Yeast

Scout & Gunners Momma · 07-12-2010, 02:33 PM

Gunner has yeast on his paws which created an ear infection this weekend. His back paws are red and itchy. I took him to the vet for ear drops and they gave me a spray to help with the itchiness. My question is if the spray only takes care of the itchiness, what do I use to take care of the yeast? Won't we just go around in circles here? Any suggestions?

Marylou Mader · 07-13-2010, 06:31 AM

I agree on that query, now if this is topical, on the paws, in between the toes and in the ear canal. I would use massingel Douche the vinegar solution, put it in his ears and let him soak his feet in it. It won't hurt him, and it will get rid of the yeast growing on him. After the rinse, use the spray to keep him from itching, but let the solution work into the skin...

Spyglass Sally · 07-13-2010, 03:13 PM

I like Marylou's ideas too. Like she says, it won't hurt. Yeast infections are often related to allergies. So you might want to be looking at diet or exposure risks, trying to eliminate chemicals, and other impurities.

Also, some people have found aloe vera (a natural anti-fungal and anti-bacterial agent), calendula (anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial) and oatmeal products helpful. Omega-3 fatty acids ("fish oil") can also help to help control inflammation and stabilize cell membranes.

I think you're right in wanting to look at the source. It might just be a reaction to all this heat and humidity, but hopefully Marylou's & these ideas will help.

Marylou Mader · 07-13-2010, 03:51 PM

Yes, on the allergies, also with heat we see dogs just getting like a heat rash, etc. Also have you recently changed dog food????? I like the idea of aloe vera, I'm always looking for neat home remedies for simple things. Not that these can turn serious, but trying the simple easy first and then if that doesn't work, then we have the Vets to turn to.

Doreen · 07-13-2010, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marylou Mader

I like the idea of aloe vera, I'm always looking for neat home remedies for simple things. Not that these can turn serious, but trying the simple easy first and then if that doesn't work, then we have the Vets to turn to.

Scout & Gunners Momma · 07-14-2010, 11:08 AM

No, they have been on the same food since they were pups. No new treats were introduced either. I posted hoping I could get home remedies. I don't believe in over medicating them when something simple is at hand. I have tried the selsun blue shampoo 2 nights now and I don't think his paws were as red this morning as they have been. He hasn't been shaking his head as much or scratching at his ears either.

I also gave him a bit of yogurt this morning. Fingers/paws crossed we get over this hump soon!

AussieGirl · 07-15-2010, 12:24 AM

Aww poor thing - hope he is doing better soon, being itchy is the pits. I notice you said they had been on the same food since they were pups, I believe it is good to rotate their foods so they don't develop allergies which apparently can occur from being exposed to the same things continuously.

Marylou Mader · 07-15-2010, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AussieGirl

Aww poor thing - hope he is doing better soon, being itchy is the pits. I notice you said they had been on the same food since they were pups, I believe it is good to rotate their foods so they don't develop allergies which apparently can occur from being exposed to the same things continuously.

I'm not sure if I truly understand this? I have my dogs on the same food and have never had allergy or problems????

I almost think this sort of statement would be brought on by dog food distributors ha ha ha ha

In the old days, we exposed the allergy to the source on a minimal basis and then the allergy would diminish, I'm not sure I understand the theory behind this.

I do know that dogs tend to develop their immune system and it is during this time which can be up to 3 years of age, that we find which foods work best. There are so many other variables, such as cleaning the carpet, washing bedding, natural things like grass, air quality, etc.

There sure is a lot of money made on this issue. Vets love itchy dogs...

AussieGirl · 07-15-2010, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marylou Mader

I'm not sure if I truly understand this? I have my dogs on the same food and have never had allergy or problems????

Thats great! Not all do have issues and for some with food intolerance issues or existing allergies rotating is not really an option. After reading/hearing tons of articles, opinions and experiences I do rotate foods – I figure that Boxers have enough allergy issues so if this may help I’ll give it a go. There are other reasons for rotating too, rotating provides different sources of proteins and each protein offers different nutrients and vitamins, also our girl gets “bored” with being fed the same stuff all the time so rotating keeps her interested.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marylou Mader

I almost think this sort of statement would be brought on by dog food distributors ha ha ha ha

Articles and stuff re rotating can be found in quite a few places – just two that come to mind straight away are the Dog Food Analysis site and The Dog Food Project site, both of those sites are to help owners choose a good quality dog food, I don't recall them trying to push certain brands.

CHANGE YOUR DOG’S FOOD
It is also a common recommendation with Holistic Vets.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marylou Mader

In the old days, we exposed the allergy to the source on a minimal basis and then the allergy would diminish, I'm not sure I understand the theory behind this.

This is my understanding of it - first time the body is exposed to the allergen if the immune system considers it to be harmful it will form antibodies to it, small exposure to the allergen may not result in any symptoms but with each repeated exposure the immune system produces more antibodies to the allergen, until eventually you experience symptoms. So while some may do well on the same food for their whole lives - their body wont produce antibodies to it, others may develop allergies to things when being constantly exposed to it - body produces antibodies which increases the longer they have been exposed. I imagine that by rotating the foods you are giving the body a chance to sort of recover and have a break before it gets to the point of becoming symptomatic. I know when RAW feeding it is recommended not to feed the same protein source 2 to 3 (at the very most) meals in a row, with kibble it is recommended to switch every 6-12 months (or every couple of bags).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marylou Mader

There sure is a lot of money made on this issue. Vets love itchy dogs...

LOL aint that the truth, I heard a vet "joke" once that they love getting certain breeds of dogs (Boxer was one of them) cause they pay for their vacations - no I didn't find it funny either and they are NOT my vet.

Spyglass Sally · 07-16-2010, 09:58 AM

Thanks, AussieGirl! I know you've studied that area quite a bit and are well versed in the research. We rotate Buddy's food too because we'd heard from so many sources in general terms that it was good, but your posting gives more reasoning and sources behind it.