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Why
The Problem Exists
The skin is home to many organisms, including yeast. Normally, these organisms don't present a problem. Yeast overgrows when there is an underlying reason that allows it do so. Find the cause, address it, and the yeast will calm down to normal numbers of organisms. Possible
problems may include allergies, disease, poor diet, or a depressed
immune system.
What
You Can Do
Your
veterinarian needs to see your dog in order to better understand
which of the possible problems could be causing the yeast overgrowth.
An elimination diet consisting of one novel protein and one novel
carbohydrate helps to address possible food allergies.
Ellagitannins (see Antioxidant Booster), vitamins C and E work to help the immune system. The body needs B vitamins for all cells and many body functions. Acidophilus, perhaps the best studied probiotic for dogs, helps to strengthen the immune system, especially the gastrointestinal tract. It's beneficial bacteria that normally resides in the body but may be in shorter supply when a dog is battling problems or has been on certain medications.
For Further Reading
The Allergy Problem by Monica Segal
Myth of the Month: Systemic Yeast March 2004 Newsletter
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