Dr Doug English's Yeast Spray Recipe

Yeasty, itchy feet are common in dogs, and similar skin problems turn up in horses (greasy heel, rain scald), cattle and sheep. The organisms involved, a mix of yeasts, bacteria and fungi including Dermatophilus congolensis, are everywhere in moist environments. They take hold where the skin barrier is weak and stays damp.

In dogs it's often worst on the paws and belly, and licking and chewing keep the skin wet and make it worse. Dogs with very hairy feet that stay wet from dewy grass, and dogs with sensitive (atopic) skin, are especially prone. Working as a vet in tropical Queensland, I see these problems all the time. This is the routine I suggest.

1. See your vet first

Have your vet confirm what's going on. Skin infections can need prescription treatment, and an underlying issue such as hypothyroidism, diabetes or Cushing's disease can lower skin immunity and keep problems coming back.

2. Check the diet

Feed a good-quality, balanced diet. Many owners find a grain-free diet helps their dog.

3. Keep feet clean and dry

Dry paws thoroughly after walks, baths and wet grass. Keeping the hair between the pads trimmed helps them dry faster.

4. Dr Doug's Yeast Spray

Homemade Yeast Spray

• 300 ml methylated spirits or isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol
• 150 ml white vinegar (about 2% acetic acid)
• Optional: 1 teaspoon turmeric (it will stain)
• Optional: 30 ml coconut oil (it solidifies and blocks the sprayer below about 23°C)

Mix in a spray bottle, about 2 parts alcohol to 1 part vinegar. Exact ratios aren't critical; more alcohol dries faster. If your vinegar is stronger (5–6%), dilute it first with about 2 parts water to 1 part vinegar. Spray onto feet up to 4 times a day; it dries by itself. I use it on my own feet after a bath or a run.

Safety: the spray will sting on broken or raw skin, so don't use it on open wounds. Keep it away from eyes, nose and mouth, and stop if the skin becomes more red or sore. The alcohol is flammable, so store it away from heat and out of reach of children. If the problem isn't improving within a week or two, go back to your vet.

5. Add turmeric to the diet

Many owners add turmeric to their pet's daily diet as part of looking after skin health from the inside. See how to feed turmeric to dogs and horses.

6. A soothing gel

PawSkin Soothing Gel is a non-staining gel made with tetrahydrocurcumin that soothes and moisturises dry or irritated skin.

For horses with greasy heel, see my notes on greasy heel and mud fever. For dogs with ongoing itchy skin, see itchy skin in dogs.

This page is general information and isn't a substitute for advice from your vet.

By Dr Doug English BVSc