Brown dog with shadows over his face

Yeast Infection in Dogs Ears

It is possible for a yeast infection in dogs ears to occur, but how. Dogs with ears that appear normal, clean and healthy is evidence that they are well fed and living in a well maintained environment. However, if the environment is not well sanitized, the yeast has the ability to grow and increase within the dogs ears. Unfortunately, many pet owners do not know much about a dog yeast infection, what makes the yeast proliferate fast, and how to keep yeast under control. In this write-up, we will highlight the major causes of yeast infection in dogs ears, the symptoms and the best way to protect your dog from yeast infection.

Yeast in Dogs Ears?

Yeasts are single-celled organisms in the form of fungi resembling spores. They’re mainly found on the ears and the skin of the dog.

How Does a Yeast Infection in Dogs Ears Occur?

There are several factors that predispose your dog to the yeast infection. Some of the factors include:

Weak Immune System

Underfed and malnourished dogs are prone to dog yeast infection of the ears. To protect your dog from this disappointing infection, ensure your dog gets a balanced diet such as premium dog food.

Under-active Immune System

Under-active immune systems can cause the dog to lose immune balance. Additionally, the overactive immune response is responsible for issues which are also the major source of yeast infection. Steroid therapy is popularly used to treat in dogs. Unfortunately, steroids may shut the immune system. Shutting the immune system does not end the underlying causes, but it only covers the symptoms. For example, regulating and balancing normal flora levels becomes a big problem thus causing the yeast in dogs ears to develop.

Environment

Yeast thrives well in humid, warm and dark areas. Therefore, humid dog ears provide a more suitable environment for the yeast to survive. For example, dogs with floppy ears are more prone to dog yeast infection due to their conformation which makes it easy for the yeast to settle and reproduce. On the other hand, dogs with erect ears are less likely to be affected by dog yeast infection since their ears are more exposed to the air and light.

Antibiotics

This is the most common cause of yeast infection in dogs ears. A consistent use of antibiotics can kill both bad and good bacteria especially the good bacteria that yeast in dogs ears.

Weakened Immune System

If your dog has been affected by a weakened immune system, it may keep scratching the skin. The constant scratching may open the skin for yeast infection.

Symptoms of Yeast Infection in Dogs Ears

The following are symptoms of yeast in dogs ears;

  • Foul smell
  • Head shaking
  • Pawing at ears
  • Rubbing ears
  • Swollen ears
  • Ear discharge

Diagnosis

It is highly recommended that a dog should get a thorough check from a well-trained and highly skilled veterinarian. The ears should be inspected thoroughly. The most appropriate way of diagnosing an ear with the yeast infection is by having a vet take a sample and examine it through a microscope.

Home Solutions

The ear canal is supposed to be well cleaned before using any other home solution. White vinegar is the recommended home solution which can clear the yeast infection in your dogs ear. White vinegar is very useful because it creates an acidic condition in the ears. The acidic condition is very negative towards yeast; it can eradicate yeast infection within a short time. However, before using white vinegar, you should dilute with cold water.

After the ear has been thoroughly cleaned, the solution should be poured gently in the ear and dried out using a dry cotton ball.

SPECIAL PRECAUTION

If you are intending to bathe a floppy-eared dog, it is important to ensure the ears are not left wet. Put the cotton ball inside the ear to it from getting wet.

One of the best ways to fight dog yeast infection is by cleaning ears regularly. You should disinfect your dogs house frequently. If left untreated, yeast infection in dogs ears can cause some unfortunate discomfort for the dog, but don’t worry, if treated under the proper care, the yeast in dogs ears will start soothing away.