Best Dog Probiotics to Treat Yeast Infections: 2024 Vet Choices

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Oh doggone it, that pesky yeast has struck again! Your poor pup’s paws are pink, her skin is irritated, and her ears just won’t stop itching. No need to call the vet just yet – hand over your credit card and let Dr. Google examine the case.

You’ll quickly find every home remedy, essential oil, and probiotic supplement promising a cure.

Take a deep breath and step away from the online shopping cart. This guide will walk you through the research on probiotics for dogs with yeast infections. Applying the latest scientific evidence with compassion and care, we’ll discuss the best strains, potency, and delivery methods to gently restore your dog’s microbiome balance.

You and Fido will be back on your walk in no time. Now, let’s dig in!

Top 10 Probiotics for Dog Yeast Infections

When treating yeast infections in dogs, probiotics can help restore balance to the microbiome and digestive health. This guide covers some of the top probiotic supplements to consider for managing yeast overgrowth and supporting your dog’s gut health, such as Petaxin Dog Probiotic Supplement and Purina ProPlan FortiFlora.

Some key things to look for when selecting a dog probiotic include high CFU counts for effectiveness, strains that are dog-specific for optimal results, and supplements that contain saccharomyces boulardii for preventing yeast overgrowth.

Refrigerated options may provide higher potency as well. Consulting with your veterinarian can help determine the right probiotic supplement, dosage, and treatment duration for your dog’s needs.

Regularly giving a quality probiotic can help reduce yeast levels while also promoting healthy digestion and nutrient absorption. When used alongside an anti-fungal medication, probiotics may help shorten treatment time.

However, probiotics should not replace veterinary prescribed medications for treating active infections. Overall, probiotic supplements can be a useful tool for both managing and preventing fungal overgrowth in dogs when used properly.

1. Petaxin Dog Probiotic Supplement

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Petaxin’s comprehensive digestive health supplement can relieve your pup’s gas, constipation, diarrhea, and allergies while supporting their digestion, immunity, and energy levels. This USA-made, non-GMO supplement contains 3 billion CFUs of 6 probiotic strains plus 2 prebiotics to promote gastrointestinal and immune function.

Reviews show it improves dogs’ digestion, reduces itching and paw licking, and has an overall positive impact, though some dogs may dislike the taste.

2. Purina ProPlan Vet Diets FortiFlora Dog Supplement

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Fortiflora’s microencapsulated probiotics can effectively manage your pup’s digestive distress and diarrhea while strengthening their intestinal health. This vet-recommended supplement contains antioxidants and live microorganisms that promote intestinal balance.

By restoring populations of beneficial gut bacteria, it helps relieve symptoms of diarrhea and loose stools in puppies and adult dogs. The microencapsulation tech protects the probiotics from stomach acid for enhanced efficacy.

Fortiflora has a palatable liver flavor that most dogs readily accept when sprinkled on food or dissolved in water.

Numerous pet owners have seen improvements in their dogs’ stool quality and digestive health while using this supplement. However, it’s best to consult your veterinarian before starting FortiFlora, especially for dogs with underlying conditions.

3. Zesty Paws Probiotics for Digestive Health Dog Chews

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Zesty Paws’ pumpkin-flavored probiotic chews help manage your pup’s gastrointestinal health and urinary problems, though they’re not palatable for every dog. These chews contain probiotics like Bacillus subtilis to support digestion and may relieve issues like constipation, gas and indigestion.

Many customers reported benefits for dogs’ stool consistency, allergies and urinary control. However, some dogs disliked the taste while others experienced vomiting or diarrhea.

4. Native Pet Vet Formulated Probiotic Prebiotic Powder Dog Supplement

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Try Native Pet – with mixed reviews on diarrhea relief, it may shake things up in your dog’s gut health. This vet-formulated probiotic and prebiotic powder aims to promote digestion and skin health in dogs.

Made of all-natural ingredients, it can be easily sprinkled on food. While some users report success with upper GI issues and bowel regulation, others note diarrhea and lack of results.

5. Nutri Vet Digestive Prebiotics Probiotics Dog Supplement Soft Chews

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You’ll feel at ease knowing these soft chews are supporting your pup’s digestion. Nutri Vet Digestive Soft Chews contain 1 billion CFUs of live beneficial cultures like Lactobacillus acidophilus to promote proper intestinal microflora.

They also have prebiotic inulin to stimulate growth of good bacteria in the GI tract.

Multiple studies confirm that blends of probiotics and prebiotics help improve stool quality, nutrient absorption, and immune function in dogs prone to digestive issues or yeast overgrowth.

These chicken-flavored chews provide a tasty, convenient way to support your dog’s digestive system.

6. PetLab Probiotic Pork Flavored Soft Chews Digestive Supplement Dogs 30 Count

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Wouldn’t these soft chews with delicious pork flavor tempt your best friend to a happier gut? These chews contain 8 strains of probiotics to support digestion and maintain gut flora in dogs. Made in the USA, they provide enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to improve gut health.

While some dogs showed benefits, others lost interest or experienced no change. One case of nausea was reported, so monitor your dog.

7. Fera Pet Organics Probiotics Prebiotics for Dogs Cats

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Balancing your pup’s microbiome boosts their wellbeing with Fera Pet Organics Probiotics. This flavorless powder supports gastrointestinal health in dogs and cats by introducing twelve probiotic strains and five billion colony forming units.

Simply sprinkle over food for easy use. Customers report digestive improvements in pets prone to issues like diarrhea. The grain, soy, and dairy-free formula provides a healthy intestinal environment and may reduce loose stool.

8. Herbsmith Microflora Digestion Capsules Dog Cat Supplement

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This moisture-sealed herbal probiotic capsules’ holistic formula supports your pup’s digestion and gut health. Developed by veterinarian Dr. Chris Bessent, it contains a blend of probiotics to populate the GI tract with beneficial microorganisms, prebiotics to feed those microbes, digestive enzymes to break down nutrients, and herbs to maintain healthy bowel function.

The NASC-certified, full-spectrum ingredients come in easy-to-use capsules that you can mix into your dog or cat’s food.

Customer reviews indicate it firms stool, provides an energy boost in older pets, relieves GI issues like gas and diarrhea, and improves allergic symptoms. The capsules are vet recommended for supporting digestion across all life stages from puppy to senior.

9. Soothing Hydrating Itchy Skin Dog Cat Shampoo

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You’re itching for a shampoo that’ll provide sweet relief for your pup’s yeasty skin without harsh ingredients. Veterinarian-recommended Soothing Hydrating Itchy Skin Dog Cat Shampoo leverages natural Ophytrium to strengthen the skin barrier and restore microbial balance in irritated skin.

This gentle, sulfate-free formula hydrates, cleanses, and medicates skin showing signs of yeast overgrowth like itching, foul odor, and redness.

Multiple reviewers noted reduced itching and improved coat luster after beginning use. As an alternative to products like Malaseb, this shampoo soothes troubled skin while leaving a clean scent.

Gentle on skin yet tough on yeast, Soothing Hydrating Itchy Skin Dog Cat Shampoo is an effective medicated shampoo for providing relief.

10. Honest Kitchen Daily Boosters Goats Milk Probiotics Dog

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Give your dog the treat of healthy digestion by sprinkling The Honest Kitchen’s goat milk probiotics over their kibble. This powdered probiotic supplement supports immune health and digestion in dogs of all ages and breeds.

It contains 1.25 billion active probiotics and digestive enzymes to improve nutrient absorption. Made from highly digestible goat’s milk, it’s easy to mix into food or water. Users report benefits like reduced gas, allergy relief, and shinier coats.

As a human-grade formula free of GMO ingredients, it receives positive feedback. However, the bottle’s small quantity means it can get pricey for daily use. Some dogs may not take to the taste.

What Causes Yeast Infections in Dogs?

Yeast infections can arise when there’s an overgrowth of yeast in your dog’s body. This overgrowth is often caused by an imbalance in your dog’s system, allowing yeast fungi like Malassezia to multiply rapidly.

• Excessive antibiotic use, which depletes beneficial bacteria needed to keep yeast in check.
• Issues with the immune system that make it harder for your dog to fight off infections.
• Allergies that cause inflammation and allow yeast to thrive.
• An excess of starch and sugars in your dog’s diet, providing nourishment for yeast overgrowth.
• Hot and humid environmental conditions that promote yeast proliferation, especially in skin folds.

If your dog’s exhibiting any symptoms such as skin irritation, head shaking, or foul odors, consult your vet, as they can diagnose the underlying cause and provide proper treatment, which may include probiotics and antifungals.

Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle can also help prevent yeast overgrowth.

Incorporate preventive measures, consult your vet, and give your dog the best chance at defeating troublesome yeast infections. Through diligent care and probiotic balance, your canine companion’s health and comfort can be restored.

Probiotics for Managing Yeast Infections

Proper probiotic selection supports your dog’s microbiome and bolsters their defenses against yeast overgrowth. Effective probiotics can help restore balance in your dog’s intestinal tract and crowd out harmful yeast.

But probiotics should complement, not replace, traditional treatments for yeast infections. Consult your veterinarian on the appropriate probiotic strains and dosage for your dog’s condition. Some proven strains include Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Enterococcus. Ensure the product meets quality standards with guaranteed potency to expiration.

Probiotics can reduce antibiotic side effects and support immunity, but make dietary changes too and address underlying causes of yeast overgrowth like allergies or improperly functioning immune systems.

Though promising, more research is still needed to confirm probiotics’ effectiveness against yeast infections in dogs specifically. But as part of a comprehensive approach, probiotics may strengthen your dog’s defenses and promote long-term well-being.

Other Treatments for Dog Yeast Infections

Alongside probiotics, you’ll want to consider topical treatments, medications, diet changes, and supplements to fully address your pup’s yeast troubles. For example, an antifungal shampoo can help relieve itchy skin while an anti-yeast diet reduces sugars that feed the infection.

A multi-faceted approach works best for clearing yeast overgrowth in dogs. Consult your vet for products and dosages tailored to your dog’s needs. With diligence and patience, you can get your pup’s yeast under control and their health back on track.

Vet Consultation Recommended

Witnessing recurring symptoms should signal it’s time to see the veterinarian. Your dog’s health and comfort are top priority. While quality probiotics offer promise, it’s best to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan from your trusted vet.

With their expertise, you can coordinate probiotics into a holistic care approach. Don’t delay – untreated infections risk worsening. Together with your vet, determine the ideal probiotics and dosing for your dog’s needs.

Cause	Treatment
Allergies	Antihistamines, diet change
Skin Infections	Antifungal shampoos, topicals
Ear Infections	Ear cleaners, medications
Gut Dysbiosis	Probiotics, prebiotics
Antibiotics	Probiotics, diet change
Weak Immunity	Probiiotics, lysine
Hormone Imbalance	Spay/neuter

While quality probiotics show promise for promoting gut health and controlling yeast overgrowth through beneficial bacteria, it’s best to consult your veterinarian for proper diagnosis, treatment recommendations, and guidance on selecting the right probiotic product and dosage for your dog’s needs.

Probiotic Selection Criteria

When selecting a probiotic for your dog’s yeast infection, it’s crucial to choose a product containing strains that are canine-specific and proven to benefit dogs. Additionally, potency, delivery method, and shelf life are key factors, as the number of viable bacteria can decrease over time.

Dog-Specific Strains Needed

You’re going to want to aim for dog-specific bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus when shopping for probiotics, as studies have shown 70% of general probiotic strains don’t even colonize a dog’s GI tract.

Indeed, canine-specific probiotic strains are scientifically proven to reach and populate the canine intestinal tract effectively. This allows them to confer health benefits like improved digestion, balanced gut bacteria, and yeast control.

Dog probiotics with strains like Enterococcus faecium and Bacillus coagulans are preferable over human probiotic strains. Ensure any probiotic contains dog-targeted bacteria for combating yeast infections.

– Product Potency Important

As you’re selecting dog probiotics for yeast, ensure the product potency is high enough to provide adequate CFUs.

1. Look for at least 2 billion CFUs per serving or higher for a therapeutic effect against yeast overgrowth.
2. Ensure the product lists CFUs at time of manufacture to confirm viable bacteria counts.
3. Check credibility and testing behind CFU counts.
4. Avoid inactive, expired, or low-potency probiotic products.

When assessing probiotic potency for dogs, higher CFU counts indicate more beneficial bacteria to counteract yeast imbalance. Verify viable bacteria through recent CFU testing by reputable brands. Subpotent or mislabeled products won’t provide the intended therapeutic benefits.

Probiotics require proper handling and storage to maintain bacterial viability. Follow dosage guidelines for optimal results.

– Delivery Method Matters

Your dog’s mouth craves the savory taste of probiotics’ succulence. When choosing probiotics’ delivery method for treating yeast overgrowth, consider the dosage, convenience, and your dog’s preference.

Probiotics come in powder, chewable tablet, capsule, liquid, or paste forms. Powders allow precise dosage and can mix into food easily. Chewables provide accurate doses and appeal to dogs. Capsules need hiding in food but offer controlled amounts.

Liquids are readily consumed but dosing can be imprecise. Pastes allow customizable dosing, though some dogs dislike the texture. Choose a delivery method aligning with your dog’s temperament and your treatment approach for managing yeast overgrowth.

Probiotic Supplement Guidelines

Though downplaying symptoms, carefully observe your dog’s response when starting probiotics.

Start with a low dose and gradually increase over 2-3 weeks. This allows the dog’s gut to adjust and minimizes side effects.

Give probiotics on an empty stomach or at least 2 hours away from food for better absorption.

Store probiotics properly to maintain potency. Refrigerate capsules and powders. Avoid heat exposure.

Use probiotics consistently. Sporadic use may not provide full benefits. However, take occasional breaks to avoid dependence.

Note effects on energy, stool, skin, digestion, immunity. Increase dose if minimal benefits. Stop immediately if adverse reactions occur like vomiting or diarrhea. Monitor closely and consult your vet if concerns arise when administering probiotics.

With patience and care, your dog can gain the wellness benefits of probiotic supplements.

Prognosis for Dog Yeast Infections

Since yeast infections in dogs can be challenging to manage, their prognosis really depends on the severity and any underlying conditions or triggers. To determine prognosis, your vet will consider factors like the type of yeast, affected areas, chronicity, and response to initial treatment.

Mild localized infections often respond well to topical antifungals and probiotics. More severe or recurrent yeast infections may require oral antifungals and antimicrobials alongside probiotics to restore gut health.

Preventive measures like flea control, allergy management, and probiotics can help avoid recurrences.

Prognosis is generally good if treated promptly, but lifelong management is sometimes needed for dogs prone to yeast overgrowth. Partnering with your vet to find the right combination of probiotics, natural remedies, and conventional treatment provides the best chance of resolving yeast infections and improving your dog’s quality of life.

Why Trust Us on Dog Probiotics

Many pet owners struggle with finding a high-quality probiotic for their dogs. You can trust our recommendations because we are committed to providing only the most effective and safest options for your beloved canines.

With your dog’s health as our top priority, you can feel confident our probiotic suggestions will support their overall well-being and provide relief from yeast infections and other ailments.