Yeast Infections
Natural Remedies

Dog Yeast Infection Treatment: Home Remedies for Pets

Multiple Remedies

20 User Reviews
5 star (10) 
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4 star (5) 
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1 star (5) 
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Posted by Julie (Black Mountain, NC/USA) on 04/11/2009
1 out of 5 stars

My Yellow Lab has suffered with yeast for most of her adult life. However, it is not her skin but anal glands which are yeast infected. She is in constant agony licking her anus, etc. and, lately, her front left paw, and vulva. She is currently on a high dosage of antibiotics for bacteria and struvite crystals in her urine. I have tried probiotic capsules, yogurt, etc. in addition to a steroid cream inserted in the anal glands. She has been on a diet of venison/potato for many years. Most recently, I switched to venison/sweet potato limited ingredient with no grain food. Any suggestions are appreciated.

Replied by Lena
(Gainesville, Ga)
02/19/2012

The grain free is good but even more important is to get her off anything with starches such as potatoes, rice, rice flour etc. This turns to sugar as soon as they eat it and yeast feeds on sugar.

Also check into using the grapefruit seed extract and the colodial silver.

Hope this helps.

Good luck.


Multiple Remedies
Posted by A (West Haven, CT) on 03/24/2009
5 out of 5 stars

Yeast Infection in dogs: Our 20 lb. jack russell terrier was suffering from "beef" allergies so the vet said after a $200 visit in which they put her on prednisone and an antibiotic. She was fine for two weeks after the medication was finished, and then she seemed to be worse. She was on a salmon based dog food (Purina Pro Plan) and her skin became inflamed after eating anything. She was constantly licking, chewing and scratching herself. We bought her a collar so she could no longer lick or chew her skin--then she started to develop crud under her front arms and she was "sweaty" in her groin area and her skin was inflamed and bleeding from where she scratched and she stunk like yeast. I immediately went on the internet and found info about yeast infections in dog and the condition her skin was in was like that described on many differnet sites--hair loss, red, welty, blackened in spots. I immediately put her on 3 benadryl tablets a day to help with the itching, two tablespoons of organice plain yogurt, and 2 acidophilus pills a day. She was already eating chicken and rice and cooked veggies, but I cut back the rice and now only give her chicken, yogurt, and have switched the food to Merrick--a high protein dog food (1/4 cup dry w/a tablespoon of wet, a little chicken and the yogurt for her two meals daily. I have also added a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to her water dish daily. After 2 days the acidophilus tablets cut the smell. We wiped her skin daily with vinegar and water (50/50) and just gave her a bath yesterday--we had just bathed her 2 days before we bought the collar. She does not smell after the bath except slightly under her front arms--but not noticible unless you rub your hand on her skin. I also cut back on the benadryl as she started to itch less and now she is not taking any at all after 1 week. Her hair is growing back on the hot spot and no inflamation on the skin at all during the treatment.


Multiple Remedies
Posted by Joey (Birch Bay, WA) on 02/05/2009
4 out of 5 stars

Treating yeast infection in my dog:

I had no idea dogs could get a yeast infection! Pats, our 10 year old border collie, was chewing herself raw and her odor was absolutely minging! I was looking for a natural treatment for mites, I was told that she had mange, and came across greatdanelady's testimonial. After going to the website included with the photos I realized what her problem was. I felt really bad - I've had a yeast infection before and I know how maddening it can be!!

I had been feeding her a mix of Pedigree canned and Beneful dry food, plus Liva-snaps as treats. I stopped that and went with liver/chicken/hamburger and brown rice, and mix in plain yogurt and cranberry sauce, a splash of ACV, a splash of olive oil and a good sprinkle of turmeric. I've been bathing her with an oatmeal shampoo and rinsing with a mix of ACV and water, then following it up with a baking soda rinse. I've been brushing her 3 times a day (she loves it!) and doing everything I can to make her comfortable. She hates the padded collar I made to keep her from biting herself again, but other than that she's doing much better and her hair is starting to come in again. Still a little stinky, but better!

Thanks for this website!!


Multiple Remedies
Posted by Dorothy B (Lk Panasoffkee, Fl.) on 11/21/2008
1 out of 5 stars

my american pitt has all the symptoms of yeast infection so i changed to a hollistic vet she has been on hollistic meds for 3 mo. now and she is on raw meat and veggie diet and i also tried acv and yougert and she still breaks out with rash and itches like crazy she is defanitly feeling better but still breaks out and itches does anyone have any ideas about that? thank you D.B.


Multiple Remedies
Posted by Maryanne (Cleveland, Ohio) on 11/18/2008
5 out of 5 stars

I have been battling a yeast infection with my 15 y/o dog for months and in retrospect, it has been years. No vet connected all the dots. I read information at the greatdanelady's site and the information finally started connecting with me. When a dog's system is invaded with yeast, the root cause will always be the food. I switched Betsy to a no grain dog food, used hydrogen peroxide to clean her ears ( all herbals caused massive infections in her ears)just ONCE, bathed her in a shampoo that would kill the yeast coming out on her skin and make her feel better two times per week and made sure she exercised via walking every single day.At the worst part of this, Betsy could hardly walk so even if she walked two houses, it was good to get her blood flowing and move the toxins. I continue to add one teaspoon of a powdered probiotic to her food two times per day. She gets raw organic meat mixed in with her food daily.

Since she is still biting her area down below and still showing arthritic symptoms in her back legs, I started using apple cider vinegar just two days ago, 1 teaspoon, 1 time per day mixed in her food, using the raw meat as a "cover" for the taste. In two days, she is perky, walked two blocks today and isn't as wobbly on her legs. Every dog is different and I feel like I have literally tried everything (only holistic, no medicines in this house) to help her. We all have to remember that the skin is the largest organ of the body and when toxins can't get out any other way, they come out on the skin, the ears, the eyes. Yeast will come out of all these areas making it look like they are separate illnesses. I have been actively working on this for over four months now but I have made extraordinary progress with her.

Replied by Shawna
(Vancouver, WS)
11/29/2008

My little lahso apso has had itchy skin for her whole 3 year old life. She is allergic to fleas. I thought it was yeast or allergies. She has a little yeast in her ears that cleared up with epi optic solution from the vet. But it was hard for me to believe it but yes she is allergic to fleas. I have to use flea drops every 2 1/2 weeks religiously. I use mycodex to spray for fleas in my house often. She is so much better and all that itchy skin and rashes is all gone.

Replied by Lawoman
(California, Usa)
07/31/2012

OK finally!!! I have a itchy face mixed breed silky terrier, stinky from tear-stains, and yeasty smelling. After doing all the above, and he is on RAW diet, and yes I use "benadyrl" for bad days in summer, but now.. I have a better way.

SHAMPOO AND BLOW DRY WITH standard no-scent head and shoulders shampoo ( yes its vet approved) let it sit for 3 mins...

1. use ZINC creme ( aveeno) pure as possible rub it on the fur- it also kills the STINK instantly! Safe.. to lick for them!!

2. use ALOE VERA ( plant only pure watch out for alcohol in most of the store brands)- rub it into the FUR ( HIS FEET) he stopped itching, immediately.

NON-EFFECTIVE; PUTTING AC VINAGER ON THE FUR ( made it more stinky)

and yes if nothing else, its ok... white vinager was more effective acually.

hope this helps everyone....!!!!


Over the Counter

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Posted by Salyne (Micanopy, Florida) on 08/21/2012
5 out of 5 stars

We have a 14 year old mixed breed dog that suffers from recurring yeast infections on her skin. We started the traditional treatments the vet had to offer but it seemed we were just chasing the infection around her body. It had gotten so bad we were at the point of discussing having the vet come to the house to put her down. The vet told us that a last ditch remedy would be to try a woman's yeast infection cream on the bad spots. She said it would possibly help with the itching and scratching. After just two days of applying the cream twice a day on the bad spots, she was starting to clear up - especially the hot, red "elephant skin" she had under her arms. She was almost completely cleared up in a couple of weeks. We're still fighting it, but when we see a spot pop up we hit it with the cream. It keeps the spots from growing larger and it stops the itching.

Replied by Destiny
(Ansonia, Ct)
08/16/2015

Hi my name is Destiny and our dog is going through the same exact problem I was just curious as to what the cream was that you used. Please respond back it would be much appreciated!!!

Replied by Wendy
(Columbus, Oh)
08/17/2015

Any vaginal yeast cream. Monistat is 1 brand, but you could also use a generic brand. Just make sure the ingredients are the same in the generic as are in the brand-name.


Over the Counter
Posted by Jody (Stanfield, Nc) on 06/18/2011
5 out of 5 stars

My Jojo was born premature and has had yeast infection in ears and coat all his life. I am on limited income and can't afford vets and thier meds that don't work any way. I started giving him a bath every two or three days with Selsun blue shampoo w/ prithione zinc (1%) and then when he dries, I brush him really good and put miconazole 7 on all of his crusty places. He is looking much better and no more bloody sores from scratching and biting. The shampoo is much cheaper, $7 for 11 oz bottle compared to $15 and up. All can be bought at walmart or your favorite pharmacy. He really does look and feel so much better now.

Replied by Judy
(Blue Ash, Ohio)
06/20/2013

Have had our rescue dog 2yrs now. Came full of problems, but love her to death. We are both disabled Seniors with very limited funds. I hace been using Miconazole7 in both her ears and her what we call it to her: her wu wu area. They get a real mess if we don't. Then when she is groomed about every 2 mo, they pull ear hair and express anal glands. These items are done by a Vet Tech as a usual groomer trainer is not. So where we go, 2 girls work on her. Vet put her on the following med routine ro which we stick: Omeprazole pink tablets. She takes a 10mg tab, 2x/day. Next she takes 1/2 Baby Aspirin (81mg) 2x/day. Generic Benadryl 1/2 twice/day, a 25 mg tab split . Sometimes she is still itching so badly and try 3 (1/2) tabs. Just wondering if she could take 1/2 of Xyzal for allergies? She also has baby pepto bismol when she vomits or gets diarrhea really bably. Then is is Prednisone when all else fails. That just makes her hungry all the time and gain weight. Not a fun time for any of us, Just had to give her 5mg of Pred tonight as she was non-stop itching.


Plain Yogurt, White Vinegar

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Posted by Heather (Reno, NV) on 01/14/2009
5 out of 5 stars

my dog is 10 now but her yeast problems stared when she was about 5 i have spent 1,000's of dollars and many days of testing and learning what i can from all the vets in my town if u have any Q's feel free to write me ok....my dog was heart braking about a year ago with VERY lil hair from her chin down the chest and belly! now she looks like a furry lion!! her skin used to look like a fire cracker red with black spots all over and now it light pink and white she has very lil black spots..her smell used to be OMG horriable for her and everyone around her! now no smell at ALL....for the last 6 months she has been getting:

PLAIN YUGURT ORGANIC 2 TABLE SPOONS A DAY!!!! IT WORKS AWESOME CUZ IT KILLS THE YEAST INSIDE FIRST WITCH IS WHERE IT STARTS! PLEASE STOP GIVING YOUR PETS APPLE CIDER VINEGAR!! IT HAS HIGH AMOUNTS OF SUGAR IN IT WHICH HELPS THE YEAST TO GROW!! TRY 3 PARTS WATER AND 1 PART (WHITE VINEGAR) ONLY USE OUTSIDE THO ALMOST BATH THEM IN IT WITH A SPONG! THEN DRY WITH TOWEL PUT CONE ON THEM SO THERE IS NO LICKING TIL IT DRYS.....I HAVE SOOOOO MUCH MORE INFO I'LL CHECK BACK LATER

GOD BLESS

Replied by Elaine
(Gainesville, Texas)
04/20/2009

I would love to communicate with you. I have a couple of dogs and they have yeast problems. Please please help me.

Replied by Debbiefudge
(Brighton, East Sussex, Uk)
09/13/2010

Hi, this is the first time that I have heard about apple cider vinegar and yeast. I've been giving it to one of my dogs that I believe has a bad yeast infection, in his ears. I thought I was doing my best for him! But it makes sence. As there are natural sugars in apples. I'm trying to change his diet and giving him natural yogurt. I'm going to try the blue power wash in his ears. He's been to the vets, had antibiotics and steroids, which I now know have made it worse. He's also had surgery to pull out all the hair from right down in his ears. Which my vet says is the cause of his infection and was given yet another course of antibiotics, which I've just stopped. The smell from his ears is foul. Like rotting cheese. I don't know what to do for the best. I've been on here for days, researching stuff to try and help him. I'm going to start making my own dog food. I have 2 shihtzus and they won't touch raw meat I've tried. Any help or advice would be most welcome. Thankyou.

Replied by John
(Greenport, New York, Usa)
09/16/2010

Dogs are the same as humans, what works for us will work for them. Your dogs are suffering from a lack of antioxidants and minerals due to the highly processed dog foods on the market. Have you noticed how dogs and cats love to eat grass? That's because they know they need the antioxidants in plant foods. Open a 100mg capsule of grape seed extract and mix it in their food. Do the same with a sea-mineral capsule also. Start with the low dose and then increase to 200 mg after they have acclimated to the new diet. The dogs will experience some diarrhea as their bodies flush out the buildup of acids and dead germs they have accumulated over the years. That is the normal detoxification process. Keep them outdoors as much as possible during the detoxification process. If unavailable take them to a friends house with a back yard that can be used. Also, you could detox one dog before the other to make it easier to keep control. Dogs need enzymes and cod liver oil in small amounts also (mix in food). Give them a high quality food and continue with the mineral and antioxidant supplements and they'll be happy and healthy pets.

Replied by John
(Greenport, New York, Usa)
09/16/2010

It would help greatly, as a start towards a high mineral and alkaline diet, to mix some baking soda into the dogs drinking water. Be sure it's pure sodium bicarbonate (no aluminum). Get them used to the taste of the water because it's the healthiest water they can drink(one level teaspoon to a quart of bottled water - no tap water). Do that for several days and then start them on the sea-mineral and grape seed extract regimen I mentioned previously.

Replied by John
(Greenport, New York, Usa)
09/16/2010

I forgot to mention probiotics. Open a probiotic capsule and mix it in their food once a week(or more if you think it's necessary). Pet stores sell the bacteria or use any acidopholous formula.


Possible Causes

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Posted by Debra (Charleston, Illinois) on 11/19/2010

I took in a dog to keep for a friend in the nursing home and found that the dog has a severe case of body and ear yeast infection. My question is can my dog and cat get the yest infection from this dog. I am suspicious that my dog might have it and she licks my cat so I am concerned that my cat might get it too. Also I cannot get the dog to eat the yogurt any suggestions.


Possible Causes
Posted by Sheila (Lexington, SC) on 11/02/2008

Anyone dealing with re-occuring skin and ears problems should check their dog food labels and see if they contain any of the following, CORN, WHEAT, SOY, CHICKEN OR BEEF. These ingrediants are known to be the leading causes of allergies in dogs, which in turn weaken their immune system. vets will either ignore the food issue or recommend their brand of food, but it's up to you to read the labels. In researching this annoying and smelly problem i've run across several people recommending a no grain food, as carbs aid in the growth of yeast, I am going to try this on my next bag of food.


Possible Causes
Posted by Keri (Kalispell, Montana) on 03/31/2008
5 out of 5 stars

After a year of constant yeast infections and allergies in my lab/aussie mix, someone told me to check the label on her dog food. Come to find out, Brewer's yeast was one of the number 1 ingredients. It seemed that the added yeast was making the problem worse. I switched dog foods to a product that did not list Brewer's yeast and have not had a yeast infection since. I don't know if this will work for everyone, but for anyone with animals prone to yeast infections, it's worth looking into.


Pregnancy

Posted by Jane (Gordons Bay, SA) on 02/25/2015

Hello I have a pregnant Biewer Terrier. This is her second litter. Shortly after becoming pregnant last time she developed a yeast overgrowth in her ears. The commercial treatments are linked with birth defects in puppies so I could not use them. This time she has again developed a yeast overgrowth in her ears! I wonder if a hormonal change could trigger this. I am keen to relieve her irritation! I need advice on whether these home remedies, other than raw food which I embrace, are safe for pregnant bithches or if there could be side effects for her pups? If she has pups again I will prepare her with these treatments in the run up to her season and mating just in case it's a hormonal trigger. Prevention is better than cure I think!

Replied by Theresa
(Mpls., Mn)
02/25/2015

Hey Jane!

The yeasty ears may well be from a systemic yeast infection - yeast overgrowth in her GI tract expressing overtly in the ears. This type of infection could be related to many things, diet in particular, but also could well be vaccine related or allergy related -and the hormones, or rather the physical stress of a heat cycle - certainly could depress her immune system enough to allow the yeast to go to town.

Since products with steroids are out [NO Zymox] as well as many other products, IMHO the safest approach to treating your girls ears would be Ted's Anti-fungal/Anti-staph remedy.

  • 1/2 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide [commonly sold in drug stores]
  • 1 cup distilled water
  • 1 tbsp MOM
  • 1 tbsp Epsom salts
  • 1 tbsp Borax

Mix all the ingredients in an applicator bottle with a nozzle; I set it in a sink full of warm tap water to get the solution up to a comfortable temperature before using in the ears. Use the solution to thoroughly flush each ear. You can use multiple times daily or as needed. None of these ingredients will penetrate the blood or affect the puppies in any way.

You might also consider alkalizing your girl's drinking water with baking soda -1 teaspoon per liter of water for 7 days, and then 1/2 teaspoon per liter for the next 7 days, and then 1/4 teaspoon as a maintenance dose - or do for 7 days and then discontinue until the next yeast episode. I have used the baking soda water on my own prego girls and it is safe for both dam and pups inutero or on the ground.

Other nutritional approaches to consider might be adding turmeric to the food - just a good shake from the spice jar for each meal, or probiotics/acidophillus ; the key is to mix it up and give a wide variety of strains of probiotic and not just the same one over a length of time. Some prefer a dollop of kefir or yogurt for the probiotics but I find the powder or encapsulated form to have higher concentrations of the probiotics without the potential of an upset stomach [or the potential to trigger eclampsia] from the dairy.

One your pups are on the ground and weaned, you might consider Ted's borax protocol for dogs to directly address the systemic yeast.

Good luck with your litter and please report back!


Prescription Medications

3 User Reviews
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Posted by Adair (Glendale, Wisconsin) on 03/03/2009
1 out of 5 stars

I can't tell you how much I appreciate the information on this page - just looked at it today....Have three Bulldogs that have been having skin problems - they've been scraped, by four different vets - including a Dermatology Veterinarian. I have been prescribed most of the medications mentioned on these pages - nothing worked. the Specialist put them on a med called Chloramphenacol...It seems to have quieted the itching and scratching..but not completely


Prescription Medications
Posted by Guenady (Nice, France) on 08/10/2008
5 out of 5 stars

For your accumulated information on adverse reactions to drugs, two of my dogs were prescribed ketoconazole for a yeast skin infection. One survived the treatment, the other died during treatment. Other than the skin infection (which was not life threatening), he had no health issues. I was not told before treatment that this medication is hepatotoxic and that it can kill, that it has been established by the manufacturer that there is a 1:10,000 risk of allergic reaction (with underreporting recognized). The vet was not aware (!) of the symptoms of allergic reaction, so when I reported them she did not stop the treatment (dark urine, extreme fatigue, skin turning black and peeling...). When I finally stopped the treatment myself, because my dog was just getting sicker and sicker (after 13 1/2 doses administered out of 30 prescribed) it was already too late. 4 days later he came down with hepititis and 34 days after starting the treatment he died (with bloody vomitting and bloody diahrrea). Although I reported all this, despite my distress) nothing was taken into consideration, everything was dismissed as being a coincidence, and I was given the classic excuse 'your dog was already sick and would have died anyway.' This is an outright lie, of course, and contradicts all the medical file of my dog. But try to get an adverse reaction taken into consideration when the 'authorities' don't want to take it into consideration! Of course there is underreporting! Normally I never give vet medicines to my animals, only homeopathy, but at the time I had no alternative therapy, as skin yeast infection is very difficult to treat. I have since gotten my second dog almost out of her condition, using probiotics and herb Robert and direct applications of hydrogen peroxide on the worst affected areas. My opinion of vets and the authorities that 'oversee' them, has descended to about 0. Would like to know if others have had bad experiences with ketoconazole.

Replied by Gretchen
(Cuenca, Ecuador)
04/07/2011
5 out of 5 stars

The research is overwhelming of the benefits of Neem oil for every skin condition. It is antifungal antibacterial and anti parasitic. Neem capsules inserted in a bit of cheese or peanut butter in addition to the external application of the oil would be the most effective. Do your research and see.

Replied by Reikiwarrior
(Fair Oaks, Ca)
08/06/2011

I am so very sorry for the loss of your beloved dog from ketoconazole. My chizu also had a severe reaction and when I inofrmed my vet they didnt tell me to stop using. I stopped cause my gut told me too. When we did blood work her liver enzymes were over 3000!!! They dont like them over 250!!!! I was so freakin pissed off. They almost killed her. I now will not go to vets. I use the net and find natural cures(like I go for me) my chizu had a chronic yeast infetion and I will noe go the route of organic plain(no sugar)yougert. Again I am sorry for your loss. Its so hard when we think we are doind right by our furry friends to only later find out we went. Please know your dog(s) see the pureness of your heart and your intentions and they dont hold us at fault. Namaste'


Raw Food Diet

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1 star (2) 
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Posted by Deirdre (Atlanta, GA) on 04/05/2016
5 out of 5 stars

I suggest a 100% raw food diet for dogs who are battling skin infections, itchy skin and yeast infections. Give it 2 weeks and you will see results.

For months, my two dogs were stopping constantly to scratch, their elbows and armpits usually. They had such terribly itchy skin, my golden would race out to the yard and plunk down on the grass and roll upside down to rub her itchy spine.

I tried all the home remedies suggested on Earth Clinic, including various brands of high end, grain-free, limited ingredient kibble, apple cider vinegar baths, Ted's mange cure (peroxide and borax). Once a week anti-itch baths helped, but what cured the issue was a 100% raw food diet. They started to scratch less within a day of the raw food diet, but it took two weeks to totally stop.

A friend who owns a pet sitting business in my area recommended I try a raw food diet for their scratching. She suggested rabbit and/or venison as they are the cleanest meats. I started off using Nature's Variety frozen raw patties, but it became way too expensive to feed two 70 pound dogs, especially rabbit, which is mostly imported from France.

We have a fantastic dog store near me called Whole Dog Market and I found another brand of frozen raw food called Blue Ridge Beef which is affordable. I consulted with the staff and they suggested a diet of rotating meats - ie, one day venison, another day rabbit with bone, another day beef with bone, etc. The dogs love this food and never have any stomach upsets. I add Dog Greens and a digestive supplement to their food as well as omega 3 fish oil and vitamin c.

If I run out of raw food and give them a small amount of grain-free kibble until I can make it to the grocery store, one of them starts to scratch again his elbows again within a few hours! That's severe food allergies for you. Thankfully, the scratching is mild and disappears after his next raw food meal.

Hope this helps.

Replied by Brenda
(Tx)
06/04/2016
1 out of 5 stars

I started my mini schnauzer on the raw food diet, specifically the yeast starvation diet (raw beef, boiled eggs, including shells) with additional supplements by hardy pet, pro6 and fish oil.

It's been about a month and her yeast is getting worse it seems. Maybe it's the die off that I'm dealing with. I've added yogurt and baking soda to her water as of a few days ago.

I bathe in a medicated shampoo then rinse in 50/50 white vinegar and water.

I'm going to get the supplies for Ted's remedy tomorrow and see if that helps, including adding borax to her water....

How long does it take for the yeast die off? She's so miserable.



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