Yeast Be Gone
Yeast infections are common in dogs, particularly in hot, humid countries like Singapore. It can cause your pooch to feel itchy and uncomfortable, but fret not. Here are some natural ways you can help Fido fight off yeast and rebalance his system.
1. COCONUT OIL
A staple in vegan diets and quickly increasing in popularity amongst health enthusiasts, coconut oil has many benefits for humans and pets alike. It boasts effective anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties due to its high Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) content.
As yeast is a fungus, coconut oil will help prevent and treat its overgrowth.
How do you use it? Coconut oil can be incorporated into a dog's diet, as well as applied topically.
2. KEFIR
A fermented milk drink, kefir is made with kefir grains, which are yeast fermentation starters. Unlike the yeast that causes yeast infection in a dog, kefir offers 30 different strains of good bacteria and yeast, and are packed with vitamins and minerals.
How do you use it? Introduce it to your pooch's diet slowly. While kefir is typically safe, the presence of milk may lead to possible adverse reactions.
3. APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
Known to be extremely versatile, apple cider vinegar has various uses, from salad dressings to cleaning agents. As such, it comes as no surprise that it also has yeast-fighting abilities that will be effective for use on both humans and canines alike.
How do you use it? There are many ways to use apple cider vinegar. It can be applied, diluted with water, as an after-bath rinse or to clean a dog's ears. Target areas where the yeast has decided to take residence.
Alternatively, incorporate it into his food or water. Ensure that the one you use on your pooch is organic, raw and unfiltered.
4. PAU D'ARCO
Pau d'arco is a tree with extremely hard wood, and its bark is used to make medicine and supplements. It is used to treat a wide range of health issues including H1N1, prostate infections, infectious diarrhoea, and of course, yeast infections.
While effective, an overdose of the pau d'arco is unsafe and may even cause severe internal bleeding. As such, it should only be used as a supplement of last resort, and the inclusion of it into a dog's diet must only be done at the recommendation of a medical professional.
How do you use it? Apply it directly to the skin or incorporate the supplement into your dog's food.
5. OREGANO OIL
Extracted from the Oregano herb, this herbal oil is a powerful antimicrobial that helps to fight off infections. The anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties make it an essential and worthy addition into your stash of natural remedies.
However, note that the oil has a strong smell that your dog may not appreciate, so use it sparingly.
How do you use it? The oil can be applied directly onto areas of infection, or included in his food.
* The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified pet health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. Always make a pet health care decision in partnership with a qualified veterinary or pet health care professional.
*This article was updated on 21 Jan 2021. It first appeared in PetsMagazine.com.sg on 6 May 2016.
