Question
I have an 8 year old mixed breed that weighs 84lbs.  He has a serious yeast problem that has gone on for over 5 years now.  I did not know it was yeast until it became so bad that he scratched all the time, had continuous ear infections and smelled horrible. For the past couple of years he has started having seizures and his skin has turned black.  I have tried every herb combo I can find on the internet but nothing seems to be working. My vet says this is normal for some dogs and wants to give him cortizone (sp) shots monthly, which I have declined to do. Any ideas?????

Thanks,
Michele

Answer
Hello Michele -

Yeast is a very common problem and herbs don't necessarliy help with this type of fungus. Supplements are the way to go here.

First, begin my adding a supplement of Probiotics such as Acidophilus to his food. Probitoics are the live cultures found in yogurt and help maintain and increase the good flora (bacteria) of the gut. When the bad bacteria levels are high, this is when infection and illness can set in. Acidophilus is by far the best natural remedy for yeast infections in humans an animals. By keep the good flora high and maintained, the body is supported overall, immune levels are high and Candida can not survive in this enviroment. You can purchase Acidophilus at most pet stores or give your pet the "human" form, both work the same way. You could also supplement your pets diet with regular, non-flavored yogurt daily. This will also work the same way, just be sure there are no sugars or sweeteners in it. Sugar is also a big part in Candida, the more sugar the more it thrives. Most pets love the yogurt as a treat and will give you no problems with taking it. This is safe and highly effective for daily and long term use.

The other improtant thing to do is to begin to add a supplement of Garlic powder to his food. Garlic is an anti-microbial and will help fight and kill bacteria, fungi and infections in the system. Don't be afraid to sprinkle it with a heavy hand, dogs love Garlic and he should eat it right up for you. The only drawback to adding Garlic to the food is flatulence. It may be a little stinky but the Garlic is doing its job by pushing the bacteria through the system. Just keep a couple clothes pins handy! This is also highly efefctive for human and animal Candida problems and if given over time your pet should not longer have this problem. This is safe for long term daily use.


For dry skin, apply Aloe Vera (either juice, gel or from the plant) to the dry and irritated areas. Aloe will help soother, moisturize and heal any inflammations and dryness. It is safe if your pet licks it off. Aloe heals from the inside out and will begin to soothe the skin internally and lessen the itch.

You can also add a small supplement of Flax Seed Oil to the food as well. This will help with dry skin and is excellent for your pets overall health. His coat will be shiny, soft and his digestion will be great with the Acidophilus.

Finally, for his ears. I make a wonderful remedy that has worked over and over again. It is a Vitamin E oil based tincture especially for ear infections, even if they are reoccurring. It helps to loosen the cerumen (ear wax) so it can be easily removed which in turn will get rid of the odor. It also contains Garlic and is very effective. I have many clients who have used this with success.

Please, try these remedies first before you begin any cortizone treatments. Cortizone can be very harmful if used long term and will increase his chances of getting sicker and will leave him open to contarcting other illness'.

I hope this information has helped you and your pet. Contact me anytime, I would be happy to help.

If you would like information on natural and herbal remedies for human and animal concerns please contact me at [email protected] and I will be happy to assist you. I also offer a catalogue of specially formulated herbal remedies (like the ear infection tonic I mentioned above) which I can send to you as well. My products are also available online at www.localharvest.org.

Thank you and best wishes to you and your pet.

Sincerely,
Sharon Hubbs, AHG
Certified Natural Health Consultant & Herbalist