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20/09/2025

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04/09/2025

Dog Food’s Effect on Yeast Infections and Severe Allergies
By understanding how nutrition influences these conditions, dog owners can take proactive steps to improve their pet’s quality of life through thoughtful dietary changes.
By
Dr. Mary Cope, PhD -
Published: June 19, 2025
0
Dog food can be the cause of a dog's allergies and chronic yeast infections. So which dog food is best for allergies and yeast infection.
Dog ear infections, allergies, and yeast infections can all be due to dog food. Credit: Dimarik | Getty Images

If your dog is suffering from skin irritation, ear infections, or digestive issues—often caught in a cycle of chronic discomfort—veterinary intervention is crucial. While it’s true that a growing body of evidence highlights the significant role that diet plays in either aggravating or alleviating the underlying causes of these problems, it’s not a one-for-all dog food choice.
Dog Food Allergies and Skin Infections

Among the most common concerns of dog owners are skin allergies and yeast infections, which are often interconnected. To begin with, it is essential to recognize the difference between environmental and food-related allergies. Although many pet owners suspect food allergies when their dogs display symptoms like itching, red skin, or digestive discomfort, true food allergies in dogs are relatively rare.

Research indicates that food allergies only impact about 20% of dogs. In most cases, allergies in dogs are caused by environmental triggers such as pollen, mold, dust mites, fleas, or household cleaning products. However, for the small percentage of dogs that do suffer from food sensitivities or allergies, dietary management becomes a key component of symptom control.
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When dogs react to their food it means that their immune system is mistaking a typically harmless ingredient as a threat. This misidentification prompts the body to mount an inflammatory response, which may present as skin irritation, hot spots, gastrointestinal upset, or recurrent ear infections.
Animal Protein and Dog Allergies

One of the most common culprits in such food-related allergies are animal proteins. Dogs are most often allergic to proteins like beef and chicken, which are among the most widely used ingredients in commercial dog foods. Other proteins such as pork, lamb, and even fish can trigger similar responses in sensitive dogs, although these are somewhat less common.

Dairy products can also lead to issues, especially since adult dogs are lactose intolerant. Like most adult mammals, dogs lack an enzyme called lactase, which is necessary to break down lactose, the sugar found in milk. Consuming dairy that has not been treated with lactase can result in gastrointestinal discomfort and contribute to systemic inflammation, further exacerbating skin issues.

Additionally, eggs, while highly digestible, may also pose a risk to dogs that are allergic to chicken, due to the similarity in proteins between the two ingredients. While sensitivities to grains such as wheat and corn are even more uncommon, some dogs do exhibit adverse reactions to them, as well as to legumes, such as soy and peas.
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Dog Food Elimination Trials

Because dog foods often contain a long list of ingredients, determining the exact cause of an allergic reaction can be challenging. Limited ingredient diets can help in this regard, as they reduce the number of potential allergens and typically feature a single source of protein. These diets are useful for dog elimination trials, which introduce new ingredients one at a time to determine if they trigger a reaction.
Novel Protein Dog Diets

Another effective strategy involves the use of novel protein diets. These diets feature proteins that a dog is unlikely to have encountered before, such as duck, venison, rabbit, bison, or kangaroo. Since the immune system has not been sensitized to these proteins, they are less likely to provoke a reaction.
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Best Diet for Dog Yeast Infections

In the case of yeast infections, the connection to diet is equally compelling. Yeast infections in dogs are caused by an overgrowth of Candida, a naturally occurring yeast that lives on the skin and in the gut. Under normal conditions, Candida remains in balance with other microorganisms in the body. However, when this delicate balance is disrupted by factors such as antibiotics, corticosteroids, immune suppression, or underlying allergies, yeast can quickly grow out of control and cause infection. These infections commonly manifest as itchy skin, foul-smelling ears, constant paw licking, and digestive upset.

A diet high in carbohydrates creates an ideal environment for yeast overgrowth. This is because carbohydrates, especially those derived from grains and starchy vegetables, are broken down into sugars that the yeast then feeds on.

Many commercial dog foods contain high inclusions of these ingredients, including wheat, corn, rice, oats, potatoes, and peas. Grain-free options can be misleading, as they often rely heavily on legumes and root vegetables that are high in carbohydrates. For dogs prone to yeast infections, it is important to shift toward a low-carbohydrate diet that limits these starchy ingredients and emphasizes high-quality, easily digestible animal proteins.
Look for Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients

In addition to reducing carbohydrate intake, focusing on anti-inflammatory ingredients can help control both yeast infections and allergies. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly those derived from fish oil, algae, or flaxseed, are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and can support the health of your dog’s skin and coat. Including these nutrients in the diet helps to reduce systemic inflammation, alleviate itching, and promote healing. Other beneficial nutrients include biotin and zinc, which support skin repair, and vitamin E, an antioxidant that contributes to skin health and helps to control inflammation.
Probiotics Can Suppress Yeast Growth

Supporting the health of your dog’s gut is another crucial aspect of managing both yeast infections and allergies. A healthy digestive tract plays a central role in immune function and can significantly influence the severity of allergic responses and yeast overgrowth. Introducing probiotics into your dog’s diet can help maintain a balanced microbiome and help suppress the growth of harmful organisms like Candida.

Probiotics may be found in some high-quality commercial foods and can also be added to your pet’s diet in the form of a supplement. Some pet owners also choose to incorporate fermented foods such as unsweetened kefir or yogurt, though care must be taken to avoid dairy-based products unless they have been appropriately processed to remove lactose.
Hydrolyzed and Hypoallergenic Diets

For dogs with severe or persistent symptoms, prescription hypoallergenic or hydrolyzed diets may be necessary. Hydrolyzed diets involve breaking down proteins into smaller amino acids and peptides, which are less likely to be recognized by the immune system as allergens. These formulas are often recommended for dogs that have not responded to standard elimination diets or who experience frequent relapses.

Because hydrolyzed diets are typically available only through veterinary prescription, it is important to consult with a veterinarian before starting such a regimen. Furthermore, pet owners should avoid introducing supplements or treats that could reintroduce allergens or unnecessary carbohydrates, thereby undoing the benefits of a controlled diet.

While not all cases of skin irritation, ear infections, or digestive upset can be resolved through diet alone, nutrition plays an undeniably significant role in managing these conditions. By eliminating common allergens, reducing carbohydrate intake, supporting the gut microbiome, and including anti-inflammatory nutrients, pet owners can create a dietary environment that helps their dog’s body resist infection and reduce inflammation. Alongside proper veterinary care, a well-balanced, thoughtfully selected diet can greatly improve your dog’s comfort and long-term health.

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04/09/2025

How To Treat a Dog Ear Hematoma at Home
A hematoma lump on your dog’s ear occurs because capillaries inside the ear flap are bleeding.

Treating a dog ear hematoma at home is possible if it's a small hematoma on a healthy dog's ear.
Note the area of swelling (see arrow) on the flap of the dog’s ear. This is an aural hematoma.

You can treat a small ear hematoma on your dog at home, if necessary, but you run a real risk of ending up with an unsightly cauliflower ear (more on that below). In addition, that hematoma is painful for your dog. Because of the pain and the risks involved, treating your dog’s hematoma at home is not a good idea. The best way to treat a dog’s ear hematoma is to have it surgically repaired by your veterinarian.
What Is a Dog Ear Hematoma?

An aural hematoma is a pocket of blood that occurs when the small capillaries inside the ear flap break. The hematoma lump will feel soft and squishy at first, becoming firm and receding over time as a clot forms and the ear heals.

An aural hematoma lump in a dog can happen for a variety of reasons. Often the dog has an itchy ear infection that causes him to scratch repeatedly at the ear, traumatizing the delicate blood vessels in the ear flap. Itchy ears due to allergies and bug bites can do the same thing.
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Other potential causes include trauma from a bite wound, an object stuck inside the ear causing irritation, or a bleeding disorder.
How To Treat a Dog Ear Hematoma at Home

You can try to treat your dog’s aural hematoma at home, especially if it is a small hematoma and your dog’s ear is clean and healthy. This will take time, and his ear will crinkle as it heals and end up with a “cauliflower” appearance.

To encourage the blood to drain, alternate warm and cold compresses for 5 to 10 minutes each several times a day. The warm compress encourages blood flow to get fluid out of the ear flap, while the cold then slows blood flow and helps to decrease inflammation and discomfort. Be sure that warm compresses are not hot enough to burn the ear.

After each compress session, wrap the ear to your dog’s head or use a No-Flap Ear Wrap to apply pressure to the ear and protect it. An Elizabethan collar can be helpful as well.

You do also have the option of letting the hematoma heal completely on its own. This will take longer and increases the risk of a cauliflower ear. The folds from a cauliflower ear may block air flow to the ear canal and provide additional nooks and crannies for future ear infections to set up shop.

If your dog has an ear infection or if inflammation or a wound is present, he will need to see a veterinarian
How To Treat a Dog Ear Hematoma

The best way to treat a hematoma is to remove the blood, close the pocket of now empty space, and treat the underlying cause so that it doesn’t happen again. And you can accomplish these goals with the help of your veterinarian.

Every veterinarian has a favorite way to treat a ear hematoma, but you need to be up front about your budget limitations so your dog’s vet can choose the approach that will be the best fit for you and your dog.

The gold standard is to put the dog under anesthesia or sedation, drain the blood out of the ear using a needle or small incisions made with a scalpel, and then stitch the pocket in the ear closed with sutures through the whole ear. Closing the pocket this way makes it impossible for blood to fill the ear flap again while it is healing and encourages the development of scar tissue supporting a normal ear shape.

If your dog is calm and easy to work with, your vet may be able to drain the hematoma lump while he is awake using a large needle and a syringe. Suturing the pocket closed is not usually possible for an awake dog—that’s a lot of pokes to sit through! These dogs often need to have their hematomas drained several times over the course of a few weeks.

Some vets infuse a steroid into the ear flap after draining to address inflammation at the source.

While the ear heals, it must be protected. This is true for either a surgical repair or a basic drain. Some options to protect the ear and prevent additional trauma include wrapping the ear to the head, a No-Flap Ear Wrap, and/or an Elizabethan collar. It may take some trial and error to find the option that works best for your dog, and some dogs need multiple layers of protection.

Treating the Underlying Cause of a Dog Ear Hematoma

To prevent a hematoma from coming back, you will need to treat the underlying cause. This is best done with the help of your vet.

Your veterinarian can swab the ear and check for an infection, then prescribe the appropriate ear meds (plus do a thorough cleaning!). If your dog has allergies, the vet can walk you through the process of managing those. Foreign bodies may be able to be flushed out or may require surgical removal. Bleeding disorders can be diagnosed with bloodwork and treated or managed appropriately.

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19/08/2025

What do Ticks Look Like on Dogs?
Deer and dog ticks can transmit bacteria that may cause serious illness. Learn how to identify tick bites and safely remove ticks from your dog.
By
Dr. Jennifer Bailey, DVM -
Published: August 1, 2022
2
What do ticks look like on dogs, depends on the type of tick and how long it has had to eat.

It’s been a long day and you’re finally enjoying some quiet time with your dog. Your fingers are coursing through his coat when you feel a small lump on his skin. Parting his fur, you find something fastened to your dog’s skin that looks like a tick. But how do you know it’s a tick?

If a tick has been attached to your dog for more than a day or two, it will be engorged with your dog’s blood. Engorged ticks will have a gray, oval-shaped body with a brown or black head and legs – but note that when a tick is biting and attached to your dog, you won’t be able to see its head. Using a magnifying glass – or perhaps just the zoom feature on your cell phone – you may be able to see a row of waving legs on either side of the engorged body (ticks have eight legs, with four on either side of their bodies, like spiders). If the tick has only recently bitten your dog, it may be as small as the kernel inside a sunflower seed; if it’s been attached for longer, it may be as plump as a grape.

Be cautious if you’ve found a small brown, black, or pink lump on the underside of your dog’s chest or belly; it might be a ni**le! Both male and female dogs have ni**les. If you are not sure if what you have found is a tick, please contact your veterinarian. They may ask you to send them a picture of what you have found.
What are the different types of ticks found on dogs?
close up of engorged tick
Engorged ticks may be as fat as grapes – grapes with tiny, waving legs on the sides. Removing engorged ticks from a dog without squeezing their swollen bodies can be a challenge. ©Nancy Kerns

There are a number of species of ticks that are frequently found on dogs; most common are “deer ticks” (also informally called black-legged ticks) and “dog ticks” (Dermacentor variabilis, also called American Dog Ticks, and Brown Dog Ticks, Rhipicephalus sanguineus). Deer ticks are small – before they’ve had a blood meal, they may be as small as a poppy seed. Dog ticks are larger, perhaps as broad as a single pea (though nearly flat before they’ve fed). Depending on the species, dog ticks may have a plain brown body or be brown with red-dotted bodies and a grey “shield” on the back of its “neck” area. Each species of tick carries different bacterial species that can cause disease in the animals that the tick feeds on.

Ticks await their prey by climbing onto grass, trees, and brush and quickly grab onto anything that brushes by them. They can crawl pretty rapidly through your dog’s fur – or equally fast up the leg of your pants!

Ideally, dog owners groom their dogs after they’ve been in any environment frequented by ticks. Brush your dog while looking for any loose or attached ticks – or use a brush and a tape roller in alternating strokes, to loosen and then capture any crawling ticks.
How to Remove a Tick from a Dog
using lint roller to remove ticks from dog
Alternating stokes of a brush with a tape roller (the kind often used to remove dog hair from clothing) can capture loose ticks, preventing them from biting your dog. ©Dr. Eileen Fatcheric

Don’t delay if you find a tick attached to your dog. Remove it right away with a pair of tweezers or use a tick removal tool, such as the Tick Twister, Tick Tornado, or our favorite, the Pro-Tick Remedy. Tick removal tools are available for purchase online or at your favorite pet supply retailer. (See our review of tick-removing tools, “How to Get the Tick Out,” WDJ July 2019.)

Tick removal tools come with instructions on how to remove the tick. If you are using tweezers, hold the tweezers parallel to the skin. Grasp the head of the tick as close to the skin as possible. Pull the tick straight up and away from the skin to remove it.

Once the tick is removed, place the tick in rubbing alcohol or a zipper storage bag and discard it in the trash. You may also flush the tick down the toilet. Do not squeeze the tick! Squeezing the tick could expose you and your dog to the bacteria contained within it.
How NOT To Remove a Tick from a Dog

When it comes to tick removal, there are a number of well-known methods that should be avoided. Don’t use the end of a burnt match or lit cigarette or try to smother the tick with petroleum jelly or nail polish. These old-timey techniques can hurt your dog, increase the amount of time the tick is attached, and cause the tick to release more bacteria or protozoa into the bite site—both of which increase the risk of disease transmission. – Kim Thornton from “Dog Owner’s Guide to Types of Ticks“
Care for a Tick Bite on a Dog After Removal

The dog’s skin where the tick was attached may become raised and red. A scab may develop over the tick attachment site and remain there for a few days. These spots do not typically become infected and do not require an antibiotic cream or ointment. Contact your veterinarian if the tick attachment site grows larger or develops a yellow or green discharge.

Dogs do not develop the red, bullseye rash that some humans do when they have been bitten by a tick that transmitted Lyme disease. However, dogs will sometimes develop a red bullseye lesion about ½-inch in diameter when they have been bitten by black flies or horse flies. These are usually seen on the underbelly of the dog where their fur is thinner and the skin is easier to see. These lesions are typically not itchy and will resolve on their own in a few days.

If you found an attached tick – and especially if you found more than one attached tick – have your dog tested for Lyme and the other tick-borne diseases that are prevalent in your area about four to six weeks after you have removed the tick/s. Talk to your veterinarian about what high quality flea/tick preventative they recommend and use that preventative all year, even in winter. Adult ticks remain active during the winter months in most areas of the United States.

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14/08/2025

Science confirms what dog lovers have always felt. In a groundbreaking fMRI study led by Emory University neuroscientist Gregory Berns—reported in National Geographic and Nature Scientific Reports—researchers found that when dogs smell their owner, the caudate nucleus, the brain’s center for joy, reward, and affection, lights up far more than when smelling food or other dogs. This means your scent isn’t just familiar to them—it triggers a powerful emotional response, a biological signature of love and bonding. It’s neuroscience proving that to your dog, you’re not just a caretaker—you’re family.

25/07/2025

Oatmeal Baths for Dogs
Oatmeal is a key ingredient in many pet shampoos and conditioners and oatmeal baths are famous for their therapeutic properties. Here’s how to find effective oatmeal products for your pup’s skin problems, plus DIY remedies that work.

Published: June 30, 2025

An oatmeal batch for dogs can be used to treat a variety of dog skin problems.
Oatmeal baths can be useful for soothing a number of skin conditions in dogs and puppies. Credit: Ivan Tucha | Getty Images

Oatmeal has been used for thousands of years to treat human skin irritations. Likewise, it can be useful for soothing skin issues in dogs.

Oatmeal’s anti-inflammatory compounds reduce redness, itching, and swelling, plus oatmeal forms a protective barrier that preserves moisture and balances the skin’s pH.
The chemical composition of colloidal oatmeal includes a high concentration of starches and beta-glucan, which have protective and water-holding properties, its phenols are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, and its saponins are natural cleansers.

In 2003, colloidal oatmeal was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a skin protectant, making it one of the few botanical ingredients with that authorization. Today colloidal oatmeal and oat extracts appear in creams, lotions, gels, shampoos, conditioners, burn treatments, and other products for pets and people.

What Is Colloidal Oatmeal?

Colloidal oatmeal is any oatmeal that is so finely ground that it becomes a powder. To make your own, grind or pulse 1 cup of plain, raw, unflavored instant, quick-cooking, steel-cut, or slow-cooking oatmeal or oat groats in a coffee grinder, food processor, or blender. Use the highest setting and process until the oatmeal becomes a very fine powder.

Finely ground oatmeal will rinse away easily, but a simple way to prevent clumping is to strain wet blends through a mesh strainer or stocking, place dry ingredients in a porous fabric bag, tie the oat powder in cheesecloth or gauze fabric, or wrap it in a washcloth or towel that you can soak and squeeze to release the oat water.

Oatmeal baths for dogs can be used to help with conditions such as:

itchy skin
hives
rashes
burns
sunburn
allergies
dry skin
dandruff
dermatitis
eczema
hot spots
inflammation
insect bites

How To Give Your Dog a Bath with Oatmeal Shampoo

Dozens of oatmeal shampoos have been developed for dogs and puppies, such as DermAllay Oatmeal Shampoo, EarthBath Oatmeal & Aloe Dog Shampoo, Honest Paws 5-in-1 Oatmeal Dog Wash, and Tropiclean Oatmeal Itch Relief Shampoo for Pets.

For safety, have your dog stand on a non-skid mat or towel. Thoroughly wet your dog’s coat and skin with comfortably cool or tepid water. Cool water has a soothing effect of its own, while warm or hot water can exacerbate skin irritations. So can vigorous rubbing as you massage products into the skin or rub the coat with towels. To sp*ed recovery and healing, keep your movements slow, calm, and gentle.

Apply oatmeal shampoo to your dog’s neck, back, and areas of skin discomfort or itching. Progressively massage oatmeal shampoo into the coat and skin, keeping suds away from your dog’s eyes, nose, and mouth. Massage the inside legs, skin folds, feet, ear flaps, and under the tail. Leave the shampoo in place for 5 to 10 minutes so the oatmeal’s healing compounds reach all the skin and coat. Thoroughly rinse your dog with large amounts of cool or mild-temperature water. Allow your dog to shake herself off, then finish drying her with towels. Comb or brush long-haired dogs, being gentle on and around affected areas. High-temperature blow drying is not recommended because it can increase irritation and discomfort in affected areas.

Oatmeal shampoos can be used alone or followed by an oatmeal conditioner such as Vetoquinol Aloe & Oatmeal Conditioner, DermAllay Oatmeal Spray Conditioner, or Zesty Paws Oatmeal Anti-Itch Dog Conditioner. Follow label directions.

Do-It-Yourself Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs

The easiest and least expensive way to help your itching pup is to make your own oatmeal shampoo. This formula works well for puppies and adult dogs:

1/4 cup unscented castile soap, such as Bronner’s Unscented Baby Wash, Burt’s Bees Fragrance-Free Baby Wash, or any unscented baby shampoo or soap labeled for use with dogs or puppies

2 cups lukewarm water
1/2 cup finely ground oats or oatmeal

Mix or blend these ingredients well, then apply as described above.
Do-It-Yourself Dog Oatmeal Conditioner

1 cup lukewarm water
2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
1/4 cup finely ground oats or oatmeal

Combine these ingredients in a blender or shake them in a jar until thoroughly combined. Pour the blend into a spray bottle, straining it if necessary, and apply it to your dog, then massage or brush it through the coat. Let the conditioner stand for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing with plain water. This blend is safe to apply to your dog’s face, nose, and eye area.

Do-It-Yourself Oatmeal Paste to Soothe Dog Skin

Create a paste with ground oatmeal and water for direct application to insect bites, rashes, hot spots, or especially itchy areas. Start with equal parts colloidal oatmeal and water, such as 1/2 cup of each. If you need more, double the recipe. You want a paste that will be easy to apply and that will adhere to your dog’s skin and coat.

Gently massage the paste into affected areas so that the paste reaches all the way to the skin, then cover it with a damp towel or cloth or spray the applied paste with water to maintain moisture, and keep your dog still for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing it off. This treatment can be applied more than once a day if needed.
How To Make an Oatmeal Soaking Bath for Your Dog

An oatmeal soaking bath is different from an oatmeal shampoo because it doesn’t involve soap. Its key ingredients are finely ground oatmeal and a tub, bucket, or basin of tepid water. Oatmeal baths are recommended for uncomfortable skin problems, everything from flea bites to allergic reactions, itchy skin, and rashes.

The most well-known oatmeal bath is Aveeno’s Soothing Oatmeal Bath Treatment, whose only ingredient is colloidal oatmeal.

To make a colloidal oatmeal bath for your dog:

In a blender or food processor, grind 1 cup of plain, uncooked oatmeal until it becomes a fine powder.
Stir the ground oatmeal into a tub, bucket, or large basin of comfortably warm or cool water.
Place your dog in the bath and sponge the oatmeal water over your dog or place your dog in a T-shirt that you soak with bath water. The goal is to thoroughly cover all your dog’s skin with the soothing oatmeal water. Plain oatmeal bath water is safe to apply to your dog’s face and nose.
Leave the oatmeal water in direct contact with your dog’s skin and coat for 10 to 15 minutes. Gently rinse well and pat dry with towels.

How Often Should You Give Your Dog an Oatmeal Bath?

Most experts recommend giving dogs oatmeal baths as needed. For example, a healthy dog whose coat is in good condition might benefit from a monthly oatmeal bath, while a dog with environmental allergies and really itchy skin could have two or three oatmeal baths per week until symptoms subside.
What If Your Dog Has Sensitive Skin?

Oatmeal baths are well tolerated by dogs and puppies, but if your dog has a history of topical allergies, try a patch test first. Create a paste by mixing finely ground oatmeal with a small amount of water and apply a dab to your dog’s bare abdomen, inner thigh, or behind the ear. Gently massage the oatmeal, then leave it in place for up to 24 hours. Check for any redness, swelling, or irritation before and after rinsing the area. If the skin looks undisturbed, your pup should enjoy good results from oatmeal treatments. You can patch-test oatmeal shampoos or conditioners by placing a small amount of diluted product on a small area of bare skin and observing the result. If your pup experiences any redness, swelling, itching, or irritation, rinse the area well and choose a different product.

25/07/2025

When you adopt siblings there is a possibility that one will develop littermate syndrome where they look to their littermate for guidance.

12/07/2025

https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/health/how-to-give-your-dog-a-pill/?sc=WIR20250711-Sub&st=email&MailingID=3746

Most experts suggest that you give your dog a pill in food. But what if you can’t use food? Here’s how to administer pills with or without hiding them in food.

04/07/2025

https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/health/your-dogs-healthy-gut/?sc=WIR20250704-Sub&st=email&MailingID=3736&utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Your%20Dog%20s%20Healthy%20Gut&utm_campaign=WIR20250704-Sub

Investing in your dog's gut health can make a big difference in their quality of life in daily life and as they get older.

02/07/2025

DOODLES DO NOT HAVE OWNERS, THEY HAVE STAFF!!!