Yeast

An overgrowth of yeast is a common issue amongst dogs. There are naturally occurring yeasts on the skin and in the digestive tract, however when a dog’s immune system is underactive, they are going through a period of stress, or they are on certain medications (such as antibiotics or steroids), this can affect the balance of beneficial bacteria and allow the yeast colonies to bloom, creating inflammation. Some common signs of yeast are:

Changes in skin color and texture, greasy or scaly skin, head shaking, dirty and inflamed ears, excessive scratching, swelling, hot spots, weird odours (like musty bread or beer), licking or chewing paws, and hair loss.

We have an in-depth article regarding yeast for more information. Click here!