Canine Yeast Infection Symptoms | Dog Yeast Infection Symptoms
There are several warning signs that can identify if your dog has a yeast infection present. First of all, an overgrowth of yeast will cause symptoms that are uncomfortable and stressful
The list of typical symptoms to watch out for can give you a heads up and if your pup is exhibiting any of these symptoms then it is advised for you to take your dog immediately to the vet for diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms include:
- Low engery
- Whining
- Rubbing or scratching the ear
- Shaking of the head, or loss of balance
- Strong order emanating from ear canal
- Crust like substance on and/or around the infected area
- Excessive oil on the skin
- Scales or flaking skin
- Excessive itching and biting of skin and/or infected area
- Red or swollen area
- Dry patches of skin
- Discharge
When you know how yeast breeds, you can take the necessary steps to keep your dog healthy and infection free. If your dog has an ear infection due to yeast it is wise to play close attention to your dog’s regular routine and behavior; if their actions change you can catch most things early on to prevent further complications.
For instance, if your normally energetic dog begins to become agitated or lethargic it is important to be able to describe the change in his demeanor and routines to a veterinarian.
> Does your dog frequently take naps being more of a lap dog who likes to snuggle or is he always on the go, chasing after toys and enjoys playing?
> Is he eager to go outside for walks or does he remain on his bed when you open the door?
> Does your pet hide from you when he would normally welcome your company?
These are just a couple of lifestyle habits you should be aware of because should his normal habits change it could be a sign of distress or illness.
Secondly does your dog regularly fidget, lick, shake his head, or scratch certain parts of his body or does he only indulge in this behavior occasionally? From the time you first get your dog you should take the time to get to know its habits. If you do notice odd behaviors it’s important to keep notes so you can inform the vet. The vet will want to know what has changed and if there has been an accompanying modification in the dog’s activities or surroundings.
The best breeding ground for yeast is moisture. If your dog is usually at home in the yard but you recently took him swimming and now you’re noticing a change in behavior the vet will need to know this information. You also will need to describe in detail the particular actions that are alarming. There might be something that got lodged in his ear from the lake or river or a mite that is not usually in your neck of the woods could have gotten inside the ears.
Once you are able to describe your concerns and the events you’ve noticed, the vet will take a sample from inside the dog’s ear to determine if yeast is really the problem. Bacterial infections may be present with almost exactly the same symptoms as a canine yeast infection but will need different types of treatment. In addition the vet will need to examine entire ear, inside and out, to rule out other problems like infected scratches, ear mites, ruptured ear drums, matted hair or a foreign object lodged within the ear. Grass stuck far inside the ear or ear mites (from contact with an infected dog), will mimic the symptoms of bacterial produced yeast infections.
If your vet, upon examining the sample under a microscope, confirms the overgrowth of yeast he will be able to prescribe a topical solution to kill it. He will also advise you t how to avoid a recurrence.
Becoming familiarize with the telltale symptoms of yeast will allow you to save your dog from any further problems with yeast infection and save time and money.
