Dog ear mites and yeast infections have similar symptoms such as itching, discharge, and redness. However, a distinctive characteristic of ear mites is the presence of dark granules resembling coffee grounds in your dog's ears, which are not present in yeast infections.
Signs That Your Dog May Have A Yeast Ear Infection
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.
Parasites' Role in Ear Yeast Infections
Ear mites are the most common parasite that can contribute to yeast infections. Even though they can occur in dogs, they most commonly occur in cats. These tiny insects like to live and reproduce in the ear canal, causing significant irritation and inflammation.
Anti-fungal ear drops are the most common treatment for dog ear yeast infections. Your vet may also prescribe oral anti-fungal tablets and pain relief medication if your dog's ear is very painful. For severe infections, an ear flush under general anesthesia may be necessary.
Simply mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water and apply it to your dog's ears using a cotton ball. Another natural remedy is tea tree oil — but be warned, it is potent and should be diluted before use. Simply mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil, like coconut oil, and apply it to the affected area.
The Treatment
To kill a yeast infection, get raw, organic apple cider vinegar and make a solution of one part apple cider vinegar and three parts water. This is delivered into the pet's ears, which is easier said than done. The best way I found is to do this with a syringe (no needles).
When some dogs eat ingredients such as chicken, wheat, corn or other individual items, ingestion will trigger an allergic reaction that can alter the natural flora and allow an unnatural growth of yeast. If your pet suffers from yeasty ears, attempt altering their diet to eliminate common triggers.
Yeast infections in a dog's ear can also cause deafness if it goes too long without treatment.
Outer ear infection (otitis externa).
A waxy, yellow, or reddish-brown ear discharge can also be a sign your dog has an ear infection, which can be a result of allergies, mites, polyps, overproduction of ear wax, excessive bathing or swimming (which can leave too much moisture in the ears), or other problems.
Skin and Paws
Topical ingredients that are effective in treating yeast include chlorhexidine, miconazole, and ketoconazole. In difficult-to-treat or severe cases, oral antifungal medications are used. Oral antifungal medications used in dogs include fluconazole, terbinafine, ketoconazole, and itraconazole.
You might notice these physical symptoms as well: swelling, reddish ear wax, and redness. These symptoms are similar to yeast infections, but a significant difference is the dark granules in your dog's ears that resemble coffee grounds. These granules are ear mite discharge.
Ear infections are uncomfortable and itchy for dogs, not only that, they can become painful if the infection is left untreated and becomes more severe. If you think that your dog may have a yeast infection in one or both ears it's time to head to the vet.
Yeast ear infections are a common health condition in our canine companions, often causing: intense ear scratching, black or brown ear discharge, and. a strong, musty smell that follows your dog wherever he goes.
Serious yeast infections inside the ear can take up to six weeks to heal. Keep paws clean and dry.
Foods to Avoid for Yeast Overgrowth in Dogs
Avoid starchy vegetables, foods that contain carbohydrates and added sugars that may show on labels as dextrose and fructose.
The key to preventing yeast ear infections in dogs is keeping the ear canal healthy and dry. Whenever your pooch has been in water bathing or swimming be sure to dry your dog's ears well. Underlying conditions such as allergies or hypothyroidism can cause your dog to experience chronic or recurring infections.
The probiotics in Greek yogurt also fight yeast infections, which can help dogs with recurring ear or skin infections. Just be sure to avoid flavored or sweetened Greek yogurt, as dogs don't need the added sugar.
In the meantime, there are some home remedies you can try to ease your pet's discomfort, such as a warm compress, vinegar or hydrogen peroxide ear flush, and the use of natural anti-inflammatory agents like coconut oil or aloe vera gel.
You can clean your infected dog"s ears yourself, but be sure to avoid using cotton buds as these can push debris further into the ear canal, causing more severe problems. It is best to use a saline solution to clean the ears. You can make this by boiling water, letting it cool, and adding salt.
Ear mites live in the ear canal and on the surrounding skin. Signs of ear mites in dogs include scratching around the ears, head and neck, skin irritation, head shaking, the presence of an ear discharge that is dark and waxy (resembling coffee grounds) and an unpleasant odour from the ears.
The best treatment to get rid of most yeast infections comes down to medicated creams or a pill. Studies show that these creams and the oral pill, fluconazole, both work more than 90% of the time. Uncomplicated yeast infections usually respond to treatment within a couple of days.
Clean each of your dog's ears once or twice a day.
In order to eliminate the fungal infection, you will need to keep your dog's ear really clean.
Yeast infections are not contagious, rather are due to your dog's own microflora getting out of control. Factors that may contribute to this are: Lack of airflow to ears, a warm moist environment due to long, floppy, furry ears. Dirty ears with wax or debris buildup.