Yellow Labrador Retriever with Yeast Infections

Subject: Yellow Labrador Retriever with Yeast Infections

From: Jamie (USA)

Labrador Retriever name: Allee

Reader's E-mail - Jamie Writes:

Do you have any suggestions on Allee's yeast around her vaginal area and front paws? She is on the allergy shots but the specialist said we will keep having to do Ketoconazole every so often, which I do not agree with. Seems ridiculous. Her Allergy shots are $175 a pop and we still have to put her on these drugs as well? She took them last in September and seems to need it again. She does good for a while then starts up again. I thought that would be gone with the shots but it isn't. Chris looked up online today and found 50/50 Apple Cider vinegar and distilled water, but who knows. I thought I would see if you had any thoughts on it.

Thanks,
Jamie

All About Labradors Answer:

Hello Jamie,

The information given here is to help you learn more about your Labrador Retriever and not to replace your veterinarian's advice. Disclaimer
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Poor Allee, it seems like she has been through so much. Here are some recommendations for the sweet Allee:

If you suspect a yeast infection, you can try a solution made from equal parts white vinegar and water. This can help to prevent yeast infections, by lowering the skins pH. Spray it on her coat and leave it on without rinsing off.

As Chris has found, you can also use the apple cider vinegar and water (50/50) for itchy skin by putting it in a spray bottle and spraying on infected areas. I would not use it on open sores though.

You can also try establishing the pH balance in Allee's system with apple cider vinegar. You can check Allee's pH balance, with pH strips, and help to re-establish the correct balance (6.2 - 6.5) with the apple cider vinegar. One to two teaspoons per day in her food or water will help keep the ph balance correct.

In regards to APV - you will get arguments back and forth with apple cider vinegar as some say it contributes to the yeast infection while others swear by it. You will also get that with garlic that I mention below, as well as commercial dog food vs homemade dog food and so on and so on.

I've had many people report they had great results using the NZYMES Yeast Kit which you can find further information at nzymes.com.

You may also want to add garlic supplementation to Allee's diet as this helps kill bacteria, fungi and infections in the system. Again, others swear by the use of garlic for helping with many ailments and others such as the ASPCA list garlic as poisonous to pets. My friend Teri of doghealth1.com has an article on other cures with the use of garlic for dogs -

Garlic For Humans and Dog Health - http://doghealth1.com/2009/02/garlic-for-dog-health/

I also still believe (we talked about this in previous e-mails) you are going to have to strengthen Allee's immune system, especially with all the different antibiotics that Allee is and was on. Antibiotics are a friend to yeast infections!

Probiotics and digestive enzymes, help in keeping the pH balance of the stomach in proper balance, helping to prevent yeast infections. Probitoics are live cultures found in yogurt which will help out in maintaining and increasing the good flora (bacteria) of the gut.

Some places to get probiotics and digestive enzymes:

Health and pet food stores: Acidophilus for dogs

1-800-PetMeds - NaturVet Enzymes & Probiotics

Only Natural Pet Store - they have probiotic products and a Candida Yeast Infection kit - http://www.onlynaturalpet.com/default.aspx

Pet Enzymes - http://www.petenzymes.com

You could also supplement Allee's diet with regular, non-flavored yogurt with live cultures daily. Make sure there are no sugars or sweeteners in it. Add it to her food, or your can use it in the Kong toys if you use them.

One last thing for my own knowledge, I looked back at your previous e-mail and I'm wondering if you ever tried the Dinovite products you mentioned in those e-mails. If so, did you have any luck?

Let me know if this is helpful and if you have any other questions, I am always here to try and be of some help to Allee and Frankie (I don't think we have ever had any discussion in regards to any problems with Frankie).

Talk to you soon,
Fay

Reader's E-mail - Jamie's Reply:

Thank you again. We just switched her from Apple to White Vinegar, so we will see if it is any better. We had also started her on plain yogurt and acidophilus pills (regular from health food store) prior to receiving your e-mail.

He hasn't wanted to spray her paws because he doesn't want it all over our carpet, so he is only spraying her crotch area.

We did try Dynovite and we gave it the full 90 days as they say and it was a complete waste, we also tried Itchy Dog from Zoom, another waste.

I guess we will still try for now, so far she is still miserable. Her jaw, crotch and front paws. I just feel so bad for her as I know how annoying a little itch can be and she is constantly bothered by it.

Thanks for your help again!
Jamie

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Yellow Labrador with Intense Itching - part II

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