Natural Candida Remedies in Dogs

A holistic veterinarian can help recommend several strategies and appropriate natural remedies for candida infections, including:

• Providing a proper diet is the first step to controlling candida overpopulation. Yeasts proliferate on a diet that includes carbohydrates and sugars, so cutting these items from your dog's diet is a critical first step. A meat-based diet, free from sugar, grains, and starch will be recommended. Commercially available natural dog foods are available that meet this criteria or appropriate home cooked or raw meat can be provided to your dog. This diet may also aid with inflammation and is appropriate for most dogs, who naturally thrive on a meat-based diet. If you are using honey to address inflammation it should be removed from the diet as it provides sustenance for candida organisms. Garlic and oregano can be added to the diet as these are antifungal in nature.
• Coconut oil can also be added to your dog's diet at a dosage of 1 tsp per 10 pounds of body weight. Coconut oil contains fatty acids which destroy yeasts in the gut without upsetting natural flora balance.
• Herbs and supplements such as, oregano oil, pau d’arco, rosemary, thyme, caprylic acid, and undecylenic acid can be added to your dog's diet, and have been shown to have antifungal properties and restore natural flora balance.
• Natural immune boosters will help eliminate fungal overgrowth. Echinacea or oregon grape may be effective.
• Probiotics allow “good” bacteria to establish in your dog's digestive system after the “bad” candida organisms have been eliminated. This process should take place 2 weeks after steps are taken to reduce harmful candida populations.
• Detoxification by providing enzymes that help your dog's liver break down and eliminate dead candida cells should be performed as a final stage to this process. Eliminate dead yeast build up in specific areas of the body where infection has been rampant-- the ears is a prime example. Clean and disinfect the affected area during treatment and on an ongoing basis if necessary to help prevent reinfection. Dogs ears can be cleaned with either store bought solution or witch hazel and cotton balls; do not use Q-tips. Additionally, for candida infections of your dog's paws, a paw soak with 1 gallon water, 1 cup vinegar, and 1 cup hydrogen peroxide followed by a thorough drying of your dog's feet will help remove dead cells. Do not rinse after astringent soak but allow the residue to remain and act as an antifungal.
• Natural antifungal shampoos and rinses are also available. Antifungal shampoos made from tea tree oil or an alternative blend help control yeast growth on your dog's body surface. An antifungal rinse solution of 1 gallon water, 1 cup vinegar, 1 cup lemon juice and 20 drops peppermint oil may also be effective, used regularly, 1 week after antifungal shampoos to prevent yeast overgrowth. Antifungal rinses should not be put on your dog's head or near their eyes. Do not rinse with water after antifungal rinses but towel dry your dog thoroughly.

If yeast infections are chronic ,check with a veterinarian to see if another disease or condition is present that is disrupting your dog's immune system and requires treatment.