Will yogurt help dog yeast infection
Is Yogurt a Safe and Effective Treatment for Yeast Infection?
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Vaginal yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida. Candida normally lives inside your body and on your skin without causing any problems. But sometimes Candida, commonly called yeast, can multiply and cause an uncomfortable infection.
Most women will get a vaginal yeast infection at some time in their lives. Symptoms include:
- itching
- burning
- thick cottage cheese discharge
Yeast infections arent a sexually transmitted disease (STD), so they can happen to women and girls of all ages.
Many yeast infections can be treated at home with over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal creams and suppositories. Increasing resistance to antifungal medications has led many women to seek alternative treatments, like yogurt.
Yogurt may be used to treat a yeast infection by:
- applying yogurt topically to the vulva (the area around the vaginal opening)
- inserting yogurt into the vagina
- consuming yogurt as part of your diet
Some people find that a mixture of yogurt and honey is most effective. Other people take probiotic supplements that contain lactobacillus, the friendly bacteria in many yogurts.
Read on to learn more about yogurt for the treatment of yeast infections.
Yogurt is a safe and affordable treatment option used by women around the world for the treatment of yeast infections. It works because of a type of bacteria called lactobacillus.
Lactobacillus is a type of good bacteria that normally live in your digestive system, urinary tract, and vaginal area without causing problems.
People take lactobacillus by mouth to treat a variety of conditions, including:
Lactobacillus can be found in:
- many, but not all, yogurts
- some other fermented foods
- dietary supplements
The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates the effectiveness of natural products based on scientific evidence according to the following scale:
- effective
- likely effective
- possibly effective
- possibly ineffective
- likely ineffective
- ineffective
Lactobacillus is rated possibly effective for vaginal yeast infections.
A 2012 study found that a mixture of yogurt and honey was actually more effective than an antifungal agent for the treatment of vaginal yeast infections in pregnant women. Participants in this study applied the yogurt and honey mixture vaginally. The clinical cure rate for the yogurt mixture was 87.8 percent. With the antifungal cream, it was 72.3 percent.
Researchers in a 2015 study compared a honey and yogurt mixture to clotrimazole cream and came to the same conclusions as the researchers from the 2012 study.
Shop online for probiotics that contain lactobacillus.
According to the research studies cited above, the best way to use yogurt for the treatment of a yeast infection is to apply it topically or vaginally. Just be sure to use a plain yogurt with no added sweeteners.
To apply yogurt vaginally:
- Take a tampon out of its applicator. Fill the applicator with yogurt, and use it to insert yogurt into your vagina.
- You can also use an old applicator from an antifungal cream. But be sure to wash it first with soap and warm water.
- Freeze the yogurt first. Some people freeze yogurt inside a tampon applicator. Others use the finger of a latex glove. You could even put it in an ice cube tray. It will be cold, but soothing.
- Or you can just use your fingers to get as much into your vagina as you can.
Many people believe that eating yogurt can treat or prevent a yeast infection. This theory is mostly anecdotal, but adding healthy bacteria into your body cant hurt.
Some people take probiotics that contain lactobacillus. One literature review found that there is promising, but not conclusive, research suggesting that probiotics can help prevent yeast infections in women who get three or more per year.
What type of yogurt should you use?
Not all yogurt is created equal. Check the ingredients to make sure it contains lactobacillus. Make sure to get plain yogurt. Even vanilla yogurt has extra sugar. If you plan on eating the yogurt, go with a low-fat version.
Several of the studies conducted on yogurt for yeast infections involved mixing the yogurt with bees honey. Honey has strong antimicrobial properties, which seem to enhance the effects of the yogurt.
Common yogurt brands that contain lactobacillus include:
Yeast infections often cause diaper rash in small children. Yeast thrives in warm and moist places, like underneath your babys diaper. A Candida diaper rash is caused by the same type of bacteria that causes vaginal yeast infections. The topical application of yogurt could be an effective treatment, but theres no research to back it up.
There are few risks associated with the topical application of yogurt, but talk to your pediatrician before adding dairy to the diet of a child under 12 months old.
Expect to use the yogurt for about seven days. Generally, youll want to continue using it until your symptoms have disappeared.
The only risk related to this treatment is that it may not relieve itching as quickly as commercial vaginal creams can. Talk to your doctor if you have a yeast infection that isnt improving.
You can get treatment for a yeast infection from your primary care doctor or gynecologist, or at a womens health or family planning clinic. The symptoms of a yeast infection are similar to the symptoms of other conditions, including STDs. If youve recently had unprotected sex with a partner, especially a new partner, you might want to see your doctor for a pelvic exam.
Note that there are some physicians that do not agree with the yogurt treatment for vaginal yeast infections, so check with your doctor if you have any doubts. There are different strains of lactobacilli in yogurt, so be sure you read the labels and purchase one that has lactobacilli acidophilus strains and no sugar.
Otherwise, make an appointment with your doctor when:
- you get a yeast infection for the first time
- youre not sure whether you have a yeast infection
- your symptoms dont improve after using OTC antifungal creams or suppositories
- you develop other symptoms, such as blisters, fever, or foul-smelling discharge
Yogurt may help treat vaginal yeast infections. There are no real risks, and it may be more affordable than some of the OTC antifungal creams.
Give it a try to see if it works for you. If this is your first yeast infection, see your doctor. Also see your doctor of your symptoms are getting worse or not improving after a week.
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.
