Important Information About Canine Yeast Infections
It is quite possible for canine yeast infections to develop. Often times the immune system of a dog is healthy enough to easily fight off canine yeast infections. However, you will have to take your dog to the veterinarian if your dog isn’t in good health or if the yeast infection becomes severe. Canine yeast infections may be a result of the foods that you feed your dog so you should be sure to check your dog’s diet with your veterinarian.
How It Grows And Spreads
Yeast is a single cell organism that lives on the surface of all living beings and its occurrence is quite common even in dogs. The yeast typically live off the mucous membranes that line the digestive tract, but sometimes unwanted bacteria, viruses and allergies get into these passageways as well.
For a healthy dog their immune system will be able to fight off canine yeast infections. However, canine yeast infections will occur if you dog has a weakened immune system or if massive amounts of yeast are being produced which results in an increase of toxins that hinder the operation of the immune system or disable it all together. As a result of this overgrowth of toxins, canine yeast infections can also cause problems for the nervous system and the endocrine system.
Most canine yeast infections occur on the skin and the ears because of an organism called Malasezzia Pachydermatis. This is a relatively new organism in the dermatology world, but it can be present in dogs without causing any harm to the animal. Grain-based foods seems to be the major reason for canine yeast infections along with some drugs, chemicals and poisons.
Canine yeast infections have two forms: a primary and a secondary yeast infection. When a primary yeast infection occurs the bad yeast bacteria attack the healthy skin of a dog and the immune system is unable to fight off the attack. This form of a yeast infection can result from contaminated items or other dogs with the same condition.
With secondary canine yeast infections the yeast penetrates the damaged skin as a result of the scratching or injuries a dog gets. The more a dog scratches during a yeast infection the more likely they are to get a secondary yeast infection. If you dog has previously taken pet medications such as antibiotics or steroids then there is also an increase risk for canine yeast infections. Certain health conditions such as diabetes mellitus and immune system deficiencies can also increase the likelihood of a dog developing a yeast infection.
