half cup each evening. She has a doggy door, so I am blessed to not have to worry about if it loosens her stool. I have tried many things in the past, including expensive pills from the vet, and the yogurt seems to have made the most difference. Good luck!

Replied By Jadams (Franklin, Nc) on 11/05/2012

I foster for a rescue group and have adopted a few of my own, one of which has severe food and environmental allergies. She is on a vegetarian diet, which is grain-free, and we manage her symptoms pretty well. Her yeast infections will flare up and I'll know she's been sneaking into the other dogs food, although this doesn't happen very often. When it does, she will have the yeast infection developing in her ears and the BEST solution I have found is a mixture of Gentian Violet Solution, Boric Acid and Witch Hazel astringent. It's a 16 oz bottle of the witch hazel, 4 Tbsp of boric acid and 16 drops of the gentian violet. I keep this in a jar and will use a dropper to put it into her ear and massage well, then dab with a tissue and repeat once. Do this only a few times a week and the ears clear up perfectly. I also use it on my pekingese that has a very narrow ear canal and always has irritaion in her ear. The gential violet is anti-viral, anti-fungal and a natural antibiotic. The boric acid soothes the inflammed tissue and the witch hazel reduces swelling. It does not burn like isopropol alcohol will. I have used this for many years and have many friends that now use it as well. It is a 'violet' colored solution and will stain your clothing if you get it on yourself. It will eventually fade away off the fur.

This is a great solution for the ear infection, while waiting for the acidophilus and other products to take effect, as they get immediate relief.

Replied By Kreed (Snellville, Ga) on 12/20/2012

My Lhasa has been miserable with the constant scratching and licking. Both of us were never getting uninterrupted sleep. I tried all types of shampoo and food changes, but no relief came for her. I didn't want to start her on drugs, but was getting close to giving in.

Then, I discovered this site via a search. After reading the symptoms described by everyone, I knew I was on track to a possible solution to Sasha's ailments.

Two days ago I began giving her a tablespoon of organic plain yogurt in the morning and evening. I also added ACV to her water bowl.

Yesterday, I bathed her with a medicated shampoo and rinsed her with a 50/50 ACV solution and at night rubbed coconut oil on her worst areas (lower back and tail). I have also put the ACV solution into a spray bottle. Whenever I see her lick or scratch I spray the area she is attending.

I'm happy to say she is now sleeping peacefully and has scratched only a few times during the day. She is still licking, but far less than before. I will bathe her again tomorrow. Will also try to get the ear solution ingredients and start the ear wash.

BTW-She loves the yogurt and licks the bowl clean each time. She also drinks the ACV water, but isn't as enthusiastic about that.

Thanks for this site. It truly has been a help for both of us.

Replied By Kreed (Snellville, Ga) on 12/21/2012

Also, forgot to add that I changed her to grain-free dry food (I always add warm water to soften it and make a slight gravy) and I am temporarily using a quick squirt or two of the ACV/water solution as needed for ear itch relief, whenever I see her scratch at her ears. This is just until I can get all of the ingredients for the ear wash.

Day 4 and very little scratching. She is still licking. I spray the areas she licks with the ACV solution, but she still goes back and licks the area. It seems that she is licking it because she likes the taste of the ACV solution. I might be wrong, but that appears to be the case. Go figure.

Replied By Kbreed (Snellville, Ga, United States) on 12/26/2012

Day 9 - Very little scratching, some licking/chewing and she is sleeping through most of the night with hardly any scratching or itching. Her skin has returned to looking more normal (not the dark elephant skin). Most of the scabs are gone.

Have bathed her with the medicated shampoo, rinsed with ACV solution, dried, combed and put coconut oil on skin when dry, twice in 9 days.

Continuing with ACV in drinking water and have reduced heaping tablespoon of plain greek yogurt to once/day (instead of twice/day). Also, I spray ACV solution on any area she scratches or licks/chews. Unfortunately, she likes the taste of the ACV solution and will still lick at the sprayed area (but not chew) to taste the ACV.

Never did the ear spray. Couldn't find the boric acid. Most stores here are not allowed to sell it. Not sure if it's really needed though.

Replied By Mother Of Four Dogs And Three Cats (Chattanooga, Tn) on 02/06/2013

Thank you for your responses on the yeast problems in dogs. I have three out of four dogs with some type of skin problem from itching for no reason to full blown yeast. I was making a homemade diet for my dogs, crockpot of vegetable/fruit with a quinoa base and adding EVO can venison to it. Also adding lots of supplements that I been told was good for them. Two of the four was allergy tested by blood and that where we can up with venison as my meat source. Since the yeast out break starting back in December 2012 with one dog. I was told a new allergy test was being performed with salva. So I started with the first dog to see what she was allergic too, venison and quinoa. So lets rethink my homemade food. I went a head and had the other two that was blood test, retested with the salva test. Believe it or not they both have allergies but not as bad as tested by blood. Anyway now I have three tests that I can compare to see what to feed them. All three allergic to venison and quinoa. My vet suggested raw goat and goat milk but my dogs wouldn't touch neither (also very expensive for four dogs). So we tried raw pork and they wouldn't eat that. So I made the comment at the vets office, my dogs was use to cooked/canned food not raw. She came up with can Evangers Pork and Evangers vegetarian vegetables. I was told to do 1/2 can of pork to 1/4 can of veg. To make a complete meal for one dog (i have four to feed). So I mixed it up and they had a hard time getting bits stuck in their teeth. So the next day I took one can of pork, 1/2 can of vegetables and two shots of goat milk (needed to use up) and put in blender. They wolfed it down. My problem now is the can vegetables main two items are sweet potatoes and potatoes. I have one allergic to potatoes. Also two with the yeast which potatoes are not good for. So now trying Sojo dehydrated vegetables and adding can pork to it. They are both on rx from vet and I add acidophilus to their mixture. My vet took us off the fish oil/hemp oil because it causes heat. My vet stated that the yeast is an inbalance of their system and that the liver is trying to get rid of the toxins, explaining their skin conditions of smell, leaking, ear infections, etc. She also gave me shampoo that doesn't seem to work. So your helpful hints of baking soda, vinagars, castor oil, coconut oils, teas and not using oatmeal shampoo are very helpful. I have purchased a Brita water filter for the main water source so their water is pure. The dogs and cats have a Drinkwell which also filters their moving water. My main concern is getting the dogs' diet back in order with something everyone can have, whether I make or buy that won't cost us an arm or leg to feed them. Then, getting their skin condition calmed down and internal systems back in balance at the same time. So my journey has just begun again. Thanks again for the feed back.

Replied By Debbiefudge (Brighton, East Sussex, Uk) on 03/03/2013

Hi, I am replying to your post about yeast issues in dogs. I have 3 Shihtzus. One of them, Teddy had yeast issues as a puppy. I kept taking him to the vets who kept pumping him full of antibiotics and steroids. And he was getting, sicker and sicker, to the point I thought he was going to die. So, I decided, enough was enough and took 'things' into my own hands. After doing loads of research. I discovered the antibiotics and steroids were actually feeding the yeast. That's when I discovered Earth Clinic. He was fed on canned dog food at the time. It had vegetables in it. Plus on research on how they produce any dog food. I discovered it was full of rubbish etc etc. I would not feed any vegetables they contain natural sugars. Not even potato's. You have to think about what wolves eat. And go right back to basics. And raw bones. Good for their teeth. Contain calcium. There is yeast in so much even hidden. Mine get raw chicken on the bone. Like a drumstick. Give it whole. I buy big frozen bags and defrost as needed. And any other meat. Like minced beef and pork. Also, big bags frozen. They get one meal a day. It really doesn't cost me much. That's all they need. You can give fish, now and again. A tin of tuna or salmon as a treat, in fish oil.

My Teddy is bathed in D10 shampoo, which is anti fungal. I get mine from Ebay. You can do a final rinse in half water/half white vinegar. Leave to dry or use hair dryer. You can also put the same mixture in a spray bottle and use between baths. I stay away from ACV. It's made with apples. Again, it's sugar. Clean ears out with half water/half white vinegar. No treats. They don't need them. Give them a bone to chew on. Never, ever, give cooked bones. They splinter. Keep it simple and it's so easy. If they are hungry, they will soon get used to the raw meat. Don't cook the meat. Plain yogurt can be given now and again. And just the filtered water to drink. Even my 4 cats, eat the same. I always have colloidal silver. In case they ever need antibiotic. I also give them half a clove of fresh garlic a day. Keeps fleas away. (Not cats. Toxic to them). They have Food grade DE in some natural yogurt. I do not put any chemicals on them. And, NO booster vaccinations either. The only time I use ACV is on the backs of their necks if they have an eye infection. I can honestly say, I have 7 very healthy animals. No fat on them. Just pure muscle. No skin problems. Lovely soft fur. Lovely, clean teeth. I don't like vets. They earn so much money from the drug companies.

Replied By Tracey (Bartlett Tx) on 08/26/2013

We have a 130 lb Great Pyranees that we adopted 6 ms ago from the shelter. He was found in a ditch and was covered in lessions and hard severe yeast infection in his ears. We refer to him as the million dollar dog because we have been through so many antibotics and treatments. He has been to the vet and poked and proded so often that he has become agressive at the vet, not good in a 130lb dog. He has to be sedated to be examined, adding even more to the cost. I am SOOO thankful to have found this site. I'll be changing his food right away and adding yogurt to his diet. He is does have thyroid problems so he is currently taking that medication along with 2 others. He is getting sick of pills in peanut butter but had already turned his nose up at velvetta and hot dogs. We do bathe in vinager and water, but clearly not often enough. I will also try adding a bit of Apple Cider Vinegar to his water and see if he has any issues with it. There are a lot of other great ideas here as well. Thanks so much everyone for sharing. I feel like there might be hope without it costing me a fortune!

Replied By Theresa

(Mpls., Mn) on 08/26/2013

Theresa

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.

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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.

http://www.piperslegacy.org/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Get-Bobo-home/1409993732632080?sk=timeline&ref=page_internal

http://ted.earthclinic.com

Kudos for rescuing this big boy! You may find that ZYMOX works wonders for his ears.

And the Great Dane Lady has great info on resolving systemic yeast infections: http://www.greatdanelady.com/articles/systemic_yeast_mini_course.htm

I also have had to trick my dogs into eating pills - after going through many types of soft cheese, pill pockets and the like, I can't get much past them! What has worked for me lately is to wrap the pill in raw ground beef, or some smelly canned food - they are too busy gobbling the moist food down to check for pills!

Replied By Keli Rain (Oregon City/oregon/usa) on 01/11/2015

I have a pit bull husky mix, she's had skin issues since we rescued her. After many tries and fails, I finally just put her on a raw diet of pork, and fresh produce. The redness and swelling decreased. While staying with my mom she caught a yeast infection. Funny thing I thought to try the probiotic before reading this. I really hope it wks.

Replied By Mike (Florida) on 08/30/2015

I found this site very informative but would let folks know that chicken and pork bones splinter and can actually puncture a dog's intestinal track. As a owner of a dog that had pushed his bowel duct outside of his body and needed emergency treatment I would advise against giving any dog drumsticks, ribs or other bones that may splinter.

Replied By Pearl (Lucerne Valley Ca.) on 11/29/2017

My dogs a small pub (male) and Jack Russel (female) both about 14 lbs they have an issue with itching and licking their feet which is yeast infection. what would be good for that.

Replied By Theresa

(Mpls., Mn) on 11/30/2017

Theresa

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'.

-----------------------------

How To Show Theresa Your Appreciation

http://www.piperslegacy.org/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Get-Bobo-home/1409993732632080?sk=timeline&ref=page_internal

http://ted.earthclinic.com

Hey Pearl,

The first thing to consider is diet - what are you feeding your dogs? Check the ingredient panel on your dog food bag and if you see grains of any kind try switching to grain free and test it out for at least 6 weeks. In addition to the food switch try alkalizing your dogs drinking water with baking soda; you might also consider Ted's Borax protocol for dogs. If you are already feeding grain free consider switching protiens to beef only or fish only - read the bag to make sure you are only feeding one protien and give it 6+ weeks for results. It may be very helpful to have a dog food diary and record everything your dog takes by mouth, including chewies. Record when symptoms clear up or get worse to see if you can find a pattern and isolate a cause.

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Theresa

Theresa