Do you have a dog that is constantly scratching? Does he seem irritable? He may even be chewing his skin? It's possible he has a yeast infection. Happy Dog vet Carina Mederle explains more. In general, yeast (depending on which type it is) can live naturally on a dog’s skin and does not always cause problems. However, some dogs show symptoms like itching and skin irritation when the amount gets too much.

You May Resolve a Yeast Problem by Bathing Your Dog

Often, the problem of a yeast infection can be resolved by washing your dog with special shampoos (your treating vet will be able to give you more information). However, if the infections returns after a few weeks it is possible that your dog has an underlying skin problem that weakens the immune system of the skin and triggers the problem of the yeast infection.

What Triggers Continual Skin Issues in Dogs?

An underlying skin problem can be triggered by various causes, such as infections with parasites (fleas, mites, fungus), environmental allergies, thyroid problems. If all other reasons mentioned above are excluded by your vet via appropriate testing, there is also a possibility of a food allergy. For a clear diagnosis you would need to feed a so-called elimination diet, a food that consists of only one single protein and one single carbohydrate your dog has never eaten. For the period of six weeks, you just feed this new diet without giving any other food, including treats.

Your Dog's Skin Issue May be Related to a Food Allergy

If there is an improvement after six weeks, it is very likely that the skin irritations is linked to a food allergy. And providing the new food is balanced and provides everything your dog needs, there is no reason for you to change his diet. Nonetheless, if you want to find out which specific ingredients your dog is allergic to, his immune system has to be provoked after the six weeks with the proteins and carbohydrates he was previously fed to get to see how the skin responds to them. Whilst performing this trial, it is important that you always just add one of the proteins or one of the carbohydrates was he used to to the elimination diet– otherwise you will not be able to find out what caused the skin irritation. Once you know exactly which ingredient your dog is allergic to, you can feed him a diet that does not contain any of the allergens so the food-related skin problems should disappear. It is important to mention that if a dog suffers from a food-related allergy, even very small amounts of the allergens (for example in a treat) can cause another allergic reaction, so you strictly have to stick to the diet.

Happy Dog's Elimination Diets

For the elimination diet (and also if there is a clear food allergy diagnosis after the diet) you can feed the Happy Dog Supreme Sensible Africa, Canadaor Karibik, depending on age and weight of your dog. However, As your dog suffers from skin problems, the Karibik is probably your best choice because of its high content of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids which support the skin. Happy Dog also offers single protein treats, the Happy Dog Tasty Sticks which – depending on the result of the elimination diet – could be an option for your dog as a treat.