Boric acid for yeast infections can be used as an alternative to traditional fungicides. Boric acid can be applied topically and is effective when the infection is mild. Prior to applying the solution, it’s important to make sure the dog is affected by a yeast infection.
Diagnosing Yeast Infections in Dogs
A yeast infection may affect dogs of all ages and will manifest through various symptoms, depending on what area is affected. Yeast infections may affect the eyes, ears, skin or genital area of the pet.
The symptoms may include:
- Itchy skin
- Foul odor coming from the affected area
- Discharges from eyes or ears
- Redness and swelling in the affected area
- Scratching, licking and chewing of the zones where the infection is present
A skin scraping or an analysis of the discharges can give a clear diagnosis. The symptoms may also be indicative of allergies or other medical conditions.
Boric Acid for Yeast Infection
Boric acid can be applied on the zones affected by yeast infections, including the eyes.
You should prepare a solution using boric acid and water. The water should be boiled with 200 ml of boric acid (may be found in the form of powder). The solution shouldn’t be used while hot, so make sure you check the temperature and apply the solution only when it is lukewarm.
In eyes or ears, the solution should be applied using an eye dropper or a syringe. 2 to 5 drops should be sufficient, administered 2 times per day. Make sure you rub the area after applying the drops, to ensure that the solution gets in the dog’s ears or eyes.
If the infection affects the skin of the pet, you can use a boric acid rinse after bathing the pet.
Boric Acid Treatment Effects
The treatment with boric acid should kill the yeast cells and prevent them from multiplying.
You should see results within 2 to 3 days after starting the treatment. The skin should no longer be itchy, but this doesn’t mean that the infection is fully treated. The treatment should be maintained for up to 10 days, to ensure that the yeast cells are eliminated.
The treatment may not be effective in advanced yeast infections, which require the administration of aggressive anti fungal meds or creams.
Boric Acid Treatment Side Effects
The boric acid solution is effective in killing the yeast cells, but this may not be beneficial for the pH of the skin, as even the good cells will be eliminated and the dog may have excessively dry and sensitive skin.
Other side effects may include:
- Skin irritation, especially if the dog has sensitive skin
- Swelling, if the dog is allergic to the solution
If your pet develops an allergic reaction, the treatment should be discontinued.
If the yeast infection is recurrent, you should consult your vet, as your pet may be affected by an underlying disease causing the recurrence of the infection.