Is Greek Yogurt Good For Dogs With Yeast Infections?
Is Greek Yogurt Good For Dogs With Yeast Infections? I know, I know dealing with your pup’s incessant itching, constant head-shaking, or less-than-fresh scent can be incredibly bothersome. You’ve surely scoured some online dog-lover forums and come across a plethora of advice that shouts Greek yogurt!
As easy and natural as that sounds, I’m here today to let you in on whether this remedy holds any truth or if it’s just an internet-y rumor because it does have a bit of validity! I’m the vet and this is your go-to guide to all things dog yogurt. Read on You know how we all stress about what we eat? Well, we’re similar to dogs on many levels, including we react to our food.
In some cases, even mild reactions to certain proteins can lead to dogs itching or shaking.
“Greek yogurt may help, because the lactose in it is filtered out of milk during the process of making yogurt,” says veterinarian Dr. Amanda Elmore. “But Greek yogurt may have live active cultures that aid with canine digestion.”
The Key Differences Between Different Yogurts While we encourage moderation when adding human foods into our dog’s diets, not all yogurts are safe for pups. “It’s crucial that people know which yogurts are safe and why,” Dr. Elmore explains, referring to an array of yogurts readily available at the local grocery store: “The key is to always buyPLAIN,unsweetened yogurt because most people automatically go to sweeten…or low-fat, [which can contain the artificial sweetener xylitol].
Is Greek Yogurt Good For Dogs With Yeast Infections?
Understanding Yeast Infections in Dogs
Yeast dermatitis in a dog is typically brought on by an overgrowth of a specific fungus known as Malassezia pachydermatis, which is a naturally occurring organism that lives in small numbers on dogs. Under specific circumstances, like increased skin moisture, skin allergies or a compromised immune system, the skin’s pH levels shift and this fungus begins to multiply causing an infection. The infection has several common tell-tale symptoms and includes: Extreme itchiness, even in a dog with very shiny fur Many will scratch around their ears, armpits, belly and paw area.
A “musty” smell: This could be reminiscent of corn chips or musty cheese depending on severity. Skin damage: A dog may experience oily skin, crusty skin and sometimes skin will change color and darken (hyperpigmentation).
Yeasty ear infections: this will be exhibited with scratching of the ears, constant head shaking and a dark, sticky discharge in the ear canal.
The Scoop on Greek Yogurt for Dogs
Why Greek Yogurt?
Why Greek yogurt over normal yogurt: Yogurt that is of Greek variety naturally contains much less lactose than normal variety. And therefore it’s easy on digestion and perfect solution for dogs that have little sensitivities. However the important benefits from both come from a higher quantity of probiotics or the good bacteria which are included in large amounts. The same kind of live bacteria or Lactic acid bacteria L. Acidophilus is good in order to increase intestinal wellness.
How Probiotics Help Fight Yeast
The rationale for trying probiotics for yeast infection is to restore balance within the gut. A strong, healthy digestive tract leads to a well-functioning immune system. In theory, introducing good bacteria to your digestive tract helps “push out” the harmful bacteria, yeast, and other pathogens that might otherwise spread through the intestinal lining. This is especially helpful for a dog taking antibiotics, because antibiotics destroy the beneficial gut bacteria that keep the yeast in balance.
The Critical Caveats: Why It’s Not a Cure
And This is Where Online forums Often Don’t Tell You Everything You need to know: Even if Yogurt is a Good Support supplement for your dog. If it becomes THE main focus of treatment, this can be detrimental:
The Sugar will feed the yeast: Yeast thrives on sugar and simple carbohydrates and most yogurts are very high in sugar. It will definitely make it worse. Even plain Greek yogurt will provide sugar for yeast (from the milk sugar, aka Lactose), and if the dog’s system is weak, the yeast can definitely take advantage.
It’s a Support supplement: Not a Treatment For A Major Issue!
The vast majority of the time that a dog has a bad ear and skin yeast infection, it requires an Antifungal such as ketoconazole or fluconazole, a special medicated shampoo, or other veterinary care to fix a yeast infection completely.
If your dog just having some itchy spots the a simple natural remedy might help; BUT for yeast, that would be more complex than a spoonful of yogurt for your dog; for example. This will slow down a proper treatment and make your dog suffer unnecessarily.
It is Dairy: Even Though Greek yogurt has Less lactose-it’s Still a dairy product and many dogs suffer from either a Lactose or dairy intolerance with symptoms including vomiting or diarrhea ,as well as increased itchiness due to skin Inflammation.
Also Check: Signs Your Dog Has a Blocked Anal Gland
The Vet-Approved Guide to Serving Greek Yogurt
Wondering how you can start serving your dog a portion of Greek yogurt as a supplementation addition, if this could work for your furry companion then follow those instructions safely:
Opt For Plain Greek Yogurt: Make sure you’re opting for unsweetened plain Greek yogurt containing “live and active cultures.” Your best bet is to check for no additional sugars, artificial sweeteners, or xylitol, which is poisonous to dogs.
Start Slow Start giving him small portions: in his meal to see how he reacts to it. For tiny dogs, you may be limited to one tsp per day whereas for bigger breeds; up to one tb sp of plain yogurt may be tolerated in a single serving of food.
Don’t Exaggerate: The role of yogurt for a dog should solely be a snack which shouldn’t take more than 10 percent of your canine friend’s daily caloric intake.
Don’t Go For External Application: While some anecdotal evidence has pointed to the benefits of using yogurt to address Skin infections and Paw infections , most veterinarian recommend you avoid it! The increased moistness produced when applying on paws may lead to excessive Yeast development and additional fungal growth may be facilitated by sugars present in your favorite healthy snack .
A Better Approach: Diet & Holistic Support
The real goal in getting to yeast infections is more holistic than just prescription treatment. Beyond whatever medication your vet provides,
Consider these diet changes. Yikes Starches and sugars really feed yeasts, so try out some low-glycemic or grain free dog foods that include good proteins along with low starch vegetables. Many of them incorporate more green beans or broccoli that’s great.
Consider A Probiotic Supplement. When I need some serious boost for my dog’s gut, I’ll go for a probiotic capsule made for canines as opposed to putting them on anything containing lactose or a lot of sugar.
Coconut oil. Coconut oil is antifungal. I mix it into my dogs’ meals and sometimes even put some onto the skin itches and will make sure to check with my dog vet first.
Conclusion
So to answer the question-can you feed your dog Greek yogurt for a yeast infection?-well, the short answer is yes, but there is a massive asterisk here. It may be a useful addition to a treatment plan that’s guided by a veterinarian due to its probiotics and ability to support your dog’s digestive health and immune system. Greek yogurt alone will not cure a yeast infection.
For best results, opt for plain, unflavored yogurt and feed only a small amount.
Remember, it’s also best to consult your vet and follow their prescription to relieve your dog of discomfort as fast and as safely as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use Greek yogurt to treat my dog’s yeast infection?
No, unfortunately yogurt isn’t going to work alone as the sole treatment for your dog’s yeast infection; it only works as part of a greater strategy involving antifungal treatments prescribed by your veterinarian.
What kind of Greek yogurt can I give to my dog?
You only want to give your dog plain Greek yogurt that contains “live and active probiotic cultures.” Make absolutely sure there’s no extra sugar (natural or artificial) as well as no xylitol.
How much Greek yogurt can I give to my dog?
Because many dogs have lactose intolerance, you’ll want to start giving your dog only a small bit-1 tablespoon to a big dog or 1 teaspoon to a small one- and see how he or she tolerates it. Give the yogurt as a treat, rather than incorporate it into the main diet of the dog. 10 percent of your dog’s daily diet should ideally be treated with something additional like yogurt or doggy-treats.
Should I apply Greek yogurt topically on my dog with a yeast infection?
Not a good idea. For some, the added sugar, and the added moisture of the yogurt create the perfect atmosphere to allow yeast to grow and multiply. This is especially the case for the part of the dog’s body where the yeast infection has surfaced.
Why is it better to use Greek yogurt as opposed to traditional yogurt for my dog?
Most of the time it comes down to the fact that Greek yogurt is usually packed with protein and tends to have less lactose than most other varieties of yogurts available. Probiotic ingredients added to Greek yogurt also play a vital role in the gut health of your dog, a well as an increased immune response overall.
Will yogurt prevent yeast infections in my dog?
The truth is it will help your dog prevent future infections by promoting a healthier gut, but you’ll need much more than just yogurt alone to keep your dog healthy throughout the year.
How to I recognize my dog has a yeast infection?
Most commonly you’ll notice an increase in scratching in the affected region, usually accompanied by red greasy skin and the distinct smell of mustiness. Head shaking and paw-licking can also be clear signs.
Are there any other forms of probiotics I can give to my dog that are not in a yogurt form?
There sure are! It’s common to give your dog high-quality doggy-specific probiotic dietary supplements or a simple plain un sweetened liquid from of Kefir, another source of probiotic. Do check in with your veterinarian before switching things up for your canine pal, though.
How Long Should it Take to clear Up My Dog’s Yeast Infection?
This is entirely depending on the location and severity of the infection but most yeast infections clear up in as little as one week and a couple of weeks max if a vet treats the issue.
What kinds of food should I stop giving my dog with yeast infections?
There are plenty of foods you’ll want to steer clear of that are packed with sugar and starch: basically any white or starchy vegetables, such as corn, potatoes and white rice should be removed from the doggy- diet of an infected canine. Also avoid any grain foods made from rice, corn, or wheat if the dog has yeast problems. You may also want to restrict feeding your dog sugary foods in general since yeast eats on sugar.
