Yeast infections make dogs itchy, smelly, and uncomfortable. But yeast isn’t always the bad guy. It’s a normal part of your dog’s body. Trouble starts when yeast grows out of control.
This guide explains why that happens—and how to stop it from coming back. These vet-backed tips can help your dog feel better fast.
1. Yeast Is Normal—Until It’s Not
All dogs have a bit of yeast.
On their skin, in their ears, and in their bellies. That’s okay.
Yeast and bacteria live together in your dog’s body.
This group of tiny bugs is called the microbiome.
It helps keep your dog healthy.
But when the balance breaks, yeast grows out of control.
That’s when you see red skin, itching, smells, or funky ears.
Yeast takes over when your dog’s microbiome is off-balance.
It was always there—it just got out of control.
2. What Makes Yeast Get Worse
Yeast infections usually start because something else is wrong,
Causing this microbiome imbalance.
Common causes are:
- A weak immune system that can’t stop yeast from spreading
- Antibiotics killing good bacteria that normally control yeast
- Yeast eats sugar so food with lots of grains, rice, corn, or starch gives yeast fuel to grow.
- Warm, damp places—like ears, paws, or skin folds—are perfect for yeast.
- Dogs who swim will get the damp issue more
Sometimes, two or three of these happen together.
To fix yeast, you need to fix these root causes, especially immune system & microbiome.
3. Treat the Infection and the Cause
Don’t wait. Yeast infections need treatment.
Vets will give medicine or a special shampoo. Always finish the full treatment.
But killing yeast isn’t enough.
You also need to fix what started it.
“Yeast is an opportunist. If you don’t fix the problem behind it, it will come back.”
You need to support the microbiome, and the immune system.
4. Keep Skin, Ears & Paws Clean and Dry
Here’s how to prevent a damp-based problem:
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Dry your dog after baths or swimming: Don’t forget between the toes and inside floppy ears.
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Clean ears often: Use a vet-approved cleaner to remove wax and lower the ear’s pH. Yeast doesn’t like acid.
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Wipe paws after walks: Paws pick up moisture and dirt. Wipe skin folds and jowls too.
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Stop fleas and scratching: Scratching breaks skin, and that gives yeast a way in. Use flea prevention as needed.
Bonus Tip: A vinegar rinse (diluted with water) can help. It lowers pH on the skin. 4:1 water to vinegar is a good ratio.
Clean, dry skin gives yeast no place to grow.
5. Feed a Diet That Starves Yeast
Many dog foods have 40–60% carbs from grains, rice, peas, or potatoes.
These turn into sugar.
Look for food that is:
✅ High in meat protein
✅ Low in fillers and starch
✅ Free of sugar and sweet treats
Just because food is “grain-free” doesn’t mean it’s low-carb.
Watch out for starchy stuff like peas or potatoes.
Also try:
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Fish oil (Omega-3s) – helps skin and lowers swelling
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Watch for food allergies – chicken and beef are common triggers. If needed, try new proteins or an elimination diet.
Feeding your dog right starves yeast, and helps their body fight back.
6. Probiotics: The Yeast-Fighting Hero
This is one of the best things to use.
They work in humans, and in dogs.
Probiotics are “good” bacteria.
They help your dog’s gut, skin, and immune system stay balanced.
When good bacteria grow, they push yeast out.
Example: Lactobacillus acidophilus makes acid that stops yeast.
Probiotics also help after antibiotics, which wipe out good bacteria.
They help the immune system—over 80% of a dog’s immune system lives in the gut!
Daily probiotics can:
✅ Rebalance the gut and skin
✅ Lower yeast-friendly pH
✅ Support immunity
✅ Keep yeast from coming back
Some dog foods have probiotics, but a supplement is often stronger.
Be consistent. It takes a few weeks to see full results.
Probiotics don’t just fight yeast—they stop it from coming back.
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Conclusion: Helping Your Dog Feel Better for Good
Yeast is normal. But when your dog’s system is off, yeast can grow out of control.
To fix it for good:
✔️ Treat the infection
✔️ Clean and dry the body
✔️ Feed a low-carb, healthy diet
✔️ Add probiotics to restore balance
With the right care, you can stop it for good.
Note From The Founder
Hey,
I’ve been where you are, and honestly I didn’t think my girl Peanut would get better.
I tried literally everything I could find, online and from the vets.
All the supplements, all the drops, vinegar and tea solutions, you name it.
But things did eventually change. Peanut’s ears and skin did improve.
And in my desperate mission to help her,
We've helped thousands of other dogs.
I partnered with Vet of 21 years, Dr. Bryan Dart.
And that’s how our viral Pre & Probiotics were born: BetterBlend™
This is my proudest achievement, I call it the ‘holy grail’ of dog probiotics.
It’s made with 5 probiotic strains, with solid science behind them.
What started as a support for Peanut went viral.
And now thousands of UK dogs use BetterBlend™ for ear, skin, and gut health.*
I’ve probably read a bookshelf worth of emails from grateful customers.
One this week told us it completely stopped her Spaniel’s ear gunk and smelly skin.
➡️ Here’s why BetterBlend™ is going viral with UK dog owners »
Kind regards,
Ilya Andre
Founder & CEO
Pick Peanut
PS - I called it BetterBlend™ because it made my girl better. A bit cheesy, I know. But it means something to us, so we will be keeping the name.
*BetterBlend™ is a natural support for long-term ear and skin health, designed to aid natural, existing, processes like yeast balance from the inside out.