How to tell if your dog has a yeast infection?

Dogs are the warmest companions in our lives, and their health is always on our mind. Yeast infection is a common health problem for dogs. Learning how to tell if a dog is infected with yeast is critical to timely detection and intervention.

In the daily pet-raising environment, there are many factors that can break the original balance between the dog's body and yeast. In terms of indoor environment, if the humidity in the home is too high for a long time, the dog's skin is prone to being damp. For example, some pet-raising families are used to keeping doors and windows closed, and the air is not circulating, resulting in indoor moisture accumulation. Dogs frequently go in and out of this environment, especially in summer, and the sweat on the skin is difficult to evaporate, creating excellent conditions for the growth of yeast. In addition, if pet owners do not pay attention to the cleanliness of the dog, such as not cleaning the dog's bed mat and toys for a long time, a lot of dirt and microorganisms will accumulate on these items, and yeast will also multiply in large numbers.

In terms of pet food selection, there are now a wide variety of pet foods on the market. Some low-quality pet foods may contain too many carbohydrates. After eating, the dog's body metabolism will change, the microbial balance in the intestine will be broken, and then the whole body's immune system will be affected, giving yeast the opportunity to over-proliferate in the body. At the same time, pets' outdoor activities may also bring risks. In outdoor environments such as grasslands and woods, there are a large number of allergens such as pollen and dust mites. Dogs are easily exposed to these allergens during play, which triggers allergic reactions and immune system disorders, and yeast will take advantage of the opportunity to enter and cause infection.

When dogs are infected with yeast, they will have a series of obvious symptoms. The skin is the easiest place to observe changes. The skin in the infected area will turn red, and the dog will frequently lick, scratch or rub the area to try to relieve the itching. A closer look may reveal a rash on the skin, hair begins to fall off, dandruff increases, and in severe cases there will be exudate, emitting a special smell similar to cheese. If it is a yeast infection in the ear, the dog will frequently shake his head and scratch his ears with his paws. The ears may appear red and swollen, and there will be brown or black secretions in the ear canal, accompanied by a strange smell. This is because yeast multiplies in the ear canal, irritating the ear tissue and causing inflammation. When the dog's mouth is infected with yeast, the dog's gums will become red and swollen, white patches will be seen in the mouth, the bad breath will worsen, and the dog will show discomfort when eating, and even lose appetite.

Yeast infection seriously affects the dog's quality of life. The constant itching of the skin makes it impossible for the dog to rest at ease, and the originally lively play time becomes irritable. Excessive scratching of the skin may cause skin damage, bacteria take advantage of the opportunity to enter, and aggravate the condition. The discomfort caused by ear infection will affect the dog's hearing and make it slow to respond to the owner's call. Oral infection makes the dog painful when eating. Over time, the weight gradually decreases and the body becomes thin. Seeing the dog lose its former vitality due to yeast infection, the owner's heart is full of heartache and worry.

As a dog's owner, we must always pay attention to the dog's physical condition. Once the above abnormal symptoms are found, the dog should be taken to a professional pet hospital immediately. The veterinarian will confirm the diagnosis through professional examinations, such as taking secretions from the skin or ears for microscopic examination to check whether there is yeast. For dogs diagnosed with yeast infection, the veterinarian will develop a personalized treatment plan based on the severity and location of the infection. General treatment includes the use of antifungal drugs, such as topical ointments and sprays, which are applied or sprayed on the infected skin or ears; for severe infections, oral antifungal drugs may also be required. During the treatment process, the owner must strictly follow the veterinarian's instructions and give the dog medication on time. Do not increase or decrease the dosage or stop the medication at will to avoid affecting the treatment effect.

In addition to drug treatment, daily care is equally important. Keep the dog's living environment dry and clean, clean the dog's bed mat and toys regularly, and avoid the dog from being in a wet place for a long time. After bathing the dog, be sure to blow dry the hair thoroughly. For dogs who are prone to allergies, try to avoid contact with allergens. If necessary, consult a veterinarian, conduct allergen testing, and take corresponding desensitization measures. In terms of diet, provide dogs with high-quality food with balanced nutrition to enhance the dog's immunity and help resist yeast infections. At the same time, take the dog for regular check-ups so that the veterinarian can understand the treatment effect and adjust the treatment plan in time.

Every dog ​​is an indispensable member of the family, and their health and happiness are our greatest wish. By paying attention to the dog's daily behavior, promptly detecting signs of yeast infection, and providing careful treatment and care, we can help the dog get rid of the disease as soon as possible and restore its former vitality. Let us use full love and patience to accompany the dog through every healthy and happy day, and create more beautiful memories together.