What is Candida ?Candida is a fungus. Candidiasis is a very common but little known cause of so many canine health concerns. In my opinion, it is the single most common root cause of health problems in both people and dogs. It is a sure sign that your dog's Immune System is not working as well as it should. A yeast infection is an indication that balance needs to be restored.
Yeast is an organism that occurs naturally in the gut ( intestinal tract ), of healthy people and animals. It is a fungus that normally exists in small colonies. It is kept in balance by bacteria and other kinds of microbes. If the balance of bacteria in the gut (small intestine ) is disrupted, this fungus can multiply very rapidly. It is capable of causing, contributing to, or exacerbating other dog health problems. It is polysymptomatic. This means that it can show itself in many different ways. A whole list of symptoms can become apparent. Some of these symptoms may even seem quite bizarre. Often the afflicted person is called a hypochondriac. This person has many unexplained symptoms. For more information on Candida and how it affects people click here. Often our dogs are sick a lot, with no real lasting remedy found. Sometimes the yeast can even cause crazy, bizarre behavior and aggression. Check This List of Candida Symptoms
Shaking of the head Skin disorders Rashes Bladder and urinary tract infections Hot spots Excessive scratching Genital rashes and anal itching Excessive licking of the paws Chewing and licking at themselves Lethargy Anxiety Hyperactivity Overly hungry and overweight Joint pain and stiffness Bowel disorders Bloating, intestinal gas, cramps, inflammatory bowel disease Strong ' doggy ' odor Dull, dry or greasy coat This is quite a list, eh? These are just some of the symptoms of yeast overgrowth that come to mind. There are many more. If your dog has one or more of these symptoms, it is almost a certainty that he has a yeast infection, also known as an overabundance of systemic yeast.
More than just a Woman's Problem Candida is Not a Disease. Rather it is a condition of internal imbalance. This common condition is reaching epidemic proportions these days, in both people and pets...and yes, cats can have it too. The yeast fungus occurs normally on the body’s mucus membranes. This includes the mouth, sinuses, digestive tract, vagina and skin. The condition is the same in both people and animals. How Does a Yeast Infection Start?? Usually with antibiotic use. Antibiotics are broad spectrum. This means that they destroy up to 90% of all bacteria. They do not differentiate between good bacteria and bad bacteria. Even if you or your pet has never actually taken antibiotics, you are still at risk because of the meat you consume. Almost all chicken, 70 percent of cattle and 90 percent of pigs are raised on feed with antibiotics.
When the normal ratio of fungus to friendly bacteria in the colon is disrupted, the yeast begins to grow out of control. This condition is referred to as Candidiasis when the yeast overgrowth has spread and gained access to the bloodstream and the lymphatic system. The yeast fungus can change pathologically from a single celled organism to a branching fungal form, which can multiply rapidly. It uses root like tentacles to perforate the intestinal wall, damaging cells there. This is called Leaky Gut Syndrome.
Research has found 17 variations of yeast, including a yeast organism called Malassezia Pachydermatitis which allow it to elude the immune system and resist anti-fungal medications. Symptoms of Malassezia Pachydermatitis
Here is a picture of our dog Pager ...his elephant elbow, as I call it. You can see the lichenification, the open lesions, and hyper-pigmentation. That was Pager's elbow when we first got him in May of 2009.
Yeast Infection TreatmentsHad enough bad news yet? Here is the good news.Here's how to cure a yeast infection for yourself and your pet. It will take some work and commitment to rid the body of this health robbing, fungal infection. The results will be worth it. Typically our veterinarians really do not know what is wrong. So they prescribe antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, or steroids, to deal with the symptoms. These yeast infection treats usually do more harm than good. The underlying root cause, which is really the yeast, goes unaddressed. In the long run, the drugs simply make the matter worse. You will need to restrict certain foods which are feeding the yeast. These foods are creating an environment in which the yeast thrives. Diet changes alone however, are not enough to cure candida. Avoiding the yeast friendly foods will help to reduce the amount of the candida. However, along with dietary changes, a successful plan to overcome Candida must include a supplement program to eradicate the yeast completely. 
Five Steps to a Candida CureThis candida treatment works for people, as well as dogs.
Nothing changes unless YOU change something. I'm here to help. You can contact me for help with this candida treatment program.
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Eventually the organism may pass through the intestinal wall and enter the bloodstream and lymphatic system. It can then travel to other parts of the body. the candida fungus is surrounded by a hard connective tissue shell, which protects it from the immune system.