Does coconut oil help dog yeast infection
A Natural Recipe to Cure a Dogs Yeasty Ears
Keep the Tail Wagging is supported by pet parents. I occasionally earn a commission (at no additional cost to you) when you click through an affiliate link to one of my favorite products. Thank you for your support. Read More
Years ago, one of our dogs began to develop yeasty ears regularly. I tried everything to prevent it from turning into an infection. This happens due to an overgrowth of yeast, a fungus that naturally resides on a dog's skin and in their ears. However, certain factors can disrupt the balance of microorganisms, leading to yeast overgrowth and ear infections.
Why Dogs Get Yeasty Ears
Moisture and Warmth: Yeast thrives in warm and moist environments. Dogs with floppy ears or those that swim frequently, have excessive earwax production, or live in humid climates are more prone to developing yeast infections in their ears. Sydney's ears became an issue in the summer and fall when the weather was warming and we experienced more humidity.
Allergies: Dogs with food or environmental allergies can be more susceptible to yeast overgrowth. Allergies can cause skin inflammation and disrupt the normal protective barrier, creating an environment where yeast can flourish.
Poor Diet: Dry kibble dog food is a major cause of yeast overgrowth in dogs. This is because kibble contains high amounts of starches and sugars, which yeast thrives on. If a dog's nutrition is poor, their immune system may not be able to fight off infections and unfriendly bacteria effectively.
Poor Ear Hygiene: Inadequate cleaning and maintenance of a dog's ears can contribute to yeast overgrowth. Regular ear cleaning helps remove excess wax and debris, reducing the chances of yeast colonization.
Underlying Health Conditions: Some medical conditions, such as hormonal imbalances (e.g., hypothyroidism, Cushing's disease), immune system disorders, or pre-existing skin conditions, can make dogs more prone to yeast infections in their ears.
Genetics: Certain breeds, such as Basset Hounds, Cocker Spaniels, or Shih Tzus, are genetically predisposed to ear infections due to their ear anatomy or hair growth patterns, which can trap moisture and promote yeast growth.
Signs of yeasty ears in dogs may include redness, itching, a foul odor, discharge, or frequent head shaking. If you suspect your dog has a yeast infection in their ears, it's essential to consult a veterinarian. I could stop an infection from developing, but I didn't cure an existing infection. A holistic veterinarian can examine the ears, perform diagnostic tests if needed, and recommend an appropriate treatment plan, including ear cleaning, medication, and addressing any underlying causes or contributing factors.
Natural Recipe to Cure a Dog's Yeasty Ears
All I needed were four ingredients:
I mix the water and apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle (50/50) and mist my dog's ear. I allow the mixture to work for 15 minutes, then gently clean the ear using a damp tissue. Once dry, I massage coconut oil, just a small amount, into the ear.
I continue these steps before bedtime for two to three days until the ears clear up; it usually takes a couple of days. Doing this in the evening keeps the ears from being disturbed, and I check the progress each morning.
Once the ear clears up, I use Canine Ear Spray by AnimalEO several days a week to keep the ears clean.
Natural Treatment for Ear Infections
When yeasty ears become an ear infection, coconut oil and apple cider vinegar may not be enough. Whether it's an infection or not, my natural treatment won't work for every dog for various reasons environment, diet, genetics, or underlying health conditions. I use Absorbine Silver Honey Rapid Ear Care Vet Strength Ear Cleaner + Infection Treatment, when this is the case.
This simple two-step system treats yeasty ears or ear infections in dogs and companion pets. The system includes a veterinarian-strength ear rinse, and concentrated ear drops that immediately relieve discomfort. This powerful treatment uses two potent antimicrobials, MicroSilver BG and medical-grade manuka honey, and is effective and fast-acting without any harmful chemicals. With this treatment, you can expect your pet's ears to be cleared up within ten days.
After administering the aforementioned treatment, it is important to maintain your dog's ear hygiene by using pet wipes to prevent bacteria from entering the inner ear. Absorbine Silver Honey Rapid Ear Care Vet Strength Pet Wipes are specially designed for dogs and cats, containing MicroSilver BG and manuka honey, and are an effective preventive measure against yeasty ears and ear infections.
Clearing Up Yeasty Skin
For yeasty skin (tummy, paws, etc.), I use three ingredients:
My steps are similar to the ears; in my experience, the yeast cleared up almost overnight. Remember that the problems I've seen with my dogs have been mild.
- I spray the areas or wipe them down with a damp cloth using 50/50 apple cider vinegar and water.
- After the skin dries (this happens quickly), I rub the areas with coconut oil.
- I will see a big improvement overnight. However, I continue for 1-2 days; that length of time, in my experience, keeps the yeast problem from returning.
You can also use the Absorbine Silver Honey Rapid Ear Care Vet Strength Pet Wipes on the problem areas.
Improving a Dog's Diet
Improving a dog's diet can significantly contribute to balancing their system and enhancing their immune system, which can help prevent yeast overgrowth. While this is not a guarantee, it can be beneficial. I have found that feeding my dogs a raw diet has been helpful, but I understand that it may not suit everyone. If incorporating fresh food (raw, cooked, freeze-dried, air-dried, dehydrated) into your dog's diet is not feasible, purchasing the highest-quality kibble that you can afford and supplement it with fresh food is recommended.
Ideas for food you can add to your dog's diet are lightly cooked ground meat (beef, chicken, turkey), DIY bone broth, kefir, raw goat's milk, a vegetable blend, poached eggs, canned sardines (or salmon, oysters, mackerel) the list is endless. The easiest way to add a variety of fresh food to your dog's diet is by subscribing to Real Dog Box, a subscription service that sends you air-dried meat, organs, seafood, and chews.
Read More About Dog Health
Can You Use Coconut Oil to Treat a Yeast Infection?
We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Heres our process.
Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
Coconut oil is said to have many health benefits, such as aiding digestion and helping to balance your hormones. It may also have antibacterial properties, which may make it an effective treatment for yeast infections.
Not only can yeast infections be uncomfortable and itchy, but they can also be hard to get rid of. Although theyre typically treated with over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription creams, some women are turning to home remedies.
One such remedy is coconut oil, which is the fatty oil derived from the flesh of the coconut fruit.
Heres what you need to know about using coconut oil to treat a yeast infection.
Coconut oil is an established antifungal. Although research on its use for yeast infections is limited, theres evidence to suggest that this approach may work.
A
In the study, less coconut oil was needed to get rid of the yeast than fluconazole. Fluconazole is an antifungal medication commonly recommended for the treatment of yeast infections.
A
Researchers found that the treatment had a good clinical outcome, with no adverse effects or recurrence reported.
More research is needed to determine the possible short- and long-term effects of use.
When purchasing coconut oil, be sure to select an organic, pure coconut oil. Some brands may try to pass off a coconut oil blend that wont get you the same results, so look for 100 percent coconut oil. Pure coconut oil typically wont have a strong coconut smell.
You can treat a yeast infection by applying coconut oil straight from the jar to the affected area. You can rub the coconut oil into the skin or skinfold where the yeast infection is.
To treat a yeast infection in the mouth, use 1 to 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and swish in your mouth for 15 to 20 minutes. Once the time is up, spit the coconut oil out. You shouldnt eat or drink anything for the following 30 minutes.
For vaginal yeast infections, some natural health advocates suggest applying coconut oil to a clean tampon and then inserting the tampon.
Coconut oil typically doesnt have any negative side effects.
You shouldnt use coconut oil to treat a yeast infection if you:
- arent sure if you have a yeast infection
- are on other medications for your yeast infection
- have recurring yeast infections
- are allergic to coconut
Women who are pregnant should consult their doctor before using this home remedy. You should also consult your doctor before trying this remedy on children.
In addition to trying coconut oil, there are other ways you can try to treat a yeast infection naturally. This includes reducing sugar in your diet and eating bacteria-rich foods such as yogurt. Still, more research is needed to determine the efficacy and safety of these approaches.
Yeast infections are traditionally treated with a mix of OTC treatments and prescription treatments.
Antifungal medications may be applied topically, taken orally, or inserted as a suppository. You may experience slight discomfort and irritation if youre applying topically or inserting.
Your doctor may also prescribe an oral medication such as fluconazole. Depending on your needs, your doctor may recommend a single-dose or two-dose regimen.
If you suspect you have a yeast infection, consult your doctor. You need to make sure that you have a yeast infection and not something else, such as a bacterial infection.
If your doctor confirms that you do have a yeast infection and this is your first yeast infection, talk to them about trying coconut oil as a treatment.
Coconut oil generally doesnt have any side effects, so your doctor may be fine with you trying it before a traditional medication.
You can find a great selection of coconut oil here.
If you have chronic yeast infections, however, you should see your doctor before trying to treat your yeast infection at home. Your doctor can work with you to determine the cause and potentially reduce or eliminate the number of yeast infections you have.
Yeast Infections in Dogs
What Are Yeast Infections in Dogs?
Does your dog frantically itch their skin? Have you noticed a bad smell or greasy fur when you pet them?
If so, they may have a yeast infection.
Yeast are fungal organisms that normally live on a dogs skin without causing problems. However, when a dogs immune system weakens or an underlying health condition, such as hypothyroidism, is present, yeast can overgrow and cause an infection.
The yeast that commonly causes skin infections in dogs is Malassezia, which grows on warm, moist areas of the skin. Yeast infections cause extreme itchiness and changes to the skin, such as thickening and discoloration over time.
Yeast infections in dogs are common among pups of all ages.
While yeast infections in dogs are not considered medical emergencies, they should be treated by a veterinarian immediately to prevent symptoms from worsening. If left untreated, yeast infections can cause extreme discomfort, which can lead to a decreased appetite and lethargy, necessitating prompt veterinary care.
Because yeast infections typically develop secondary to an underlying illness or suppressed immune system, they are not contagious among dogs or to pet parents.
Types of Yeast Infections in Dogs
Yeast infections can affect various areas of the skin, including the ears, skin folds, paws, armpits, vulva, and groin.
EarsYeast infections of the earalso referred to as yeast otitiscause a thick, brown discharge and strong odor in the ear canal. Affected dogs repeatedly scratch their ears to try to relieve the discomfort. They may also shake their heads and develop a head tilt. Ear infections are commonly related to food allergies.
SkinYeast dermatitis refers to a yeast infection anywhere on the skin. Affected dogs have a musty odor, greasy coat, flaky or thickened skin, and hair loss. They tend to lick the affected areas of the body, which leads to brown discoloration of the skin over time.
Dermatitis, which is often due to allergies or a suppressed immune system, can affecta dogs skin folds, armpits, vulva, and groin.
PawsYeast infections that affect the paws are generally related to environmental allergies, such as allergies to grass or pollen. Dogs constantly chew or lick their itchy paws, which leads to brown discoloration between the paw pads. Over time, open sores can develop on the paws.
Symptoms of Yeast Infections in Dogs
Signs of yeast infections in dogs can vary depending on what area of the body is affected.
Symptoms of yeast otitis may include:
Symptoms of yeast dermatitis may include:
Itchy skin
Small, red bumps on the skin
Brown discoloration of the skin
Frequent licking or chewing of the affected area
Greasy hair coat
Thickened skin
Strong odor
Symptoms of a yeast infection affecting the paws may include:
Licking and chewing the paws
Brown discoloration of the skin and fur
Red, moist areas between the paw pads
Causes of Yeast Infections in Dogs
Yeast is opportunistic, which means that although it is naturally present on the skin, it can cause an infection when conditions are favorable.
Yeast infections in dogs can develop if a pup has a weak immune system or an underlying health condition. Underlying environmental or food allergies can predispose dogs to developing yeast infections.
Skin parasites, including fleas and mites, can cause dogs to repeatedly itch their skin, which disrupts the normal skin barrier, making an infection more likely.
Some breedssuch as Pit Bulls, Boxers, and Cocker Spanielsare more frequently affected by yeast infections.
How Veterinarians Diagnose Yeast Infections in Dogs
A vet may use several tests to diagnose a yeast infections in dogs.
First, they will gather a through medical history, including when the symptoms started, if your pet is taking any medications, and if they have previously been diagnosed with any health conditions.
Next, your veterinarian will perform a full physical exam to check your dogs overall health. They may also perform blood work to check for any abnormalities.
Additional tests will depend on what your veterinarian finds during the initial exam, but may include the following:
Tape impressionDuring this test, your vet presses a piece of clear tape to the affected area of skin to collect a sample. Its then stained and examined under a microscope to identify yeast.
CytologyA cotton swab is used to collect a sample from the affected area, and it is then rubbed gently onto a microscope slide. The sample is then stained and examined under a microscope to look for yeast.
CultureA sterile cotton swab is used to collect a sample from the affected area. It is then sent to a lab to identify the type of organism present.
Skin biopsyFor chronic infections or those that are unresponsive to treatment, a small sample of skin can be taken and sent to a lab for a more accurate diagnosis.
Treatment of Yeast Infections in Dogs
Treatment for yeast infections in dogs will depend on the location and severity of the infection. Yeast dermatitis is often treated with antifungal medications and prescription shampoos.
If the infection affects only one area, a topical medication may be all that is needed. For more widespread infections, oral medications and frequent bathing can help resolve the issue.
Yeast otitis is typically treated with topical antifungal medications and steroids to reduce inflammation. Your veterinarian may recommend that you use a medicated ear wash prior to instilling ear medications.
Paw yeast infections may benefit from medicated antifungal wipes and oral medications, including antifungals and steroids.
Recovery and Management of Yeast Infections in Dogs
Because yeast infections in dogs often develop secondary to another health condition, they will not resolve without veterinary treatment.
Determining the underlying cause of the yeast infection and treating it accordingly improves treatment success. For example, if your dog has an underlying food allergy, an accurate diagnosis and treatment can help their skin improve.
It can take a few weeks to a few months for a yeast infection to fully resolve, depending on the severity. Most dogs start to feel relief from their symptoms in a week or two, but it can take several additional weeks for a pet parent to notice significant improvement to their skin and coat.
Prevention of Yeast Infections in Dogs
Ensuring your dog receives regular preventive care and vaccinations keeps them healthy and less likely to develop infections.
Additionally, health conditions that can lead to yeast infections in dogs can be caught and managed early during routine wellness visits.
Yeast Infections in Dogs FAQs
What food causes yeast infections in dogs?
Most of the food ingredients that cause allergies in dogs are proteins. Chicken is the most common food allergen related to yeast infections.
What happens if dog yeast infections go untreated?
If a dogs yeast infection is left untreated, it will progressively worsen and lead to extreme discomfort. Over time, the discomfort can cause the dog to become very sick.
What should I feed my dog when they have a yeast infection?
Unless the yeast infection is due to an underlying food allergy, its generally fine to continue your dogs usual diet. However, it is best to follow your veterinarians recommendations when deciding what to feed your dog.
Featured Image:SerhiiBobyk/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
WRITTEN BY
Brittany Kleszynski, DVMVeterinarian
Dr. Brittany Kleszynski is a veterinarian and freelance medical writer who specializes in creating meaningful content that engages readers...
