What is Candida ?

Candida Albicans is a fungus.

It is a very common, but little known cause of so many canine health concerns. In my opinion, Candida is the single most common root of health problems in both people and dogs.

Check this list. Does your dog suffer from any of these symptoms?

~ Black/brown/yellowish gooey build up of debris in the ears

~ Shaking of the head

~ Skin disorders

~ Rashes

~ Bladder and urinary tract infections

~ Hot spots

~ Excessive scratching

~ Genital rashes and rectal itching

~ Excessive licking of the paws

~ Chewing and licking at themselves

~ Allergies

~ Lethargy

~ Anxiety

~ Hyperactivity

~ Overly hungry and overweight

~ Joint pain and stiffness

~ Bowel disorders

~ Bloating, gas, cramps, irritable bowel syndrome

~ 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 case of Candida Albicanis, better known as an overabundance of systemic yeast.

What is Systemic Yeast?

More than just a Woman's Problem ...that’s for sure!

Candida Albicans commonly called ' Yeast ' is naturally occurring in the gut, or 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 chronic conditions. It is ' polysymptomatic '. This means that, it can manifest itself in many different ways. As a result, a whole list of symptoms can become apparent ... some may even seem quite bizarre.

Often the afflicted person is called a hypochondriac, with a myriad of unexplained symptoms. For more information on Candida and how it affects people click here.

Often dogs are labeled such things as, crazy, badly behaved, aggressive, sick all the time, more trouble than they're worth.

This is really a shame.

Typically our veterinarians really do not know what is wrong. So they prescribe drugs, usually antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, or steroids, to deal with the symptoms.

The underlying cause being Candida goes unaddressed, and the drugs simply make the matter worse.

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.

Candida is a fungus that 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 Candida Better Known as Yeast Start?

Usually with antibiotic use. That includes both chemical and natural antibiotics.

Antibiotics are broad spectrum. This means that they destroy up to 90% of all bacteria. They do not differentiate between good 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.

Other drugs that can also contribute to this problem are corticosteroids and immuno-suppressants.

Other causes include poor diet, grain in the dog food and mold in the environment. Candida may also be acquired at birth from an infected mother.

Chlorinated tap water can also disrupt friendly colon bacteria, which can increase yeast overgrowth.

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 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.

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.

Here are more Symptoms

~ greasy coat

~ Hyperpigmentation

~ scaly skin

~ alopecia ( a disease of the hair follicles, causing hair loss )

~ Pruritus and Pruritus Ani ( an itch or sensation causing an uncontrollable urge to scratch the skin, or area surrounding the anus )

~ strong seborrhoeic odor

~ erythema ( redness and inflammation of the skin )

~ Lichenification ( an exaggerated thickening of the skin, in combination with hyperpigmentation making the skin look like elephant skin.

Here is a picture of our dog Pager ...his elephant elbow, as I call it. You can see the lichenification, the open lesions, and hyperpigmentation.

That was Pager's elbow when we first got him in May of 2009. Guess what, the quality of the skin on his elbow is becoming more normal now, and actually growing some nice new hair back on it.

You can rid yourself and your pet, of the overabundance of systemic yeast.

It will take some work, but the change will be worth it.

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 are not enough.

Avoiding the yeast friendly foods will reduce the amount of the overabundance. A successful plan to overcome Candida must however, include a supplement program to eradicate the yeast completely.

Here are the Steps That Need to be Taken

This goes for you, as well as your dog.

1 – reduce the yeast by eliminating unnecessary carbohydrates ( sugars ) in your dog's food. Feed a grain free diet.

2 – replace the friendly bacteria in the gut.

3 – kill any parasites that may be lurking along with the yeast

4 - provide the liver with the support it needs to prevent candida die off symptoms during this cleansing process.

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