Dog ear yeast infections are quite common, and the ears often smell sweet or musty. Usually, you will see redness, which may extend onto the flap of the ear, and the discharge is generally brown. The ear may appear to be greasy, and the hair may be matted.
Signs of a Yeast Infection in Your Dog's Eat
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.
If your dog has a yeast infection of the outer ear canal, the vet might prescribe a topical antifungal ointment or cream. Miconazole and ketoconazole are two antifungal medicines that are often effective.
This condition can make the infected area of your dog's skin itchy, red, and irritated. Yeast infections in a dog's ear can also cause deafness if it goes too long without treatment.
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.
An Excellent Probiotic For Their Gut
If that was not enough, the probiotics found in yogurts can help your dog to fight yeast infections, which can result in ear and skin problems. Furthermore, probiotics may help your dog's body to absorb nutrients and boost immunity.
Serious yeast infections inside the ear can take up to six weeks to heal. Keep paws clean and dry.
A few of the most common causes of yeast dermatitis and ear infections in dogs include: An underactive or overreactive immune system. Allergens (smoke, mold, dust, dander, cleaning products, etc.) Foods high in sugar and carbs.
A yeast infection can make the affected area of your dog's skin red, itchy, and irritated. Yeast infections in a dog's ear can lead to deafness if left untreated for a long time. If your dog is tilting their head, scratching their ears, licking their paws, or has a musty odor, it might have a yeast infection.
Also known as Malassezia dermatitis, yeast infections are usually found in the ears, skin folds, and in between paw pads. Overgrown yeast can make your pet uncomfortable. A yeast infection in the ear could cause deafness if left untreated, for instance.
The prognosis of a yeast infection on your dog is generally pretty good. If you provide the right treatment strategy, the infection should go away within a week. If there are any issues with your pup's immune system or allergies, then it may take longer for your dog to recover.
It is very common to see yeast infections in a dog's ears or on their skin if they have food allergies or environmental allergies. Other underlying issues that may cause yeast infections in dogs include hormonal problems or other diseases that suppress the immune system.
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.
Foods containing simple sugars, including many fruits. White flour and other glutenous grains. Anything fermented with yeast, such as alcoholic drinks. Some dairy products, including whole milk.
If your dog has an ear issue, your veterinarian may suggest a change in your dog's food. In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend a therapeutic hypoallergenic dog food to help limit exposure to potential allergens. Such dog foods may include Hill's® Prescription Diet® brand dog foods.
Sugar feeds the yeast that is naturally present in the dog's body, so when a dog consumes too much sugar, yeast overgrowth occurs in the body and around the ear folds or in the canal, causing infection.
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. Use the cleanser daily, even if the condition appears to be improving, until all of the symptoms are gone.
Your vet might prescribe an oral anti-yeast medicine. However, topical treatments, such as prescription strength anti-yeast cream, lotion, shampoo and wipes, are also effective. If your dog has a yeast infection on their paws, medicated wipes or lotion can be effective.
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.
A dog ear yeast infection can be a painful and uncomfortable experience for your dog. As a pet owner, it is important to be aware of the common symptoms of a yeast infection in your dog's ear, as early detection and treatment can prevent further complications.
Although yeast infections of the ear aren't contagious between dogs, they can develop into bacterial infections or make your dog susceptible to other fungal and parasitic infections, which may be contagious.
Dark brown or black—This type of earwax is commonly associated with yeast and/or bacterial ear infections. It's a good idea to consult with a veterinarian if earwax is this color. Brown—Light brown earwax is normal and expected. If the wax is accompanied by odor or inflammation, it can be a sign of infection.
Is your dog feeling itchy, or does his skin appear flaky, moist or crusty? He may have a bacterial or fungal infection. You may also notice, odor, inflammation or redness. Yeast dermatitis or staph infection can bring these symptoms, along with recurring health issues.
To clean the ears, tilt your dog's head downward with one hand and squirt a gentle cleanser recommended by your veterinarian into the ear, filling the canal. Holding the ear closed, give it a nice massage, really squishing the cleanser around in there. That softens any gunk inside.