How To Treat Dog Yeast Infections

July 31, 2017 by Fanna Easter

Dog Yeast Infection Treatment

Dog Yeast Infections — Willee Cole/Adobe Stock

Sharing my home with a Bull Terrier means chronic skin issues are always a concern. Over the last 10 years, I’ve tried different tips and learned new tricks to keep dog yeast infections at bay. Finally, a couple of years ago, I found several products that tackle persistent yeast infections in dogs quickly and effectively.

With that said, it takes a combination approach to tame persistent skin infections in dogs because there’s no magic product that works on its own. Check out these veterinarian-recommended canine skin products that really work.

Reminder: Sometimes, certain dog skin infections won’t respond to the use of only topical products and immune suppression medications may be needed. While I employ a holistic approach, I personally feel quality of time is much more important than quantity. I don’t believe a dog should suffer.

Is It a Yeast Infection?

Before diagnosing your dog’s skin condition yourself, it’s important to know exactly what you’re dealing with first. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian for a thorough examination.

Most vets will scrape your dog’s skin and examine the cells under a microscope to confirm a diagnosis. So many times, yeast infections mimic bacterial infections, mange and other skin disorders, so a proper diagnosis is critical. Partner with your veterinarian for the best outcome.

Dog Yeast Infection Myths

Persistent skin infections are frustrating, especially when dogs lick and chew constantly, which causes open sores. Pet owners then seek advice from other pet owners either online or in person. While some DIY home remedies have worked for some dogs with yeast infection, they won’t work on all dogs. What works for one dog may not work for another dog.

For example, some pet owners recommend foot soaks or salves. However, these shouldn’t be recommended for dogs with open sores. It’s best to get your veterinarian’s consent first. Use common sense before you run to your nearest health food store and smear apple cider vinegar on your dog’s raw feet.

Diet is a hot topic when it comes to yeast infections in dogs. Some passionate pet owners recommend a raw or home-cooked diet, but neither is necessarily a magic pill. When skin infections pop up, it’s important to use a combination approach.

Combination Approach

A combination approach means using topical solutions, feeding probiotics, providing a wholesome diet, feeding healthy treats and grooming your dog regularly. If one step is missed, yeast infections can pop up and persist.

Of course, a healthy diet is vital. Raw or homemade diets work really well, but it’s best to feed your dog a diet that works best for him. Adding supplements, such as fish oil, probiotics, herbs and hemp oil, can certainly boost your dog’s immune system while helping him battle a skin infection. Combating yeast infections from the inside is important, but it’s equally as important to tackle skin issues topically too.

My favorite topical yeast infection products for dogs are:

Douxo Seborrhea Shampoo
Douxo Seborrhea Spot-On
Douxo AntiSeptic Chlorhexidine + Climbazole Mousse

Bathing a dog with a prescribed shampoo works wonders, especially if a dog is allergic to outdoor allergens. Each product can be used together, so follow your vet’s directions exactly.

We’re tried multiple store-bought or veterinary-prescribed products and essential oils, and by far the Douxo line has worked really well. On average, it takes at least 1 to 2 weeks for a yeast infection to clear up completely. My dog will stop licking at her feet, so redness subsides. Some skin infections may take longer and may require oral medications, so choose what’s best for your dog.

Being persistent and partnering with your veterinarian is key.

Best Fish Oil Supplement For Dogs Of 2017

July 26, 2017 by Fanna Easter

This Fish Oil for Dogs Works Wonders

Nordic Naturals Fish Oil — bookzaa/Adobe Stock

Fish oil is good for you, and it’s excellent for dogs too! An excellent quality fish oil brand contains DHA and EPA, which are omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation. Most veterinarians recommend fish oil supplements for canine skin issues, such as allergies, flea-bite dermatitis, persistent yeast infections of the skin and shedding coats.

With that said, anti-inflammatory benefits of fish oil will benefit much more than your dog’s skin. Many dogs have found pain relief from osteoarthritis, improved cognitive issues and boosted immune systems, which ultimately lowers incidents of disease and cancer. Given the number of benefits, pet owners should certainly supplement their dog’s daily meals with fish oil.

Which fish oil for dogs is best for your pet? Check out my favorite fish oil supplement that works wonders!

Favorite Fish Oil Brand for Dogs

My holistic veterinarian and veterinary behaviorist highly recommended a specific brand of fish oil and so did my personal naturopathic medical doctor. Yes, even my doctor recommended this brand for my personal supplementation as well.

Most professionals recommend Nordic Naturals fish oil for dogs and humans. There are many fish oil supplements to choose from, but there’s a reason why Nordic Naturals fish oil is the best brand.

Nordic Naturals fish oil products are tested for purity and heavy metals, and are sourced from the Norwegian Sea. There are so many additional reasons why this product is far superior other than fish oils, so check out their website for more details.

Feeding Fish Oil to Your Dog

When adding fish oil to your dog’s diet, it’s important to start slowly. Adding too much fish oil too fast will cause upset stomachs and diarrhea. Add fish oil to your dog’s meals daily, and slowly increase fish oil amounts over a 7 to 10-day period. Nordic Naturals oils don’t have a strong fishy smell, but dogs readily lap it up when poured over their kibble, home-cooked meal or raw food meal.

It’s very important to understand the recommended fish oil dosage for your dog’s size as well as her needs. Your holistic veterinarian is the safest way to find your dog’s dosage.

Many times, holistic vets recommend higher fish oil doses for dogs with arthritis and skin issues. However, never assume your dog’s fish oil dosage because it can cause tummy issues. Nordic Naturals has canine dosage recommendations listed on their label too, but always consult with your holistic vet for best results.

WATCH: Nordic Naturals Fish Oil for Dogs Review

Best Chemical-Free Flea and Tick Prevention of 2017

July 21, 2017 by Fanna Easter

Recommended Flea and Tick Prevention Products

With a strong focus on chemical-free products for homes, it’s only natural that pet owners are seeking chemical-free flea and tick prevention options too. While many skeptics assume chemical-free options don’t work as well as chemical-laden pesticides, that’s simply not true.

Personally, I’ve found newer chemical-free pest control products work much better than their chemical-based counterparts and I’ve used both options before. Chemical-free flea protection works the quickest and lasts the longest. After years of testing flea control products in moderate and severe flea infestation areas—we live in the South—here are the best chemical-free indoor and outdoor flea products available in 2017.

Application is Key

The key to using chemical-free pest control products is to spray weekly for 4-6 weeks. While it’s tempting to focus on adult fleas because we see them, it’s important to know adult fleas are just the tip of the iceberg. Unhatched flea eggs account for 50% of a home’s flea population while the larvae and pupae stage account for an additional 45% of a flea’s life cycle (Understanding the Flea Life Cycle, 2017).

Plus, it takes 30-45 days for fleas to hatch from eggs into cocoon-spinning larvae, then pupae and finally into adult fleas. This is why natural flea and tick prevention applications, indoors and outdoors, are vital. Set frequent reminders on your smartphone. Most flea infestations return when pet owners forget to spray or skip a week.

Best Indoor Chemical-Free Pest Control Products

Over the last 20 years or so, I’ve tried dozens of chemical-free, organic and natural pest control products and many did not perform well. When searching for an effective product, look for one that repels or kills fleas and ticks within 24 hours and that lasts at least a week.

During heavy infestations, longevity may be shortened a bit with most lasting 4-5 days. Interestingly, chemical products (i.e. major name brands) took 2-3 days to become effective and only lasted 5 days during moderate to slight infestations. Hum, I found that extremely interesting.

By far, my new favorite indoor chemical-free pest control product is Wondercide Flea & Tick Indoor Home spray. Because cedar oil has an overwhelming scent, Wondercide added a bit of lemongrass essential oil into the mix for a lighter scent.

My other favorite is Vet’s Best Flea & Tick Home spray, which contains peppermint and clove oils. Oh, this one smells heavenly and works quickly!

While Wondercide products cost more than Vet’s Best, they seem to both work effectively. Vet’s Best is easily an excellent option for those on a budget. For best results, alternate between both products to help prevent pest control resistance.

WATCH: Indoor Chemical-Free Pest Control Products

Best Outdoor Chemical-Free Pest Control Products

Spraying outdoors weekly is so important. Fleas ride into your backyard on squirrels, feral cats and many other furry critters that creep around at night. For best results, mow the grass and then use a hose to spray flea and tick prevention. Really saturate shaded areas, sidewalks and patios. Rain won’t dilute the effectiveness of the chemical-free product, but instead help the natural product penetrate deep into packed dirt and mulch.

My new favorite outdoor chemical-free pest control products are Wondercide Flea & Tick Yard spray and Vet’s Best Flea & Tick Yard spray. Wondercide is a bit pricier than Vet’s Best, but it’s concentrated. You’ll need to purchase a hose attachment to dilute it during applications.

Vet’s Best is less expensive, has a hose attachment on the bottle, but goes really fast during outdoor application. Both products will repel mosquitoes too, so spray an hour before guests arrive, and you’ll enjoy an amazingly scented backyard without flying pests.

WATCH: Outdoor Chemical-Free Pest Control Products

You can’t go wrong with either chemical-free product! What natural products have you used that worked wonders at killing fleas and ticks?

Does Your Dog Have Fleas?

July 20, 2017 by Fanna Easter

Keeping Your Dog Flea-Free

My Dog Has Fleas — Christian Müller/Adobe Stock

Oh, so many pet owners quickly say “no,” but are they really sure? With digestible flea and tick control supplements that require fleas and ticks to bite dogs first, before killing these annoying pests, your dog probably has fleas in his coat right now. If your dog is scratching anywhere, especially his rear end, your dog probably has fleas. Before assuming your pooch is flea-free, check him thoroughly first.

How to Check for Fleas

Grab a sturdy flea comb, cedar oil spray (Wondercide or Dr. Ben’s Cedar Spray), an alcohol-soaked paper towel, your dog and a comfy spot on the floor.

Spray a tiny amount of cedar oil on the flea comb, and start combing behind your dog’s ears. After 2 or 3 passes with a comb, lift up the comb to check for fleas. Cedar oil will stun fleas, so they don’t hop off the comb. If a flea is on the comb, wrap the comb in the alcohol soaked paper towel to kill it. Continue combing your dog while moving further down your dog’s body.

Fleas love to nest at the base of your dog’s tail and genital area, so check these areas carefully. If fleas are present, continue to comb the area and kill fleas until no more fleas appear on the flea comb.

Fleas can be anywhere on your dog, so check your dog’s entire body. Remember, presence of adult fleas are the tip of the iceberg; they make up only 5% of your overall flea infestation. Over 95% of a fleas’ population are eggs, lava and pupae, which are hidden deep inside your home or backyard. For best results, spray inside and outside of your home with chemical-free products for a minimum of 4-6 weeks.

How Often Should You Check?

Before assuming your dog is flea-free, check thoroughly using a flea comb. Sometimes, flea dirt (flea poop) is present—basically dried blood—which is a clear telltale sign. During heavy flea infestations, daily flea comb checks work best. Once flea infestations are under control, you should check your dog for fleas every week. During colder months, checking every other month will do.

When in doubt, check your dog for fleas before assuming he’s flea-free. 🙂

WATCH: How To Check Your Dog For Fleas

Can Dogs Overheat? Oh, Yes!

July 14, 2017 by Fanna Easter

Preventing Your Dog From Overheating

Dog Overheating — George Wada/Adobe Stock

With summer temperatures soaring into the mid-90s now, it’s necessary to keep our dogs and ourselves cool through extreme heatwaves. Dogs overheat much faster than humans because they’re encased in a fur coat. It’s critical to understand how a dog overheats to prevent it from happening, and how to keep your dog cool during scorching summer months.

How Dogs Cool Themselves Down

Humans are covered in sweat glands, and we sweat when overheated. Sweating causes evaporation, which works well to cool our bodies down when it’s hot outside. Dogs have very few sweat glands. The very few that exist are mostly located on their paws where they will sweat through their pads. With limited sweat glands, dogs have a different method to cool themselves.

When a dog’s core temperature rises, he will pant to cool himself down. Science ABC explains the process of panting to cool a dog’s body down:

“The moisture on the tongue evaporates while panting, while the heavy breathing allows moisture to evaporate from the moist lining of their lungs. Furthermore, dogs cool off via vasodilation. The blood vessels in their face and ears expand, enabling the blood to flow closer to the skin, allowing heat to be exchanged with the outside environment” (2015). While panting is effective at cooling dogs down, dogs can still overheat quickly.

Signs of a Dog Overheating

When it’s warm inside or outside, dogs will pant. As they feel warmer, dogs will increase panting to cool themselves. If they’re unable to cool themselves quickly and still exposed to high temperatures, their panting will become rapid and heavy.

Signs of a dog overheating are: heavy panting (mouth open with rapid and loud panting), drooling, eyes widening (white of eyes showing), and inability to get comfortable.

If a dog is showing signs of overheating, immediately cool him down with cool water and AC. Give the overheated dog cool water to drink and wrap his body in cold, wet towels. Instead of wrapping cold towels around a dog’s trunk, place cold towels under his arms (armpit area), tummy and inside of flanks. Now, in an air-conditioned car, immediately transport the dog to the closest veterinarian just in case.

Keeping Dogs Cool During Summer

Prevention is key because dogs can overheat within minutes in extreme weather. Keep your dog indoors with the AC blasting. While it’s tempting to raise the AC temperature while you’re away at work, this is not best for your dog. Keep the temperature at or under 78 degrees during the day, and even lower at night.

Ensure your dog has plenty of cool water and frozen food stuffed Kongs to snack on. If your dog is crated in your home while you’re away, turn ceiling fans on high and possibly add a box fan nearby too. Even though air conditioning is running indoors, having air circulating helps keep dogs cool.

Choose wire crates during summer months, so air is able to circulate better. Also, add a cooling pad to your dog’s crate. Lastly, walk your dog during the early mornings as temperatures are cooler and never leave your dog outside alone—ever.

How do you keep your dog cool during summer months?