[Shawna]

Hey Pitlove,

I TOTALLY agree with you that the yeast will have an underlying cause – always. I think however that a candida infection can manifest as skin and coat symptoms – itching (without actually having yeast overgrowth on the skin).

When I was doing research for the Bright Mind discussion I found that medium chain triglycerides (which are in coconut and palm kernel oils) actually kill several strains of malessezia yeast. Here’s one of the papers.
“Medium-chain triglycerides and medium-chain free fatty acids are toxic for Malassezia species.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10507598

In this paper they mention eucalyptus oil causing a reduction of malessezia. “The volatile oil of Eucalyptus globulus significantly reduced the growth of M. furfur” http://www.e-ijd.org/article.asp?issn=0019-5154;year=2006;volume=51;issue=2;spage=145;epage=148;aulast=Vijayakumar

Interestingly, in my opinion, as I was also swayed by aimee’s comments, is that this article says the malessezia yeast “grew well in Sabouraud’s dextrose broth and agar medium containing butter followed by corn oil, olive oil, coconut oil, oleic acid and castor oil” same link as above. This brought up two questions for me.

1. what is Sabouraud’s “dextrose” broth and “agar” medium? Agar is “80% fiber, contains no fat, no protein, and only a small amount of carbohydrates.” Dextrose “is the name of a simple sugar chemically identical to glucose (blood sugar) that is made from corn.”

Sabouraud’s dextrose broth and agar medium is
“Sabouraud Dextrose Broth is a modification of Dextrose Agar described by Sabouraud.4
Sabouraud Dextrose Media are used for cultivating pathogenic & commensal fungi and yeasts. The high dextrose concentration and acidic pH of the formulas permit selectivity of fungi.5 Sabouraud Dextrose Broth is used for the determination of fungistatic activity in sterile and non-sterile pharmaceutical, food & beverage, and cosmetic products.” http://www.neogen.com/Acumedia/pdf/ProdInfo/7617_PI.pdf

So high in a form of sugar however they added, I didn’t notice how much, oils to the mixture to grow the malessezia yeast on. Interestingly, of the fats they used, it grew best on butter. Also noted, it grew on coconut oil so there must not be enough therapeutic amounts of MCTs in coconut oil, when also combined with dextrose and other factors needed for optimal growth, to kill the yeast. I wonder how coconut oil would do on it’s own? I’ve heard good anecdotal results but…..

Maybe I’m missing something about carbs (at least certain ones) not being usable by malessezia yeast?

• This reply was modified 8 years, 10 months ago by Shawna.
• This reply was modified 8 years, 10 months ago by Shawna.
• This reply was modified 8 years, 10 months ago by Shawna.
• This reply was modified 8 years, 10 months ago by Shawna.

[InkedMarie]

Pitlove: I remember all the advice given! I don’t know what his issues are but I do know that I have to be careful with stuff other than actual food: I once bought a joint supplement, a chewable. Had something in there that caused a yeast ear infection & paw licking.

What are your reservations on feeding Primal longterm?

[Shawna]

I should note that I’m not suggesting carbs in the diet “feed” malassezia yeast…… As stated, I fully agree that there is an underlying factor that increases ones risks for an overgrowth of malassezia.

[Pitlove]

Hi there Shawna-

To the best of my knowledge Malassezia is the more common yeast found on dogs. I know this is what Bentley tested positive for a couple times. It seems to me that most people I talk to at work etc have said their dog was diagnoised with Malassezia and not Candida. So I base my advice on that.

I personally did use coconut oil with Bentley orally and topically, neither had an effect. Nothing positive, but also nothing negative. Aimee stated that Malassezia is a fat loving yeast, mostly the oils on the skin and not dietary fat. I do notice that bathing more frequently with Malaseb or something similar along with eliminating the allergen trigger has been the best combo for keeping the yeast away. I suppose it has to do with not allowing those oils on the skin to build.

[Pitlove]

Marie-

We had a seminar recently about Primal for work. The rep was not very knowledgable and gave a lot of wrong information including that their recreational bones could be fed every day, that veterinary nutritionists were not specialists in canine nutrition and had little knowledge of it and that you could balance their grinds by rotating proteins if you didn’t want to add supplements or a base mix to balance it. Some of their formulas have calcium levels below AAFCO mins, but they claim all their formulas are safe for LBP’s, so I would be worried that other vitamin and mineral levels were reflected in the same way. Obviously long term that could result in deficencies. I also find it concerning when a company reports a food is LBP safe when it is not.

[InkedMarie]

Wow….it’s bad enough when a rep for dog food at Pet Co/Pet Smart don’t know what they’re talking about but a seminar at work? It should be their most experienced rep.

[Sydney E]

I am very new to this website and we have a white pure bread pit bull he is 10 months old and has been dealing with a horrible yeast infection. We recently switched his food to Diamond Pro Natural in the orange bag. Now I’m not sure if its worked 100% because he still has yeast. Does anyone know if there are any ingredients that we should stay away from?
Below is the link to the ingredients
https://www.chewy.com/diamond-naturals-extreme-athlete/dp/44931?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=f&utm_content=Diamond&utm_term=&gclid=CjwKEAjw6sC5BRCogcaY_dKZ2nESJABsZihxv3dLqi8L9exmzgxHj8EkUuKezzGGksDITAaqE7V-exoCS3Hw_wcB

[Susan]

Hi Sydney. your best sticking with limited ingredient kibbles, that way you have less ingredients that he can be sensitive or intolerant too & start reacting with skin problems…. Have a look “Taste Of The Wild” Grain Free formulas like the Pacific Stream Smoked Salmon, my boy does well on the Taste Of The Wild Sierra Mountain Roasted Lamb, I try & stay around 40% & under for carbs, you add the Protein % + the Fat % + the Fiber % + the Moisture % & + the Ash % if there’s no ash % on bag or their internet site then just add 8% for the ash, now take the results away from 100 & you’ll have a the carb %….also rotate when you find a few kibbles brands he does well on, rotate them, you can do it monthly every time you have to buy a new bag of kibble….
My boy starts to smell real yeasty when the carb % is over 45% in carbs & when he eats barley, corn, maize, gluten meal, beet pulp & sometimes oats, depends where on the ingredient list the oats are, he starts to smell scratch & itch, it will depend on your dog, what he’s sensitive too, even the grain free kibbles can be very high in starchy carbs as well, have a look at Canidae Pure kibbles, they’re grain free, there’s Pure Wild, Pure Land, Pure Sea, Pure Sky, the Canidae Pure formulas were a bit too rich for my Staffy, he has IBD & got acid reflux when he ate the Pure Land, probably the Bison was too rich for him or the chickpeas…a lot of dogs do really well on fish kibbles that have skin problems, the Canidae has their Pure Sea… Canidae Pure Formulas are very dense, high in Kcals, you don’t need to feed as much kibble…. Canidae also have their Life Stages Formulas, have a look at the Duck Meal Brown Rice & Lentils Formula for large Breeds….. Patch just tried the Life Stages, All Life Stages Formula, it has Chicken meal, Turkey Meal, Lamb Meal as the first 3 ingredients then Ocean fish meal is further down the ingredient list & its around 39% in Carbs, or try another kibble that has a few different ingredients to the kibble he’s eating now, try & make sure there’s about 2 to 4 proteins as the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th ingredients maybe try a grainfree kibble you’ve tried a kibble with grains also fresh foods are excellent give a few small sardines, the tin sardines in spring water as a treat or add to his kibble, at dinner time if you’ve cooked too much & have some left over veggies & meat make him a meal as well, I prefer fresh foods then feeding kibble, kibble is quick & easy for us…I try & feed 1 meal kibble breakfast & dinner a cooked meal, I cook then freeze meals…. here’s the Canidae page http://www.canidae.com/dog-food/products/ the new Pure Wild looks good, I’m waiting to try it, I live Australia & we haven’t got the new Canidae formulas yet 🙁 I love Pit Bulls being pure white, I hope he doesn’t get skin allergies as he gets older, my vet said he see’s more white, pink skin dogs with skin problems then dogs that are black or brown with dark skin, also are you washing him weekly in the Malaseb medicated shampoo?? bath in a antibacterial shampoo to kill the bacteria & yeast…I have a English Staffy he has skin problems only where he’s has white fur the brindle areas are fine & stomach problems…. I hope you have better luck with your boy, so make sure he’s eating a good diet & use sun screen on face head etc & give him a nice raw meaty turkey leg once a week for breakfast also in Australia we give Staffys whole coconuts to play with, you peel the husk off the coconut a bit can cause sloppy poos, then the coconut keeps them busy trying to open the coconut & drink the milk, keep 1/2 the coconut for another day, may cause soft poos depends on your dog..

[Greg D]

Hi,
I’m new to this forum and have come
across this site as I’m researching. Im going crazy with my dogs yeast infections. I’ve read all the comments, and as everywhere on the net you always find conflicting comments, statements, opinions etc regarding causes and prevention, so I am going to simply provide some of my findings and also hope people can advise any further.
My dog, Digi, a Maltese cross has a yeast problem. Started out in the ears and the paws. This has been going on for 12 months. I started off by changing her diet to a grain free and mostly meat based diet feeding her Wellness core . She loved it at the start but the problem didn’t stop. We then changed to K9 natural freeze dried. Again, she loved it but soon stopped wanting it. The problem didn’t stop. I then started feeding her a raw diet with. I grains or carbs. The problem got worse until she actually had an allergic reaction and ended up at the vets when her face swelled up and she got a red, raised rash all over her body. This happened instantly one night after she finished eating. The vet recommended a fish based diet which against my better judgement contains brown rice, but I was desperate so we tried it. Her ears cleared up miraculously and almost instantly but she still licks her feet. She is washed in anti fungal shampoo regularly but it will not disappear. Her ears are beautiful and clean and no other part of her body seems to be affected anymore. The vet has suggested she may have an allergy to grass as well but how can I keep her inside 24/7? She would go crazy with cabin fever!
I’ve tried soaking them in hydrogen peroxide and water and tried different sprays but she continues to lick them almost constantly and they are that rusty colour. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Willing to try anything. Thank you.

[anonymously]

I would make an appointment with a Board Certified Veterinary Dermatologist asap.

Have you checked the search engine here? Example, from on of my previous posts on the subject:

I believe most supplements and “natural” remedies are a scam. I tried various things…nothing worked. Do you really think I wanted to go to a specialist? I am glad I did, as nothing else worked for my dog.

BTW: ASIT (allergen specific immunotherapy) is the most natural treatment available for environmental allergies. No drugs involved. Of course steroids and antihistamine medications and frequent bathing with Malaseb (sometimes twice a week for my dog, even now) may be necessary from time to time to stop the suffering until the ASIT takes effect.
There is no cure for environmental allergies, it requires lifetime treatment. Fortunately there are effective treatments available.

I hope these articles help:
http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=allergies

PS: I would not put anything topically on the dog unless prescribed by a veterinarian that has examined her/him, it could make things worse. We ended up at the emergency vet after I applied witch hazel to a rash.
Do not give over the counter meds to a dog unless approved by a veterinarian that has examined the dog.

Hope this helps:

By Klaus Loft, DVM
Angell Dermatology Service

Anyone who suffers debilitating environmental allergies tied to changing seasons, pet dander or household dust mites knows first-hand the misery of a scratchy throat, itchy eyes or painful rashes.

Not everyone knows, however, that our pets can experience similar allergic reactions — and other very bothersome dermatological issues. But our pets need not suffer in silence. Modern veterinary science has evolved such that advanced, comprehensive treatments are now available to treat a range of skin conditions.

Top pet dermatological issues

Our four-legged friends suffer from some of the same skin issues as we do — and several that we do not. The most common conditions we see at Angell include:

•Parasites, such as mites, fleas and mange (scabies)
•Infectious diseases, such as Staphylococcal pyoderma (“Staph”) skin infections, yeast and fungal infections and skin fold infections
•Systemic diseases, such as autoimmune diseases
•Skin cancer, such as Squamous cell carcinoma, cutaneous lymphoma, Mast cell tumors
•Allergies, such as flea allergy dermatitis, adverse food reactions, environmental allergies, etc.

All of these conditions can become serious and, if untreated, dramatically reduce quality of life. But the tremendous strides made in veterinary innovation, however, is very good news for our pets. Specifically, the testing and treatments for allergies now rivals human healthcare in its sophistication, quality of care and long-term health outcomes.

Unlike humans, dogs and cats cannot tell us about their dermatological health issues. So we as pet owners must look for the signs. The most common indicators that a pet is suffering from some kind of allergy involve frequent episodes of ear infections, red raised or open sores on the skin, constant licking or biting of paws or groin — sometimes causing wounds that will not go away.

Allergies present a particular challenge because there can be hundreds (even thousands) of potential allergens that impact pet health, from foods to pollen from grasses, weeds, trees, dust mites and more. Today’s specialty veterinary hospitals have access to the very latest diagnostic tests to get to the bottom of what’s ailing our pet. Among these tests is the Intra Dermal Test (IDT).

IDT is generally considered the gold standard of testing for identifying allergens that cause pets to suffer from chronic skin and/or ear diseases. IDT involves injections of a series of concentrated allergens into the skin to determine which of them generate allergic reactions in a given animal. The use of fluorescein — a chemical that illuminates the inflammation caused by the injected allergens in order to visualize the strength of individual reactions — is key to accurately diagnosing pet allergies, and is just one of the many ways veterinarians use new technologies to improve care and diagnostics.

The results of IDT (as well as a review of the pet’s medical history) can then inform comprehensive immunotherapy treatments to relieve suffering. Veterinary dermatologists rely on IDT to build customized treatment plans for patients called Allergen Specific Immuno Therapy or “ASIT” for short.

ASIT involves a series of injections specifically created for the allergic animal’s skin. These injections, of diluted allergens, are designed to make a pet less sensitive to their allergens over time. In most cases these injections must be continued for life to reduce symptoms, but they are highly effective. Seventy to 90 percent of pets experience a reduction in symptoms as a result of ASIT treatment. These treatments can be delivered even more easily via droplets under the tongue, perfect for pet owners who are squeamish about giving injections to their pet.

This treatment is very new to the North American field of medicine (both human and veterinary) and underscores just how far innovation in veterinary medicine has come.

When it’s time to see the vet

Many pet owners are understandably concerned about taking their animals to the veterinarian because the cost (to say nothing of the fear some animals experience when going do the doctor) may outweigh any perceived reduction in suffering. To help pet owners know when it’s time to bring Fido to the doctor I’ve compiled my “Top Ten” list of dermatological symptoms that should never be ignored:

•Intense itching of the skin (head shaking, running the face into the carpet, furniture, etc.)
•Biting at the skin that creates red, raw crusting areas of the skin
•Multiple ear infections (head shaking, odor from ears, scratching at the ears with hind legs)
•Paw licking or chewing and frequent infections of the skin in the webbed skin of the paws
•Staining of the fur of the paws and nails on multiple feet
•Reoccurring skin infections in the groin, under the shoulders, perianal areas (on or under the tail)
•Greasy scaling skin and/or fur with odorous skin
•Hair loss, or thinning of the fur
•Dark pigmentation of the skin that is chronically infected
•Sudden depigmentation of skin

Allergies and other dermatological issues can be as frustrating for pet owners and their veterinarians as they can be for pets. I encourage any pet owner whose animal is experiencing any of these symptoms to consult with their veterinarian.

[anonymously]

Once my dogs environmental allergies were under control, she now tolerates a variety of foods, she has no food allergies. In fact, I never had her tested for food allergies/sensitivities as the dermatologist said it wasn’t necessary.
She does well on Nutrisca Salmon and Chickpea

excerpt below from: http://www.2ndchance.info/Apoquel.htm
“Food Allergies are probably over-diagnosed in dogs (they account for, perhaps 5-10%). Hypoallergenic diets are occasionally, but not frequently, helpful in canine atopy cases but you should always give them a try. Food intolerances are more common – but considerably more likely to result in digestive disturbances and diarrhea than in itching problems”.

Mail-in hair and saliva tests do not test for allergies and tend to be inaccurate. Food sensitivities fluctuate. Food allergies are rare.

[Maria K]

I would highly recommend any Nutrisca product. The Wellness Core and K9 Natural Freeze Dried can be great but can also be lack luster depending on which formula you use.

[Greg D]

Thank you all for your responses and suggestion/input. I will take it all into account and give them all a try and will read the articles provided. Any suggestions/input is appreciated and am willing to try everything/anything. Will let you all know how I go.
Thank you again.

[james h]

Red Yeast Rice would be good to dog. As it can bring down the blood pressure
http://www.yameiaspartame.com/products/red-yeast-rice/

[frani v]

in my experience the only cure for yeast infections is to bath the dog in a shampoo that is prepared by our vet, it has 4% Cholahexine and 2%Micozale and the brand i have used is Pyroderm dog shampoo available from pet stores. I lather the area affected with water and shampoo to leave it on for 5mins and only bath the dog after that using shampoo over whole body.
Have you found a remedy as yet?

[frani v]

Please tell me did you find a cure for the yeast infections.
I treated my dog with a shampoo called Pyroderm
my vet also has his own shampoo recipe that uses chlorahexine and microzale
my dog smells when he has a yeast infection….do you have same symptom?
i have to use it regularly or it reoccurs
what has your vet advised?

[frani v]

sydney did you find a cure for the yeast infection for your dog?

[frani v]

has anyone used the product Atopica, they are tablets that are for dogs with skin problems; prescribed on monthly basis? How long before you see results. the website is inadequate. Its new in South Africa and we trialing the product on our dog

[anonymously]

It is a medicine prescribed for dogs that are suffering with environmental allergies.
http://www.2ndchance.info/Apoquel.htm
“Apoquel, a Zoetis product, is a medication designed to interrupt the inflammatory process that occurs in the skin of most dogs with allergies (blocks or inhibits the pro-inflammatory cascade)”.

I declined it for my dog and chose instead to go to a Board Certified Veterinary Dermatologist, had IDT (intradermal testing) identified the allergens within an hour of the first appointment and started Allergen Specific Immunotherapy, with positive results for over 4 years now.
There is no cure for allergies, it is a lifelong treatment, with stable periods and occasional flareups. Fortunately there are effective treatments available. Allergen Specific Immunotherapy is the most natural way to treat environmental allergies, it is not a medication…..

However, until the dogs condition is stable the veterinarian will prescribe a variety of medications to stop the suffering until the ASIT kicks in (if the dog is started on this) or certain times of the year to control seasonal allergies. And during occasional flare-ups meds may be needed. The meds are helpful and often necessary short-term. I have heard of side effects when they are used long-term. It would be best to discuss these issues with the veterinarian that is treating the dog.

[Jazzlover]

How long until the Immunotherapy kicked for you? What were some of your dogs allergens, and what area do you reside in? We are in the Bay Area, CA. Several of the dogs in our labs (Jazz’) litter also has environmental allergies.

Currently we’re administering Respit (this is a geographic specific immunotherapy. I chose not to test on account of expense and was told the labs are not consistent and results show no significant difference. It states this can take up to 6mos. for results.) No significant difference yet in 3 most. We are also bathing wkly (a chore for our 90lber). Vet recommended a mild dish soap (ivory) for first wash, as we have a labrador. This to break through the water barrier (water breed), then followed up w/ a medicated shampoo left on for 5 mins. Seems to help some.

May test if others are seeing results.

[anonymously]

I noticed improvement right away, after the first month with gradual improvements, at 1 year to 1 1/2 year she was completely stable. Occasional flare-ups (mild) certain times of the year.
I never did any blood tests as related to diagnosing her allergies. The dermatologist said we could skip, as her allergies appeared to be environmental. Just did the intradermal skin testing.

Each dogs allergens are unique, there is no blanket treatment. Not all allergies are seasonal, there are thousands of airborne allergens present year round , no matter what area you live in. The household dust mite, and dander (shedding off the skin of all living things) microscopic and impossible to avoid. I tried for 1 year with poor results, even had an air purifier and de-humidifier going. They both went to the Goodwill.

Evidence-Based Canine Allergy Treatment

Respit is discussed in comments starting on 6/14/10 of the above blog.

[Jazzlover]

Yes, that was good mention of Respit and was what I was advised and the reason I chose to try it.

Please again identify what method you went w/ for testing, and the product that has been working, so I can check w/ the vet/dermatologist. I was not clear on the name. The thing is, it’s hard to find one that’s knowledgeable in this area I’ve found.

I do know mine is environmental. I did diagnose it myelf, and then several others in same litter seemed to also have similar allergies, then one was tested and found allergies to numerous grasses (which was my main thought), trees, dust mites, etc.

Thank you!

[anonymously]

The product is a solution especially made for the dog by the lab/pharmacy that the veterinary dermatologist is affiliated with. It is prepared with various ingredients according to exactly what the dog is allergic to. It is different for each dog.

List of dermatologists by area: http://www.acvd.org/tools/locator/locations.asp?distance=10&zip=&city=&state=CA&Submit=Submit

See my post above (7/25 7:18am) for a detailed description of Intra Dermal Skin Testing,
btw: It can be given sublingually now versus sub q (injections).

The initial testing is expensive but the maintenance is not so bad. We only go to the dermatologist once a year. Only go to the regular vet for annual heartworm testing.
Also, talk to your vet about it, but I avoid vaccines for allergy dogs.

[anonymously]

http://www.greerlabs.com/index.php/veterinary_allergy/veterinary_dermatologist/

This is an example of a pharmacy that prepares “Allergenic Extract” the solution used for allergen specific immunotherapy per veterinary dermatologist’s orders.
The veterinary dermatologist that performs the IDT (intradermal testing) determines the solution based on the results of testing, how often to be given, etc.
That is why the expertise of the veterinarian is so crucial to successful results.

“At GREER®, we are committed to providing quality products and services to veterinary dermatologists. You can be confident in the extensive line of GREER® Extracts™ − trusted by over 160 dermatology practices and 27 veterinary colleges in the United States. GREER offers products to support all aspects of your allergy practice”

[Bullwrinkle]

Frani V.,

Hello, all. I finally registered but have sought all your great for a long time. As for Frani V’s question on Atopica, I can only tell you my personal experience and what I know of others I’ve spoken with and what I learned from my vet, that also applies to APOQUEL (I will note the similarities, and try to locate the link which I do have).

Atopica was suggested by by vet #1 to my English Bulldog. She had severe allergies, food and environmental, among other medical issues. My precious special needs baby girl. She was a spayed at 6 mos, so this was some time after. It was suggested that we start out 7x/week administering Atopica. The idea was to get it built up in her system then back off to 2 or 3x/week max as is recommended. She was ~47 lbs, she was prescribed the 100mg Atopica. Checking in every 2 weeks, since I was paying $170 a pop, I was told to keep it up for a few months. Forget that. I started to skip one day a week, then 2 days a week. Of course she had flares so idiot vet said back to everyday. I was still dealing with her other maladies during this time, plus 5 aging cats with their issues ranging from failing kidneys, asthma, hypertrophic cardiomyothapy, a tortoise with a collapsing pyramid shell, the usual, so time escaped me too quickly. I ended up finding a good vet because of a botched knee surgery from idiot’s referral. Blessing in disguise.

My baby started having seizures. It was sounds or over excited that set it off. I realized she had been on Atopica at 100mg every single day for a solid year. Seizures tend to be more prevalent in smaller dogs but they do happen and were documented. It has happened to all kinds of dogs. But, it has worked for many others as well although, I was not privy to those dogs histories. This was some, maybe 7 yrs ago now, at least. I pulled her off everything except for any allergy pills and only when she needed them. She had 4 seizures, when I stopped all meds and supplements, no more seizures. After a few weeks, I added her fish oil and joint supplement back one at a time and a month apart. No seizure. Atopica was the seizure producer. I lit up the idiot about it, told her she really needs to more careful or at least more informed. Told I would do the same as I was leaving her practice.

The good vet, as he described Atopica to me, and is similar to what I’ve found and read about Apoquel. It shuts off immune receptors. And when you have an immune compromised dog, or cat, to begin with the last thing you want to do is shut off receptors because you don’t know what else is being shut off or being compromised. Immunosuppressive have their place, don’t get me wrong, and I relied on the occasional 5mg prednisone in lieu of giving my girl a fistful of benadryl that would only work for a few hours when she was really bad. But only after I’d tried everything else. Pred was a last resort. So do I believe in their use? Yes. But ever so carefully and not on a regular basis like Atopica and Apoquel.

I can’t get the link to hyperlink but this has some interesting info. http://vitalanimal.com/apoquel-dog-1/

Sorry this was such a long post, but I get anxious when I see questions about Atopica. I had to let my baby go, it’ll be 2 yrs in Dec. She was only 8yrs 4mos. She taught me so much, she endured too much, her kidneys took it in the end. I became quite educated but even our own dogs are so different from each other. I still feel I didn’t learn fast enough for her. Please, please do your research thoroughly on Atopica and Apoquel. Apoquel is still relatively new. You know your pet best!

[Susan]

Hi Bullwrinkle, one question the whole time what was your dog eating?? you know yeasty smelly dogs can be cause from food sensitivities, take away those ingredients & you’ll have a yeasty, smelly, itchy free dog… 😉 No drugs are good that shut off the immune system.. I belong to a dog allergy group & a lot of people take the easy quick fix & give their dog Prednisone or the new drug of choice Apoquel. Patches vet has tried to push Apoquel a few times & then remembers, I don’t give drugs too Patch unless they’re badly needed….
I think vets need to be more accountable when they prescribe drugs that makes a pet sick then I bet they will look for other ways to treat a dog or cat, like change of diet, weekly baths more healthy ternatives…

[Bullwrinkle]

Hi Susan.I agree completely and the idiot was a total pill pusher, I don’t think she knew any better. I went thru so many foods, too many to count. She had chronic UTIs, was on antibiotics on and off until I told the idiot enough, there’s clearly a problem and ABs are not the answer. Every food gave her loose stools, even with probiotics, referred to an allergist, did the blood serum allergy, tried allergy shots which almost killed her. Not long after increasing the allergens, she went into anaphylaxis, never driven so fast in my life. Scariest 48hrs ever. Allergist/dermatologist admitted nothing of course, idiot defended derm, I was so done. Good vet found the problem at first visit: bladder stones. Again, please remember I’m dealing with 5 special needs cats and a tortoise with a deformed shell (she passed in her sleep at 8 yrs old, 9 days after I had to let my 17 yr old cat go, and Speed Bump was supposed to live for at least 80 yrs. It was a genetic defect.)

So, vet, minimally invasive to almost holistic, flushes the bladder so we can find out what kind of stone. He is a Hills Pet Science Diet guy though. At the time, I was desperate. I also had never heard of a vegetarian diet for dogs. So, we go with prescription w/d as it also has high fiber. Her stool was the most perfect it had ever been and allergy was no worse. Skin got bad as she got a little older but i got a shampoo and conditioning regiment, and she was always bathed every 7-10 days (2-3x/week as a puppy, had demodex), and that helped big. So, since I had to consider the bigger health issue of the stones w/the secondary UTIs, I removed everything else to try and keep the allergies at the manageable threshold. Like I said, the prednisone was an absolute last resort. I’d give her a different allergy pill, an extra bath, I always wiped her down with a wet rag when she came inside, I’m an overprotective mom and I hated, hated giving those things to her. But sometimes, something would get set off and she would go bonkers. And when 1 roid gave her 2-3 days of relief? And then shes past it and any reaction in her body is also relieved. I couldn’t let her suffer through that.

Was that the best food? Probably not. But the other options for stones had really bad effects. And I still researched but never found, and was never told anything about vegetarian diets (saw a different idiot in a new state at this point).

I’d never heard of Messazzia yeast til this site. I’d be interested in your allergy group. I have a little boy now and his nose fold, aye, I cannot get it to heal. I’m pretty sure he does not get along with coconut oil, I know he has allergy to fish especially salmon, probably potato, def bison, very likely Venison. He’s on Hills DermDefense. Was doing great, except his nose fold, but all of a sudden, he’s getting bumps, his eye folds are bare, I’m about to lose it. DermDefense is chicken based so I’m thinking I have to stay away from chicken. But turkey should be OK, Right? I’m thinking of doing a freeze dried or something like the Farmers Dog, anyone hear of it? I’m not really in a position to cook his meals.

Honestly, for me, Apoquel scares me to death. Maybe because of my experience with Atopica. I just want people to be informed about drugs like that. I am open to any suggestions, the ones here are always so helpful. Thank you to all

[Bullwrinkle]

Sorry, it posted the same one twice!

Actually, also about my little boy, the 61lb bowling ball, he also has environmental allergies. Not yet sure which is more prevalent/dominant, food or environment. Have the same routine of clean I did with Maggie Mae. But he has much deeper folds and way bigger feet. Gets interdigital cysts, poor guy.

• This reply was modified 8 years, 2 months ago by Bullwrinkle. Reason: Duplicate post
• This reply was modified 8 years, 2 months ago by Bullwrinkle. Reason: Forgot something

[Susan]

Hi Bullwinkle, here’s a really good allergy group & other health problem group on face book its called “Dog Issues, allergies and other information support group” https://www.facebook.com/groups/240043826044760/

[Lori T]

My dog is a 10 year old goldendoodle. She’s been on Cal Nat grain-free forever and I have 2 bags left before I have to find an alternative. In July she was groomed and a few days after I noticed a very small flaky patch high on her chest. Not knowing what it was at the time she went again a couple weeks ago and the next day had licked herself from her chest to the paws of her front feet. The yeast patch was about a 3inch area on the chest this time. The vet gave me antibiotics and Apoquel. I don’t like either one since antibiotics kills the good and the bad bacteria and Apoquel suppresses the immune system and it just seems both aren’t the answer and would just make the situation worse. The groomer didn’t use anything new on her and she’d been going there since January. She does get incredibly stressed when she goes. any suggestions?

[anonymous]

I would make an appointment with a veterinary dermatologist if the skin condition you described does not clear up within a reasonable amount of time. Otherwise the regular vet has no choice but to offer you bandaid solutions to stop the pain and discomfort.

It could be anything from razor burn to environmental allergies or some other skin condition or a combination of all….…only a veterinarian that has examined your dog can diagnose and prescribe treatment.
Apoquel is prescribed for environmental allergies and many dogs are doing well on it and are symptom free. Any effective medication has the potential for side effects.
The question is does the risk outweigh the benefits? In most cases it does.

I would go back to your vet and discuss your options first. Consider a new groomer? Maybe the groomer lets the blades get too hot? I groom my own dogs so I know of such things. I give the dog to be groomed a medicated bath before and after being groomed. See who your vet recommends for a groomer.

Also, you can use the search engine here to look up environmental allergies.

We recently transitioned to Fromm Classic Adult from a grain-free, no issues, just reacting to the grain-free scare.

[anonymous]

This is the shampoo we use (dermatologist recommended) in conjunction with other prescribed treatments specific to the dog being treated. https://www.entirelypets.com/malaseb-shampoo-half-gallon.html

It’s economical to buy it in the big jug. As you can see it is sold out in the large size. Try a smaller bottle first, if your vet thinks it may help.

[Susan]

@ Anon,
you always post that you use the mild puppy shampoo, its just as good as the Malaseb shampoo, when I always post to the poster to use “Malaseb Medicated Shampoo” for yeast Dermatitis…
Malaseb kills the Yeast & Bacteria on the dogs skin paws etc & leaves their skin & coat beautiful & soft..where a mild puppy shampoo doesn’t kill any yeast on the dogs skin & paws.
************************************

• This reply was modified 6 years, 3 months ago by Mike Sagman. Reason: Text removed by moderator

[anonymous]

Quote “he vet gave me antibiotics and Apoquel. I don’t like either one since antibiotics kills the good and the bad bacteria and Apoquel suppresses the immune system and it just seems both aren’t the answer and would just make the situation worse. The groomer didn’t use anything new on her and she’d been going there since January. She does get incredibly stressed when she goes. any suggestions?” Unquote

@Lori T
The antibiotics are important and necessary to stop infection, this indicates that her skin condition is serious. There are other treatments available for environmental allergies besides Apoquel, did she have a positive response to it? Make a list of questions to discuss with your vet.
Once the skin condition is diagnosed and under control less medications should be needed. However, there is no cure for environmental allergies, they tend to wax and wane usually requiring lifelong treatment.
Discuss your dog’s anxiety issues with your vet, he may recommend giving her a sedative 1 hour prior to the appointment.

[Claire B]

We have been under treatment for yeast from a veterinary dermatologist for four months now and all I can tell you is it is a process of elimination of cause as well as treatment. Since my boy was under a year the first time we went she was sensitive to this and we started with a vinegar solution, then moved to topical foams and shampoos before trying an anti-fungal 3 x week in month four. They can be persistent if you can’t find the cause. He has zero environmental allergies at this moment, but a high storage mite allergy which we discovered in testing. We have adjusted for that and all his itchiness, runny nose and breathing issues are gone, but he still has the yeast feet although they have gone from a 3-4 to a 1-2 on the scale. If he has not improved to 0-1 by next month we will put him on a two ingredient prescription diet made with either rabbit or kangaroo since he has had no exposure to those unless I can find venison in abundance to do homecooked. We are still hoping this is all caused by a weakened gut from 3 rounds of antibiotics before he was 7 months old for an upper respiratory infection, persistent staph, then bronchitis which we now know the bronchitis issues was caused by his storage mite allergy.

[anonymous]

Storage mite allergy IS an environmental allergy. It is not a!ways about the food.
/forums/topic/looking-for-advice-on-dry-food/#post-98164
A popular misconception is that storage mites are present in bags of food or cereals from the manufacturer. In one study, out of 10 bags of dry dog food, one was found to have storage mites, but the rest developed the mites after being in the owners’ homes

[Spy Car]

If the odds are 1/10 of a bag of kibble having storage mites and one purchases 12 bags of food a year, one almost guarantees exposure to storage mites.

1/10 is hardly a comforting statistic.

Bill

[anonymous]

Here is the article I was attempting to link to:
Mar 01, 2013
By Alice M. Jeromin, RPh, DVM, DACVD
DVM360 MAGAZINE
Excerpt from above article below, unable to provide direct link, if you google DMV360 MAGAZINE and then search “dust mites” at the search engine at that site it will take you to the full article.
Where are storage mites commonly found?
These particular mites (Tyrophagus putrescentiae, Lepidoglyphus destructor, Acarus siro) are present in dry foods, cereals, grains, straw and cheese—i.e., substances that can get moldy. Like dust mites, storage mites can cause nonseasonal signs, including pruritus, erythema and recurrent otitis in dogs and cats. They’re well-known in humans for causing asthma and allergic rhinitis (“baker’s lung”).
Data have shown that storage mites live in conjunction with house dust mites and can be found in bedding, mattresses, upholstered furniture and fabrics. One study in humans found storage mites to have overtaken dust mites as a leading source of allergy.
A popular misconception is that storage mites are present in bags of food or cereals from the manufacturer. In one study, out of 10 bags of dry dog food, one was found to have storage mites, but the rest developed the mites after being in the owners’ homes.

[anonymous]

Also, hope this post helps:
/forums/topic/at-wits-end-with-skin-conditions/#post-111203

PS: No veterinarian or specialist that I have consulted with has ever recommended putting vinegar on a dog.
Acid? I think not. Don’t believe everything that you read on the internet.

[Susan]

Hi Clarie,
AM, English Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Pitbulls are prone to environment allergies & food sensitivities, my Patch suffers with both…. Patches vet said normally when a dog suffers with Environemnt allergies the dog will also suffer with food sensitivities…
I tried all the Vet diets for Patch, Hills Z/D, Hills Potato & Venison & Royal Canine HP & they seem to make Patch paws worst & the Hills Z/d made his skin & paw smell real yeasty… In the end I did a raw elimination diet, Kangaroo & blended green vegetables/fruit, Broccoli, Celery & Apple within 3 days no more smelly yeasty skin & paws.. I added raw chicken for dinner within 20mins of eating teh raw chicken 1 of Patches back paws went red hot & itchy he wouldnt stop licking it, I had to put an ice pack on his back paw….Have you tried doing a raw elimination diet?

Another thing I do with his paws I buy the Huggies Cucumber & Aloe baby Wipes & I wipe his paws & body down after he goes on a walk & when he’s been outside, I also apply creams “Sudocrem” works really well, I apply Sudocrem before he goes outside of a morning & the thick Sudocrem acts as a barrier & protects his paws from outdoor allergens then before he goes to bed at night I wipe his paws down with the Cucumber & Aloe wipes then I apply the Sudocrem on his paws & inbetween his toes with a cotten tip if they’re red.. You can buy Sudocrem from Amazon I also use “Bepanthen” Antiseptic Soothing cream when he gets a grass rash on his stomach & around his doodle, he goes outside & rubs his stomach & on the grass making his rash worse the Bepanthen cream is excellent works straight awa takes away the itch & redness.. look in you baby section at Supermarket for baby wipes & cream….
Patch has licked these creams & he’s still here they didnt make him sick 🙂 thats why best to apply creams at night before bed they also have a better sleep..

[anonymous]

I hope this helps at least one pet owner from having to visit the emergency vet (please find a vet that you trust):
“Instead of wasting time and money on supplements, over the counter meds and creams that should never be used unless a veterinarian that has examined the dog recommends, by the way, many of these supplements, ointments, over the counter medications (not intended for veterinary use unless prescribed as off label by a veterinarian that has examined the dog) and homeopathic remedies are not only ineffective but they also are not benign and can have side effects and interaction with prescription meds”.

• This reply was modified 6 years, 3 months ago by anonymous.

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