Yeasty Skin & Ear Home Test Kit for Dogs and Cats

Yeast infections are a very common problem in the ears and on the skin of dogs and cats. Typical symptoms are below. Please take note of these as the problem can often look like a bacterial infection, meaning too many cases go undiagnosed and thus improperly treated. This quick, simple home test gives you the information you need.

Should the test detect a problem, we 100% recommend ProPythium to fix it.

Canine yeasty skin/ear test kit

Yeast infections are a common problem in dogs. The main species of yeast that affects dogs is Malassezia, which can live happily on a healthy dog. A healthy immune system and skin flora will usually keep its numbers in check. However, on occasion, illness can impact the immune system and most importantly the gut flora (whereby the gut flora is disturbed, which in turn disturbs the skin flora via the gut/skin axis, allowing yeast to grow). Other conditions such as food allergies and hormonal change (again, both issues impacting the gut) can also result in Malassezia growth, be it on the skin or ear.

Warm days or water added then will fuel its growth. However, first the initial disturbance is required. After all, all dogs get wet and warm and sweaty, but not all develop yeasty skin conditions.

Yeast symptoms:

• Red irritated, itchy skin (most of often on the tummy, armpits, in the skin folds, paws etc)
• Skin may be greasy or flaky and can soon turn black in patches
• Odour (cheesy doritos, car begins to smell very "doggy". Usually takes someone else to point this out...!).
• Smelly, dark brown discharge from the ears which may cause rubbing of their head, irritation and pain

See images attached.

Learn more about yeast infections in dogs here.

Yeast or mites?

A very good question! While some symptoms may be similar, you know your pet and symptoms such as an odour, associated with a yeast infection will be a good indication. However, as with anything, sometimes, it is simply a process of elimination. You need to cross off the options.

What we do:

Your samples will be examined under the microscope using the Impression Tape samples and by carrying out a smear test with your swab sample.

This test is a non-invasive tool that can be used as a process of elimination where your dog is experiencing symptoms. If your dog is showing severe symptoms then you should contact your vet for advice and treatment options. Results from this test can be shared with your vet who (where applicable) will then be able to determine the best treatment options, appropriate for your dog.

Your vet may also wish to carry out additional testing to identify the root cause if an underlying condition is suspected.

Should your test be positive...

You will need ProPythium, the highly effective, natural yeast killer. There are both ear and skin options available

What is included in my Kit?

• Instructions for use.
• 1 x Hygiene Swab.
• 4 x impression tape swabs.

All UK Feclab kits contain FREE 1st class return postage, which can be popped into a standard letter box.

Instructions for use

Swab Sample:
1. Using the swab provided, wipe the swab end around all the areas of concern.
2. Once taken, place the swab back in the tube and do the lid up (making sure it is tight).
3. Write your dogs’ name on the tube
4. Place your swab tube in the bubble wrap bag provided

Impression Tape:
Your kit contains 4 Tape Impressions.
1. Peel back the paper side, trying not to touch the sticky side of the tape.
2. On the area of concern, clear as much hair as possible and place the tape on to the area. Rub this with your finger so that it is pressed against the skin.
3. With your finger, rub over the top of the tape to ensure all of the tape touches the area of concern. Do this for each impression.
4. Once done, fold the impression tape in half, so that it sticks to itself.
5. Place your impression samples in to the small zip bag and seal.

Finally: Place your Impression samples, your swab sample and this leaflet into the pre-paid returns envelope and pop this in a standard letter box.

** You will receive your results within SEVEN days via email. Please keep an eye on your spam folder too. If you have not received your results within this time, please do contact us.

Attention Irish Customers...

Please remember, Brexit means Britain is now OUTSIDE the EU, meaning if you post this back with An Post the package MUST HAVE A CUSTOMS FORM on the front. This means you have to take the kit to your local post office in person. They stick it on for you. For these worm kits, you are sending a sample for DNA analysis so we are told you can state "DNA sample".  It should cost €8.50 to post back (large envelope, less than 250g).

It may be easier to send with DPD who will pick it up from your for around the same price (and now you don't have to go down to the Post Office...).

Pet insurance

You may be able to make a claim on your pet insurance for this test and ongoing treatment, should a positive result be identified. In this case, speaking to your veterinary practice and insurance company would be advisable.