Fighting Fleas – What Kate T. Taught Me About Brewers Yeast & Garlic

My friend Kate T. turned around my thinking on using brewers yeast and garlic. Brewers yeast and garlic are reported to help dogs resist fleas, but I’ve avoided using them for fear of causing allergies.

Many dogs are highly allergic to brewers yeast, and--as with most food allergens--it causes hot, itchy ears. The cells lining hot ears increase cerumen production and the ears fill with brown discharge. Fungal and bacterial organisms multiply like whipped cream from a spray can in this discharge. The dog scratches its ears, tears the skin, and the bacterial swamp penetrates into deeper dermal tissues. An infection that began in the outer ear canal (otitis) invades the middle ear (otitis media) and inner ear(otitis interna). The dog constantly shakes its head, scratches its ears; and, eventually, it becomes a deaf dog that walks with a head tilt.

What began as a reaction to brewers yeast can become a problem that does not end until the entire ear is removed surgically in a procedure called ear ablation. To stop this progression, veterinarians dispense antibiotics, steroids, fatty acids, and ear washes, and ear flushes. They schedule repeat visits for the pet so everyone stays on top of the situation. Ear, skin, and allergy appointments are so common that they account for 20% of visits made to the average clinic. The percentage would be higher if those outdoor dogs routinely forbidden to enter the house were allowed to sleep in under their owner’s bedat night. Many of these dogs would keep their families awake with their scratching and odor.

Given my concern for allergies, Kate T. needed to pound my head a bit to remind me that not all dogs are allergic. Her point is that dogs without allergies should have the benefit of brewers yeast & garlic. So, Thank you Kate T. for making me a better veterinarian. I will be more open-minded to the benefits of brewers yeast & garlic and will suggest it for more pets.
How brewers yeast & garlic repel fleas, hasn’t been clarified. Perhaps it provides vitamins and immune stimulants that keep the pet exceptionally healthy. We do know that healthy pets attract fewer fleas than unhealthy pets. Perhaps brewers yeast & garlic changes the dog’s odor and masks the presence of exhaled carbon dioxide that attracts fleas.

Regardless of how it works, let's consider using brewers yeast & garlic for these pets:
· small dogs with light skin, such as the Maltese and Westie, who often have an inflammatory skin reaction following application of topical flea & tick medications.
· Dogs with liver disease who cannot metabolize chemicals efficiently.
· Dogs in the South where fleas are a year-round problem may benefit from the combining brewers yeast & garlic with topical flea treatments.

So from Kate T. and me, go for it. Add brewers yeast & garlic to your pet’s food to help repel fleas. And, please let us know how it worked for you.