The presence of yeast infections can be a painful long-lasting nightmare for dogs. Although they are treated the problem, it is likely to be recurrence-related, which forces pet owners to seek out more antibiotics and make regular visits with the veterinarian. Although serious yeast infections may need medication, herbal cures are often able to reduce the symptoms.

“Although I’m not opposed to using any of the numerous, routinely medicated ear ointments, particularly when dogs’ ears are infected, inflamed, or painful. These therapies can lead to repeated episodes,” says an integrative veterinarian and the author of “The Nature of Animal Healing” Dr. Martin Goldstein. However, using a more natural approach will often yield similar outcomes while significantly reducing the chance of recurrence Goldstein says.

Below are four organic remedies that you could try.

4. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is made up of several acids, one of which is known as Caprylic Acid, Goldstein says. The acid has been proven to combat human fungal diseases as well as an ear yeast that is common (called Malassezia pachydermatis) found in dogs.

The most effective method of administering caprylic acid to dogs can be through diet suggests Dr. Sarah Urban, an integrative veterinarian with a specialization in canine rehab and food therapy for veterinary patients.

“Mixing with a premium coconut oil 1 to 2 teaspoons for small dogs or 1 to 2 tablespoons for large dogs every meal appears to be beneficial,” Urban says. Caprylic acid capsules that you break open and sprinkle the contents onto your pet’s food.

Goldstein recommends warming coconut oil to the point that it has liquefied before using a small cotton ball that has been dipped into the oil to cleanse the ear canal, or around the paws.

3. Dietary Changes

The yeast thrives under certain conditions, most of which are caused by poor nutrition. A diet that is loaded with refined starches and carbs and cereals, grains, and byproducts of them can frequently make yeast more prolific, Goldstein says.

“Yeast likes sugar, and carbohydrates are broken down into sugars,” Goldstein says. “This can further increase the allergic reaction and adds to ear canals, which are a favorable environment to promote the proliferation of organisms.”

Urban shares his opinion and says that low sugar, low carbohydrate diet can be a boon to fight yeast infections.

“You could invest hundreds of dollars in prescription drugs and topical medication However, you need to address the root of the issue first, which usually starts in the food system,” Urban says.

2. Probiotics

Typically it is the case that if the gut of an animal is healthy and has sufficient amounts of good bacteria issues with yeast are much less frequent, Urban says.

“When yeast begins to grow within the gut can begin to circulate around the bloodstream, and eventually reach the skin. This is why we will see dogs that are yeasty,” says Urban. To treat the gut and stop this from occurring, your dog may require some probiotics.

There are many kinds that are probiotics Urban suggests supplements that contain Bacillus Coagulans spp because the probiotics are active only when taken in reaction to the growth of bacteria that reside in the digestive tract.

“The advantage is that it is able to resist being destroyed by stomach acid, but will remain active within the intestinal tract,” Urban says. Urban. “Other species I would recommend include Bifidobacteria Spp, which accounts for more than 95 percent of the intestinal bacterial population of healthy people.”

There are special probiotics made for dogs. So ask your vet which one to offer your dog and what amount.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

If you have mild yeast issues, Urban says an apple vinegar dilution could work. She suggests using one part vinegar and one part water to clean the ear and lightly dry it. “The acidic acetic acid found in vinegar is ideal at 22% solution can kill yeast and bacteria on contact with the ear,” She says.

It is also possible to apply vinegar to gently cleanse your dog’s feet and paws or any other places in which you’ve noticed yeast eruptions with cotton balls.

“Never apply pure vinegar to the ear as it could cause burn due to its acid” Urban says. “It’s essential that the person who is using it doesn’t flush an ear that is infected or an ear that’s severely inflamed with vinegar since in the event that the eardrum ruptures or is not functioning properly then pouring the solution into the ear may create permanent damage to the brain.”

If you think you have a serious problem with your ears, you must consult a doctor before attempting this, or any other treatment at home.