Yeast & Bacterial Infections -- A Number One Problem Among Pets
By Darleen E. Rudnick, Pet Nutritionist


Yeasts are single cell organisms which are found on the surfaces of all
living things, including your pet's body. Yeasts normally live on the
mucous membranes of the digestive tract. Unfriendly bacteria, viruses,
allergens and other enemies also find their way into other membrane-lined
passageways and cavities. Also existing in the body are billions of
friendly germs.

One family of yeasts called, Candida albicans, live in your pet's body, and
consume substances such as sugar and fats in order to survive. Yeast
toxins affect your pet's immune system, nervous system, and their endocrine
system. These systems are all connected, so yeast toxins play a major role
in causing allergies, vaginal, bladder, infections and many other health
problems.

When a pet's immune system is healthy, the body is able to destroy the
yeast. However, when the immune system is weak, the yeast will produce in
mass amounts causing toxins that disable the immune system and prevent it
from functioning properly. In this case, the immune system can not
destroy the yeast. At this point, the system becomes altered causing a
host of health problems.

Yeast infections are the Number One problem I treat in pets. A day rarely
goes by when I don't receive calls or emails about a pet suffering from a
yeast infection. Most owners have visited several Veterinarians, and have
spent hundreds of dollars without any positive results. In 90% of the
cases I work with, the vet had ruled out a yeast infection, however, when
the owner began treatment for a yeast infection, the pet responded
positively.

Signs and Symptoms of a Yeast Infection

Food Allergies
Nearly Every Type of Allergic Reaction
Food Sensitivities
Hypoglycemia Reaction
Diabetes
Constipation
Digestive Disturbances
Ongoing Ear Mite Problem
Depression
Muscle and Joint Pain (Stiff Joints/Arthritis)
Dizziness
White-Coated Tongue
Brittle Nails
Hives and other Skin Eruptions
Rectal Itching
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Asthma
Chronic Infections
Infertility
Mucus in the Stool
Clogged Sinuses
Environmental Sensitivity
Bloating
Flatulence
Diarrhea
Insomnia
Severe Itching & Skin Rashes
Persistent Cough
Fatigue
Chronic Ear Infections
Greasy Skin
Cloudy eyes
Foul Odor from the Body or Ears
Discharge from the Eyes, Ears or Nose
Scratching in or under the Ears
Reddened area inside the Ears
Hypothyroidism
Cancer
Immune Disorders

The symptoms listed above are not only caused by a yeast overgrowth,
therefore, before concluding that your pet's health problem is yeast
related, you should have your pet checked by a Veterinarian to rule out
anemia, diabetes, cancer or other diseases. If these problems are ruled
out, it is likely your pet may be suffering from a yeast infection.

Treating A Yeast Infection Naturally -- How To Get Started

The program outlined below are general guidelines to follow. Each pet is
an individual and has it's own particular needs. Therefore I highly
recommend a consultation before beginning the program. Purely Pets offers
consultations at no charge and at your convenience.

1. Diet -- You Must First Change The Diet To An Anti-Yeast Diet.

An anti-yeast diet will starve the yeast and aid in the healing
process. However, diet alone will not cure the problem, it is only the
first step. Keep in mind a restricted diet does not have to last
forever. Once your pet's health improves you will be able to expand on
what you feed.

Foods that are allowed:

Vegetables: asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, eggplant, parsley, squash,
brussel sprouts, celery, peas, green beans, yellow beans, potatoes,
carrots, cucumber, collard, kale, lettuce, spinach.

Meats: Beef, duck, chicken, fish, rabbit, turkey, Cornish hen, lamb.

Beverages: water, milk (some pets are sensitive to diary products, so use
in moderation).

Forbidden Foods:

Anything sweet -- sugar, honey, molasses, maple syrup, corn syrup, dextrose
Buttermilk
Cheeses
Packaged cereal
Cottage cheese
Crackers
Flour enriched with vitamins from yeast
Mushrooms
Packaged & processed foods
Peanuts
Pretzels
Sorbital
Sweet Potatoes and yams
Vitamin/minerals from yeast source
Yeast breads
Sausage
Bacon
Corn beef
Lunch meats
Smoked turkey
Ham
Sauces, gravies

Avoid Dry Dog/Cat foods containing:
Poultry-by-product meal
Meat-by-products
Corn syrup
Caramel coloring
Rice flour
Wheat gluten
Corn gluten
Sugar
Dog biscuits containing the above.
ALL grains -- white rice, brown rice, wheat, oats, barley
Below are some simple crockpot recipes:

Chicken n' Potatoes

1 package of chicken thighs with skin (family pack)
Remove skin on half of the pieces and discard.
2 cups fresh sliced potatoes
1 1/2 cup water
1 bag frozen vegetables or 2 cups fresh vegetables (one vegetable)

In crockpot place chicken, potatoes, 1 1/2 cups water.
Cook on LOW for 6 hours or until the chicken is completely cooked.
Add 1 bag frozen/fresh vegetables. Stir.
Meal is complete.

Before serving, remove the bones.
Refrigerator for 6 days -- then discard.

Chicken n' Beans

1 package of chicken thighs with skin (family pack)
Remove skin on half of the pieces and discard.
1 can kidney beans drained (10 oz. can)
1 1/2 cup water
1 bag frozen vegetables or 2 cups fresh vegetables

In crockpot place chicken, 1 1/2 cups water.
Cook on LOW for 6 hours or until the chicken is completely cooked.
Add 1 bag frozen/fresh vegetables and Kidney beans. Stir.
Meal is complete.

Before serving, remove the bones.
Refrigerator for 6 days -- then discard.

Beef Melody

2 lbs. medium fat ground meat or cubed steak
2 cups fresh potatoes with skin
2 beef bouillon cubes
1 1/2 cup water
1 bag frozen vegetables or 2 cups fresh vegetables

In crockpot place beef, 2 beef bouillon cubes, potatoes, 1 1/2 cups water.
Cook on LOW for 6 hours or until the beef is completely cooked. Turn pot
off and add 1 bag frozen/fresh vegetables and potatoes. Stir.
Meal is complete.

Before serving, remove the bones.
Refrigerator for 6 days -- then discard.

Alternative your meat, vegetables and grains on a weekly basis.

I am well aware that many pet owners do not have the time to cook meals for
their pet. You should not feel guilty or feel that you will never get the
problem under control. You can feed a high quality dry food and still get
the problem under control, however, it will take a little longer.

Sirius is a high quality dog/cat food that includes chicken meal, turkey
meal, whole brown rice and other high quality ingredients. With the
addition of Sirius and the supplements listed below you will be able to get
a yeast infection under control.

It is extremely important to feed your pet several small meals a day
regardless of a health problem. It is NOT healthy to feed your pet once a
day. Keep in mind when you eat once a day you feel irritable, dizzy and
then you overeat. Pets need to eat as we do -- breakfast, lunch, dinner
and a light snack before bedtime. If every pet owner did this, we would
see a decline in health problems immediately. I will outline the ideal
schedule, however, you need to work this out with your schedule and your
convenience.

7:00 a.m. or when you get up: Dry food or homemade diet.
11:00 a.m. Light snack: Fruit, *vegetable or **yogurt.
3:00 p.m Light snack: Fruit, vegetable or yogurt.
7:00 p.m. Dinner: Dry food or homemade diet.
Before bed: Light snack: Fruit, vegetable or yogurt.

*Do not feed fruits and vegetables together just one or the other.

**I highly recommend Stoneyfield Farm yogurt www.stoneyfield.com. Visit
their website and type in your city and state to see where you can purchase
it. This yogurt contains:

Cultured pasteurized nonfat milk, naturally milled sugar, natural vanilla
flavor, pectin, turmeric, made with multiple organisms: S. Thermophilus,
L. Bulgaricus, L. Acidophilus, bifidus, L. Casei and L. Reuteri live active
cultures.

Purchase the French Vanilla. If you are not able to get Stoneyfield
yogurt, purchase Dannon Plain yogurt.

2. Supplementing is a Must in Treating Yeast/Bacterial/Fungi/Mites/Ear
infections:

When you give your pet antibiotics, especially if you give them repeatedly,
many of the friendly germs in their body are wiped out. Therefore,
antibiotics kill friendly germs while they're killing enemies -- allowing
yeasts to multiply. Since yeast is not harmed by these antibiotics, they
spread out and raise large families that thrive in moist, dark, warm
places, such as the mouth, intestines, ears, and nose. When yeasts
multiply, they put out toxin which circulate through your pet's body and
make them sick.

Product Recommendations:

Yeast & Fungal Detox www.purelypets.com

This is a natural antifungal, antibacterial and anti-yeast liquid. It
helps the body eliminate Candida overgrowth, vaginal infection, fungal
infections and ringworm. It is also supportive in the reduction of Valley
Fever. This liquid would be given 3-4 times a day. 1 drop is used per 5
lbs. of body weight.

Ingredients Include:

Fresh Spilanthes Leaf & Root, Grape Root, Juniper Berry, Usnea Lichen and
Myrrh Gum tincture of natural antifungal, antibacterial and anti-yeast
properties.

Mega Pet www.purelypets.com

A Yeast Free vitamin supplement containing vitamins, minerals, and amino
acids. It aids in supporting the immune system during the yeast process.

The vitamin used must be Yeast Free (Nutritional Yeast and Brewer's Yeast).

Herbal Wormer www.purelypets.com

Worms thrive in a yeast ridden body therefore, it is very important to keep
the body clean of worms to prevent further health problems.

Ear Relief Wash and Dry www.purelypets.com

Yeast most often causes ear infections and discharge. If this is a
problem, I recommend Ear Relief Wash and Dry. This product provides fast
relief for pet's ears that itch, smell or appear to be raw, red, sore or
greasy. Also helps prevent ear scratching, swimmers ear and wax buildup.

Dermaplex Shampoo www.purelypets.com

This shampoo is specifically made for pets suffering from yeast and
bacterial infections. It exfoliates dead skin cell and promotes formation
of new skin cells. It is a natural antibacterial agent, which corrects
skin health and aids in itch control.

Ingredients Include:

Salicylic Acid, Vitamin A, Pennyroyal, Aloe Vera and is Tar and Sulfur FREE.

Conclusion:

Pets may show a response to treatment within a month, some take several
months, even up to a year. Length of the treatment program seems
proportional to the cooperation of the owner. In other words, if the owner
gives the remedies once a day, gives antibiotics during the treatment
program, or feeds low quality treats and pet foods, the problem hangs on
and longer treatment is needed. Treatment is very effective if the owner
remains persistent with the required regimen.

A yeast infection is very frustrating and an ailment that takes a lot of
commitment on the part of the owner. I admire owners who can follow
through with the above program because it is not easy. However, when the
program is complete and the yeast under control, owners report significant
improvement and a whole new positive lifestyle for the pet.

If you have any questions regarding this article, please feel free to email
or call anytime. Purely Pets provides consultations at no charge and is
open 7 days a week 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Please feel free to call us with
any questions or concerns you may have. Our telephone number is
704-795-7844.
Darleen E. Rudnick http://www.purelypets.com
Nutritional Pet Consultant, Purely Pets
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