If your puppy is rubbing its ear or tilting its head, it may have an ear infection caused by an overgrowth of yeast. A bacterial infection or ear mite infestation can also cause the same symptoms. So your vet needs to establish what kind of infection your dog has. Here are some of the things you need to understand about how dog ear yeast infection happens, the causes, symptoms, treatment, and how you can prevent such issues for your beloved pet.
Ear mites or Yeast: What caused the infection?
Dog ear yeast infections can cause various symptoms, such as redness, brown discharge, head shaking or rubbing, odors, and itching. Ear mite infestations are incredibly itchy and share many of the same signs. The secretions released from the ears will be dark in hue with waxy or crusty textures; these mites are almost invisible to our eyesight, but they’re easily spread between animals.
With a simple swab of the ear, your veterinarian can quickly and easily identify if your dog’s troublesome ears are caused by yeast or mites through microscopic examination.
Yeast Infections in Dog Ears
Unfortunately, it’s common for dogs to suffer from ear infections. Yeast infection is one of the most frequent types – caused by an accumulation of fungi found on your pup’s skin and ears that are normally harmless when balanced correctly. However, suppose inflammation occurs in their ears. In that case, this can cause a rapid increase in yeast levels leading to unpleasant side effects such as brown greasy discharge inside the ear canal with a smelly odor and itchiness for your furry friend.
Causes of Yeast Ear Infection in Dogs
A yeast infection in your pup’s ear can be caused by a variety of underlying issues, some of which include:
- Trapped moisture – particularly in dogs with long floppy ears
- Antibiotics
- Immunodeficiency
- Too much bathing
- Yeast allergy
- Frequent swimming
- Exercise in humid environments
- Feeding your sugary dog snacks
- Not cleaning your dog’s ears often enough
Signs That Your Dog May Have A Yeast Ear Infection
Are you concerned that your pup may have a yeast ear infection? Look out for the following clues:
- Red or brown waxy discharge in the ear
- Itching, scratching & pawing at the ear
- A cheesy or musty smell coming from the ear
- Red or irritated ear
A yeast ear infection may indicate other health issues.
If there are any visible signs of infection, it is probable that your pup has an ear yeast infection. However, other infections, such as bacterial ones, may be to blame, which often exhibit many similar symptoms. To definitively determine the cause and possible treatments, have your pup examined by a vet urgently.
The bigger concern is that inner ear infections may point to something else wrong, such as:
- Your dog’s eardrums may be ruptured.
- There may be a tumor or polyp in the ear canal.
- An object may be trapped in your dog’s ear.
- Your dog might have allergies.
Upon your veterinarian’s diagnosis of the ear infection, it is essential to look for any other potential health concerns. Treatment should then follow promptly to manage and eliminate symptoms.
How to treat ear yeast infections in dogs
Ear infections are irritating and itchy for dogs and, if neglected, can become exceptionally painful. Get your pup the help they need before their infection worsens!
Luckily, treating outer ear infections is fairly straightforward. With the help of an otoscope, your vet can assess if the eardrum remains intact and examine any objects stuck in the canal that may have caused the infection. They will also likely take a sample from the infected area to analyze under a microscope to discover whether it’s an ear yeast or bacterial infection – or both! Subsequently, they’ll prescribe medication that aligns with their determination.
- Outer ear canal infections: Usually treated with topical antifungal creams or ointments
- Middle ear infections: Your vet will prescribe injections or tablets for more severe cases. Additionally, surgery might be necessary to return your pup back to full health, depending on the severity of the condition.
Does your dog get frequent ear infections? Ask your vet for medical ear cleaners or other regular treatments.
Are yeast ear infections more common in certain breeds?
Infections are more likely in areas where moisture can be trapped. Knowing this, it likely won’t surprise pet owners or vets to find out pups with floppy ears are more prone to develop ear infections. Some breeds include:
- Golden retrievers
- Poodles
- Cocker spaniels
- Basset hounds
In addition to certain breeds with hair in their ear canal, such as the Schnauzer, dogs that suffer from general allergies may be more likely to experience yeast infections. Therefore, if your pup is predisposed to these conditions, you should keep an eye out for any potential symptoms of a fungal infection in order to prevent further damage and discomfort.
How To Prevent Yeast Infections in Dogs
Prevention of yeast infections in dogs must include addressing the underlying cause to reduce the likelihood that the infection will reoccur.
Bath them properly. To gain the maximum benefit from antifungal shampoo, it’s essential that your dog have exposure to its lather for a minimum of 10 minutes before rinsing them off. Furthermore, make sure you dry their ears completely after bathing or swimming sessions, so no moisture is left behind; this action can prevent any fungal infections in the long run.
Clean and Dry. Keeping your pup’s ears clean is the most effective way to guard against yeast infections. Regularly remove dirt and debris from within the inner canal using a vet-approved cleaning agent. Furthermore, if your dog has skin folds, it may be necessary to provide extra maintenance care so these places do not become too humid, where yeast is more likely to grow and thrive. Taking the time for this preventative measure can save you lots of trouble down the road!
Desensitize. Through the administration of an allergy vaccine (immunotherapy) that includes yeast, dogs who have been tested and identified to be allergic to this substance can experience desensitization.
Groom them properly. If your dog’s ears have hair peeking out of the opening, it is best to leave trimming or tweezing up to their groomer. You can certainly do so yourself if you are confident in doing so and your pup allows, yet be sure not to yank any hairs that require extra effort. Furthermore, never insert anything inside the ear unless instructed by a professional vet, as this can harmfully rupture your precious pet’s eardrum and result in serious repercussions.
Consult your vet. It’s critical to remember that environmental allergies can also be the cause of yeast infections in dogs. If you think your pup is suffering from a yeast infection, take them to their regular vet immediately and get an accurate diagnosis and suitable treatment plan for your pet. Be sure to have a discussion with them about possible allergens present in the home environment, too and how you can avoid exposure or minimize it.
Yeast ear infections can be a real problem for dogs – especially in the hot and humid summer months. Taking preventive measures such as regular cleaning and checking for signs of infection can go a long way in helping prevent dog ear yeast infections. However, if you notice any symptoms, it’s important to take your pup to the vet immediately so they can get proper treatment before it becomes more serious.
References:
https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/yeast-infection-in-dogs-causes-treatment-and-prevention
https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/10-signs-your-dog-has-yeast-infection
https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/dog-ear-yeast-infections/
https://www.scenthound.com/dogblog/what-you-need-to-know-about-your-dogs-ear-yeast-infection
