How long does it take for a dog s yeast infection to go away
How long does a yeast infection take to go away?
How long vaginal yeast infections last can vary, but most infections clear up within a week when treated correctly. However, time frames also depend on infection severity and treatment types.
Vaginal yeast infections are extremely common, and there are many ways to treat them. Choosing a treatment is a personal decision. Some infections will go away faster than others.
This article looks at how long a yeast infection can last without treatment, as well as recovery times for both over-the-counter (OTC) and home treatment options.
A yeast infection happens when there is a disruption of the balance of yeast and bacteria in the vagina. This allows a fungus called Candida to multiply.
A yeast infection
The severity of a yeast infection depends on how much the Candida multiplies before a person seeks treatment. Yeast infections may be mild, moderate, or severe.
A mild yeast infection may go away on its own. However, this is rare. It is always a good idea to treat a yeast infection, even if it is mild. If people do not treat yeast infections correctly, the infections will be more likely to return.
Treatments for yeast infections soothe the affected area and target the overgrown Candida fungus. This double action reduces the itching and burning and restores a healthy balance of yeast and bacteria.
Many people choose to try home remedies to treat mild to moderate yeast infections.
Science has not backed all home remedies, though recent studies have medically tested the following methods:
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is another promising home remedy for yeast infections. A
To use tea tree oil for a yeast infection, pour a few drops across the top and sides of a tampon and insert the tampon into the vagina. Leave in place for a few hours and then remove.
While tea tree oil may be effective, it may not be as fast-acting as OTC options.
Yogurt
The topical or internal application of yogurt is an effective home treatment for yeast infections.
Natural yogurt contains bacteria called Lactobacillus. These bacteria produce hydrogen peroxide that kills the excess Candida.
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Using yogurt without any added sugar is essential. Sugar can cause Candida to multiply more, making the infection worse.
Plain, natural yogurt can be smoothed onto the surface of the vagina or applied internally.
Some people find inserting an unused tampon applicator filled with yogurt works well. Freezing it first may bring additional cooling relief. Others simply use their fingers to apply the yogurt.
While yogurt may be effective, it may not be as fast-acting as antifungal treatments.
Boric acid
Boric acid is another home remedy for yeast infections that some research suggests is effective.
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Boric acid suppositories are available for purchase in pharmacies and online. People can also make their own by putting no more than 600 milligrams of boric acid into a clean gel capsule.
Boric acid suppositories can sometimes cause side effects, including vaginal burning and discharge.
People can repeat this treatment once a day until the infection clears. It is not suitable for people who are pregnant.
Doctors recommend OTC antifungal drug treatments called azoles for mild to moderate yeast infections. These are available as:
- creams
- ointments
- tablets
- suppositories
These treatments may irritate when first applied. After a few days of use, the yeast infection symptoms should start to fade.
A course of treatment typically lasts about
Many yeast infection treatments are available for purchase OTC or online.
For more severe yeast infections, a doctor may prescribe a longer course of prescription azole treatment.
Similarly to short-acting azoles, longer courses of azoles are available as:
- creams
- ointments
- tablets
- suppositories
Prescription azole treatment typically lasts between 714 days. The yeast infection should clear up within this period.
Doctors may also prescribe a single or multidose oral medication called fluconazole.
Once the symptoms resolve, the yeast infection should be gone. However, it is important to complete the full course of any treatment, as recommended.
Completing treatment ensures the return of the natural balance of bacteria and yeast in the vagina. If people do not treat yeast infections fully, the infections are more likely to return.
If a person is experiencing symptoms of a yeast infection for the first time, it is best to speak with a doctor to get a diagnosis.
The symptoms of a yeast infection typically ease within a week with treatment. If they do not, a doctor can recommend further treatment.
Yeast infections are common. However, persistent or recurrent infections may indicate an underlying health condition, such as diabetes. Anyone who has more than one yeast infection a year should speak with a doctor.
Learn more about the link between diabetes and yeast infections here.
Here are some frequently asked questions about yeast infections.
What happens if a person leaves a yeast infection untreated?
If left untreated, the symptoms of a yeast infection may worsen over time. In severe cases, it could also
What should a person do if a yeast infection does not go away?
If a yeast infection does not clear up with OTC treatments, it is important to contact a doctor. As well as testing to rule out other causes or infections, a doctor can also help recommend the best course of treatment based on a persons symptoms and medical history.
What could it be if not a yeast infection?
Many symptoms of a yeast infection can also be from other conditions, such as bacterial vaginosis or sexually transmitted infections such as herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis. A doctor can help determine the cause and appropriate course of treatment for a persons symptoms.
Vaginal yeast infections are a common condition that typically causes symptoms, including itching, burning, and thick or clumpy discharge.
There are many treatment options available for yeast infections, including many home remedies and prescription or OTC medications.
In most cases, symptoms should ease within a week of starting treatment. However, doctors may recommend further treatment for persistent or recurrent infections.
Yeast Infections in Dogs: What to Know
Yeast infections in dogs are common, especially in certain breeds or dogs with underlying conditions and compromised immune systems. While they can occur anywhere on the skin, they are often seen in your dogs ears. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing serious complications. Heres what to know about yeast infections in dogs to keep your dog healthy.
What Causes a Yeast Infection in Dogs?
Yeast is a live, single-celled microorganism classified as a member of the fungus kingdom. Its normally found on every dogs skin, but in small amounts. A yeast infection occurs when a substantial amount of yeast excessively builds up in one area.
Yeast infections often occur if there is an underlying medical condition, such as food sensitivities, environmental factors, or parasites, such as fleas, which can cause allergies, as well as the dermatological condition seborrhea. Bacterial infections or underlying hormonal problems may also throw the skins defenses off-balance. In the case of yeast infections of the ear, the most common causes are water or debris trapped in the ear or food sensitivities. Yeast infections of the ear could also be caused by underlying mechanical issues such as damage to the eardrum, a polyp, or even a mass or tumor in the ear canal.
Are Some Breeds More Susceptible to Yeast Infections?
Certain dog breeds are thought to be genetically predisposed to developing yeast infections. These breeds include the West Highland White Terrier, Basset Hound, Cocker Spaniel, Silky Terrier, Australian Terrier, Maltese, Chihuahua, Poodle, Shetland Sheepdog, Lhasa Apso, and Dachshund.
Dogs with floppy ears who swim often, such as Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers, are more likely to get yeast infections. Breeds such as Miniature Schnauzers, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu are also more susceptible to infections because the thick hair in their ear canals hampers the airflow necessary to keep ears dry.
Any dog with allergies is also more likely to develop yeast infections.
Types of Yeast Infections in Dogs and How to Recognize Them
Yeast Infections in Ears
The ear canal of a dog is L-shaped, dropping down and toward the head. This dark, warm, moist environment is the perfect setting for a yeast infection to thrive. The two types of yeast most often found in a dogs ears are Candida and Malassezia.
Yeast infections can occur in any part of the dogs ear. A dog with a yeast infection in their ear may exhibit these symptoms:
- Scratching and digging at the ear
- Rubbing the head on the floor, walls, or furniture
- Excessive shaking of the head
- Musty odor
- Brown, yellow, or bloody discharge
- Crusted skin or fur on the ear flap
- Swelling and redness
- Hair loss around the base of the ear
Early diagnosis and treatment of a yeast infection in the ears are critical before it spreads deeper. If a yeast infection spreads deeper into the ear, it can cause serious pain and complications, such as loss of hearing, vestibular imbalance, or neurological damage.
Yeast Infections on Paws
A dogs paws are susceptible to yeast infections because they encounter wet, dirty ground, which means moisture and dirt are likely to be trapped between the toes and pads. Contact with grass and weeds can also trigger allergies or result in cuts and scratches. Dogs are likely to lick their irritated paws, which doesnt help, instead adding even more moisture.
If your dog has a yeast infection on the paws, you may see the following symptoms:
Excessive licking and chewing of the feet
- Redness and irritated skin
- Brown discharge in nailbeds
- Pink salivary staining on the hair around the paws
- Hair loss
There could be many reasons a dog excessively licks their paws, including anxiety, boredom, injury, parasites, bacteria, or allergies, including food sensitivities. Early examination, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment by a veterinarian can relieve discomfort and prevent complications. This is made using a combination of their medical history and diagnostic swabs of the debris or accompanying cells.
Yeast Infections on Skin
Yeast dermatitis, a skin inflammation caused by yeast infections, can spread to any area of a dogs skin. But its most likely to occur at the site of a rash or wherever there are skin folds that can trap moisture. Wrinkly breeds, such as the Chinese Shar-Pei, are especially vulnerable.
Symptoms of yeast infections of the skin include:
- Intense itching
- Red, irritated, inflamed skin
- Greasy, crusty, or flaky patches
- Thickening (elephant-like) skin
- Darker skin color
- Hair loss
- Musty smell
Although a yeast infection of the skin may start in a very specific area, if left untreated, it can spread and affect the entire body, including the dogs face and mouth. Often, there may be a secondary bacterial infection accompanying the yeast infection.
How to Treat Yeast Infections in Dogs
Depending on how deep in the ear canal a yeast infection is, the treatment will vary. The veterinarian will prescribe a topical antifungal cream for an infection in the outer ear. An infection of the middle ear may require antifungal drops or oral medication. The vet is likely to recommend a thorough cleaning of the ear and possibly ongoing treatment with ear-drying solutions.
Yeast infections on the paws may require treatment with a disinfectant spray to kill germs, as well as daily application of a topical antifungal lotion or spray. It may also be necessary to use an Elizabethan collar to keep the dog from licking the paws so they can stay dry while they heal.
Skin infections may require topical and oral treatment. Cleansing shampoos may clean up the greasy skin. Your vet may recommend using a medicated, antifungal shampoo and leaving it on the dogs skin for about 10 minutes. Bathing may need to be repeated for up to 12 weeks. The veterinarian will also prescribe an antifungal medication, as well as an antibiotic, to treat any bacterial skin infection that may occur along with yeast dermatitis.
How to Prevent Yeast Infections in Dogs
The good news is that yeast infections in dogs are not contagious to other dogs or humans. The most important thing to remember to prevent yeast infections is to keep the area clean and dry.
Too much moisture is a common cause of ear infections, so thoroughly drying your dogs ears after swimming and bathing can prevent moisture build-up. If your dog has a skin rash, musty smell, or is scratching or licking excessively, taking them to the veterinarian can prevent an infection from spreading and becoming more serious.
The prognosis for yeast infections is good when you follow the treatments your veterinarian gives you. Its important to understand that unless an underlying problem such as allergies, hypothyroidism, or seborrhea is controlled, a yeast infection is likely to come back.
