One family of yeasts called, Candida albicans, live in your pet's body, and consume substances such as sugar and fats in order to survive. Yeast toxins affect your pet's immune system, nervous system, and their endocrine system. Since these systems are all connected, yeast toxins play a major role in causing allergies, vaginal and bladder infections, skin disorders and many other health problems.

When a pet's immune system is healthy, the body is able to destroy the yeast. However, when the immune system is weak, the yeast may produce in mass amounts causing toxins that disable the immune system and prevent it from functioning properly. In this case, the immune system cannot destroy the yeast. At this point, the system becomes altered causing a host of health problems.

Many pet owners have visited several veterinarians, and have spent hundreds of dollars without any positive results. In a large percentage of cases, a vet has ruled out a yeast infection. However, when the owner began treatment for a yeast infection, the pet responded positively.

Signs and Symptoms of a Yeast Infection

Food Allergies
Nearly Every Type of Allergic Reaction
Food Sensitivities
Hypoglycemia Reaction
Diabetes
Constipation
Digestive Disturbances
Ongoing Ear Mite Problem
Depression
Muscle and Joint Pain (Stiff Joints/Arthritis)
Dizziness
White-Coated Tongue
Brittle Nails
Hives and other Skin Eruptions
Rectal Itching
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Asthma
Chronic Infections
Infertility
Mucus in the Stool
Clogged Sinuses
Environmental Sensitivity
Bloating
Flatulence
Diarrhea
Insomnia
Severe Itching & Skin Rashes
Persistent Cough
Fatigue
Chronic Ear Infections
Greasy Skin
Cloudy Eyes
Foul Odor from the Body or Ears
Discharge from the Eyes, Ears or Nose
Scratching in or under the Ears
Reddened area inside the Ears
Hypothyroidism
Cancer
Immune Disorders

The symptoms listed above may be due to other health issues, therefore, before concluding that your pet's health problem is yeast related you should have your pet checked by a veterinarian to rule out anemia, diabetes, cancer or other diseases. If these problems are ruled out, it is likely your pet may be suffering from a yeast infection.

Treating A Yeast Infection Naturally -- How To Get Started

The program outlined suggests general guidelines to follow. Since your pet has it's own individual needs, we highly recommend a consultation before beginning the program.

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Many different types of traditional treatments are being used to treat yeast and other skin problems. Although drugs are very effective, in most cases they do not eliminate the cause of the symptom. To get at the cause, you need to look at the whole picture. Once the cause is found, a PREVENTION PLAN can be initiated.

A prevention plan is a simple method of enhancing the level of nutrition and making lifestyle changes. It is an attempt to address any special needs your pet may have.

Prevention Plan

1. Change the Diet -- You Must Feed an Anti-Yeast Diet

An anti-yeast diet is one that includes meats, most vegetables and some diary. An anti-yeast diet will starve the yeast and aid in the healing process. However, diet alone will not control the problem, it is only the first step. Keep in mind a restricted diet does not have to last forever. Once your pet's health improves, you will be able to expand on what you feed.

Foods that are allowed:
Vegetables:
asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, eggplant, parsley, squash, brussel sprouts, celery, green beans, yellow beans, cucumbers, collard, kale, lettuce, spinach.

Meats:
Beef, duck, chicken, fish, rabbit, turkey, Cornish hen, lamb.

Dairy:
Plain yogurt Stoneyfield Farm yogurt is recommended. Visit their website www.stonyfield.com and type in your city and state to see where you can purchase it. This yogurt contains:

Cultured pasteurized nonfat milk, naturally milled sugar, natural vanilla flavor, pectin, turmeric, made with multiple organisms: S. Thermophilus, L. Bulgaricus, L. Acidophilus, bifidus, L. Casei and L. Reuteri live active cultures.

Purchase the French Vanilla. If you are not able to get Stoneyfield, Dannon Plain yogurt is another option.

Beverages:
Water

Forbidden Foods:
Buttermilk
Cheeses
Packaged cereal
Cottage cheese
Crackers
Flour enriched with vitamins from yeast
Mushrooms Packaged & processed foods
Peanuts
Pretzels
Sorbital
Sweet Potatoes and yams
Vitamin/minerals from yeast source
Breads
Sausage
Potatoes
Bacon
Corn beef
Lunchmeats
Smoked turkey
Ham
Sauces, gravies
ALL grains -- white rice, brown rice, wheat, oats, barley
Anything sweet -- sugar, honey, molasses, maple syrup, corn syrup, dextrose

Avoid Dry Dog/Cat foods containing:
Poultry-by-product meal
Meat-by-products
Corn syrup
Caramel coloring
Rice flour
Wheat gluten
Corn gluten
Sugar

Recommended Anti-Yeast Diets

Chicken n' Veggies

	1 package of chicken thighs with skin (family pack) Remove chicken skin on half of the pieces and discard.
	2 chicken bouillon cubes
	2 cloves garlic
	1 1/2 cup water
	1 bag frozen vegetables (use one vegetable)

In crock-pot place chicken, garlic and 1 1/2 cups water. Cook on LOW for 6 hours or until the chicken is completely cooked. Add vegetables. Stir. Meal is complete.

Before serving, carefully remove the bones. Serve at room temperature. Refrigerator for 6 days -- then discard.

Chicken n' Beans

	1 package of chicken thighs with skin (family pack) Remove skin on half of the pieces and discard.
	1 can kidney beans drained (10 oz. can)
	2 cloves garlic
	1 1/2 cup water
	1 bag frozen vegetables or 2 cups fresh vegetables

In crock-pot place chicken, garlic and 1 1/2 cups water. Cook on LOW for 6 hours or until the chicken is completely cooked. Add 1 bag frozen/fresh vegetables and kidney beans. Stir. Meal is complete.

Before serving, carefully remove the bones. Serve at room temperature. Refrigerator for 6 days -- then discard.

Beef Melody

	2 lbs. medium fat ground meat or cubed steak
	2 cloves garlic
	1 1/2 cup water
	1 bag frozen vegetables or 2 cups fresh vegetables

In crock-pot place beef, garlic and 1 1/2 cups water. Cook on LOW for 6 hours or until the beef is completely cooked. Turn crock-pot off. Add 1 bag frozen/fresh vegetables. Stir. Meal is complete.

Serve at room temperature. Refrigerator for 6 days -- then discard.

The crock-pot is suggested for ease of cooking, but any method can be used. You can also feed a raw diet, however, it is the position of Purely Pets that BARF feeding has certain dangers. While we are not against it, we do not recommend it because it takes a certain amount of knowledge to feed it risk-free.

Cooking, or feeding raw is not convenient for everyone, and you should not feel guilty or feel that you will never get the problem under control. You can still feed a high quality dry or canned food. However, it will take a little longer to get the yeast problem under control.

Azmira Pet Foods is a yeast free, high quality dog/cat food containing beef meal, lamb meal, and other high quality ingredients. With the addition of Azmira and the supplements listed below, you will be able to treat a yeast infection.

We suggest feeding your pet several small meals a day. Pets should be fed as we do -- breakfast, lunch, dinner and a light snack before bedtime. A feeding schedule is outlined below which you can adjust to your lifestyle.

7:00 a.m. or when you get up: Dry food or homemade diet.
11:00 a.m. Light snack: Vegetable, meat or yogurt.
3:00 p.m. Light snack: Vegetable, meat or yogurt.
7:00 p.m. Dinner: Dry food or homemade diet.
Before bed: Light snack: Vegetable or yogurt.

2. Supplementing is a Must When Treating Skin Disorders

Antibiotics, especially if you give them repeatedly destroy the friendly bacteria. Since antibiotics do not harm yeast, they spread out and raise large families that thrive in moist, dark, warm places, such as the mouth, intestines, ears, and nose. When yeasts multiply, they put out toxins, which circulate through your pet's body and make them sick.

However, I do not recommend discontinuing traditional medicine cold turkey or discontinuing at all. This is YOUR decision based on how the following program works. I highly recommend you work closely with someone knowledgeable in nutrition, such as a holistic vet or pet nutritionist. Many traditional vets may not agree with the program.

Product Recommendations:
Yeast & Fungal d'tox
This is a natural anti-fungal, antibacterial and anti-yeast liquid. It helps the body eliminate Candida overgrowth, vaginal infections, fungal infections and ringworm. It is also supportive in the reduction of Valley Fever. This liquid should be given 3-4 times a day, 1 drop per 5 lbs. of body weight.

Mega Pet
A yeast free vitamin supplement containing vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. It aids in supporting the immune system during the yeast process.

Nature's Finest Herbal Wormer
Worms thrive in a yeast-ridden body; therefore, it is very important to keep the body clean to prevent further health problems.

Ear Relief Wash and Dry
Yeast often causes ear infections and discharge. If this is a problem, I recommend Ear Relief Wash and Dry. This product provides fast relief for pet's ears that itch, smell or appear to be raw, red, sore or greasy. Also helps prevent ear scratching, swimmers ear and wax buildup.

Dermaplex Shampoo
This shampoo is specifically formulated for pets suffering from yeast and bacterial infections. It exfoliates dead skin cell and promotes formation of new skin cells. It is a natural antibacterial agent, which corrects skin health and aids in itch control.

Conclusion:

Pets may show a response to treatment within a month, however some take several months, even a year. The length of treatment seems proportional to the cooperation of the owner. In other words, if the owner gives the remedies once a day, administers antibiotics during the treatment program, and feeds a low quality diet, the treatment will take longer. Treatment will be more effective if the owner remains persistent with the required regimen.

A yeast infection is very frustrating and an ailment that takes commitment on the part of the owner. The program is not easy, however, when the yeast is under control, owners report significant improvement and a new positive lifestyle for the pet.

A consultation is highly recommended before any treatment is started. A consultation will include a personalized diet and holistic program suggestions, all custom-tailored to your pet's personal needs. While Purely Pets continues to provide and even add educational articles on the website, these are just general in nature. We therefore encourage you to tailor a program specifically for your pet's needs. This is particularly imperative in pets with complicated health issues, or if you have done outside reading and have conflicting information.