[Spreena]

Was wondering if anyone had any info on natural remedies for yeast infection? My 11 yo mini schnauzer just got diagnosed with a pretty bad yeast and bacterial infection. First time ever. I had been feeding her a grain free diet for several years, and recently switched her to a senior blend of the same brand (but not grain free). When I first adopted her, she was eating junk food, and had a funky smell about her. Didn't know at the time it was yeast, vet seems to think she has a food sensitivity to the senior blend. He suggested that I go back grain free and try a different protein source for a bit just to see. We went back to the blue wilderness duck formula, and she is gobbling it up (thank goodness).

The vet gave us three different medications to take, and we just started that today. I also picked up a natural blend of aloe Vera and tea tree oil to put on her hot spots to try and stop her from chewing at her already mangled paws. I read a lot online about adding yogurt, acv, and acidophilus to her diet to help with the yeast. Is this something that I shouldnt worry about since this is her first real serious yeast infection, or would these be good supplements to her diet? If so, how much should I supplement a 18 pound schnauzer with these? I also ran across a foot soak meant to help deter itching and chewing of the paws, but I couldn't locate a "recipie" for the soak. I am trying to get her to lay off the chewing, we are trying to get her groomed so that we can have he legs shaved to help with the recovery. But she can't have any open sores....she already has one leg almost bald, and I'm afraid that if she keeps chewing before the meds kick in, we may have to cancel the groomer. Just trying to keep my old girl comfortable, and hopefully, get her healthy from the inside out without having to prolong any need for oral medications!

 

[lulusmom]

Allergies and weakened immune system are two common causes for yeast infections. Since you recently changed foods to one with grain, it sounds like that may be the culprit. Adding probiotics is a great idea, especially if you are giving antibiotics (and your dog should be on antibiotics if she has a bacterial infection). There are many brands on the market. I order mine online but just about any pet supply store (Petsmart and Petco) carries the product.

Tea tree can be very toxic to dogs so unless you are using a remedy that has been prescribed by a vet or is labeled for specific use in dogs, do not put it on your dog. Did your vet prescribe an antifungal shampoo? If not, call your vet and ask if s/he has Malaseb shampoo. You should bathe the dog twice a week for 30 days and weekly thereafter until the dog has completely recovered.

 

[luv mi pets]

I have heard of some people having good luck with oregano oil. You should make sure this is ok with your vet first. You do not want a cross medication effect with her at her age.

If it is a food allergy it will just take time to clear up. You could ask your vet about giving your dog an allergy medication to help with the itching.

 

[Spreena]

The tea tree oil/aloe mixture was recommended by a friend who works at a holistic vet. So I assumed it was fine, the brand they sell was 1/2 the price at petco, so I picked it up there. The combo of prednisone and antibiotics have made a world of difference since Friday. Hopefully, by the time her course of meds are done, the grain free food will have time to have entered her system and flushed out whatever was bothering her.

She does, however, have another condition that requires we stay on the prednisone indefinitely. I read that this can also cause weakened immune response, and possibly prolong the experience, or open her up to the possibility of further yeast infections. I just feel so bad for her... She had a relatively pain free, healthy existence since I adopted her six years ago. And now, it seems we struggle with everything. And to think, I inadvertently made the right decision to change her food all those years ago to grain free! Unfortunately, for her, we found out the hard way at 11 years old. Poor girl...

 

[lulusmom]

What condition does your dog have that requires long term prednisone? Prednisone is a wondrous medicine but taken long term can be very, very problematic. Most vets will only prescribe Prednisone as a last resort, unless the dog has an autoimmune condition, and even then there are additional drugs that can be prescribed to help suppress the immune system.

 

[Spreena]

Late last year she was stricken with old dog vestibular disease. Unlike most typical cases, she has not recovered from it in the usual time frame. Right before this raging infection, we were discussing tapering off the prednisone and had been giving it once daily every two days and she had been doing well. It seemed as though we may have finally reached the end of the need for the prednisone. So, now, to control the itching he had to increase the dosage and frequency something neither I nor the vet were happy about since she had been doing so well. Hopefully, we can continue the trend once the prescribed course is done.

Just to note, she was tested for other neurological problems by an emergency vet when she first came down with the vestibular. It put a pretty big dent in my wallet, and I was all too happy to get her to our regular vet. He immediately diagnosed the vestibular.

 

[lulusmom]

Did your vet rule out demodex mites? I have rescued many dogs with demodex mange and resultant yeast and bacterial infections are common. Puppies are predisposed due to immature immune system but if an adult dog has demodex, there is usually an underlying condition that is compromising the immune system. The adult dogs I've had with demodex have been malnurished and/or had an endocrine disorders. Prednisone causes symptoms much the same as cushing's and other endocrine disorders.

 

[DarKevs]

google and read up on........grapefruit seed extract and MSM for help in battling yeast infections.

I hope your old girl feels better soon, so awfull to be itchy, chewy all the time.

HUgz to your Girl!

 

[Sasha1/2]

Try rinsing with apple cider vinegar. Five drops of oil of oregano (75% dilution) in a tablespoon of olive oil is good to add to food and to use as a rub on her sore spots and creases. My dog smells like Italian salad dressing, but it helps with the itching.