Yeast can cause painful, damaging ear infections in your dog, but you can help prevent them from occurring. Here’s how to keep your pups safe.

Key takeaways:

• Yeast infections in dog ears are called yeast otitis.

• It happens when yeast overgrows and crowds the inner ear and canal.

• Preventative measures are the best option to fight yeast-related ear infections.

• Vets prescribe antifungal and anti-inflammatory medications when yeast infections are severe.

Don’t you love when your pup tilts their head at you in that adorable way? If they seem to be doing that more than usual, it might not be just a bid for attention. Tilting the head, rubbing their ears, and an odor are signs that typically point to an ear infection caused by yeast.

Any type of ear infection left untreated can lead to serious health issues for your pup. This article explains what causes yeast otitis, the symptoms, and what you can do to help your dog get some relief.

What causes yeast ear infections in dogs?

Malassezia pachydermatis yeast in a dog’s ears is typical in small amounts, but it causes an infection called “yeast otitis” when it overpopulates – and both the ear canal and flap can be affected. Ear infections caused by a build-up of yeast are different from bacterial ear infections, although they are equally as painful and dangerous.

A yeast ear infection can occur for any number of reasons. The most common include:

• Moisture – Yeast grows fast in warm places such as a dog’s ear canal. Add moisture from swimming or bathing, and your pup’s ears become petri dishes for yeast. When a dog’s ears don’t properly dry out, the yeast goes into overdrive and can eventually cause an infection.

• Allergies – A dog who has food allergies or is allergic to something in the environment, such as pollen, can see yeast overgrowth occur. The body systems react to allergens with inflammation which causes the yeast to multiply.

• Mites – Mites in a dog’s ear can cause all sorts of trouble, including yeast infections. They feed on ear wax, and their bites cause irritation and inflammation that trigger yeast growth.

• Congenital disabilities – Like humans, some dogs are born with congenital disabilities or deformities such as excessive ear tissue or abnormal canal structure. These abnormalities can also happen over time, especially if there has been an injury or chronic infection. Such issues make it more difficult for the ear canal to stay dry, giving yeast an excellent opportunity to grow.

• Tumors – A tumor in the ear can block the canal, allowing heat and moisture to build up and encourage yeast growth.

Antibiotics, hormonal changes, and skin issues like dermatitis can all cause yeast infections in a dog’s ears. It’s important to understand the symptoms so you can treat the infection before it gets worse.

Symptoms of yeast ear infections in dogs

Yeast infections are similar to bacterial infections in that they cause pain and irritation. Your pup might be shaking their head, rubbing their ears on the ground, or walking in circles looking for relief. Here are some other signs that an ear infection is brewing:

• Brown, yellow-colored, or bloody discharge

• Crusty skin on the inner ear flap

• Loss of balance

• Loss of hearing

• Loss of hair near the ear

• Redness

• Strange eye movements

• Swelling

• Yeasty odor

Yeast infections in the ear often result in a thickening of the skin surrounding the canal. Scaling and crusting of the area are usually visible when the condition is advanced. If your pup is shaking their head a lot and doesn’t seem to be acting normal, chances are good that they have an ear infection.

Treatment and prevention of yeast otitis (yeast ear infection)

The best way to stop a yeasty ear infection is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. Here are some things to know:

• The most efficient tactic is to keep your pup’s ear canals clean and dry, especially after swimming or bathing. Ear cleaners with drying agents are especially helpful.

• When ear infections are caused by an allergic reaction, supplementing your pup’s diet with probiotics, omega – 3 fatty acids, beta-glucans, and other nutrients can help decrease inflammation and support skin function.

• Regular care and proper hygiene go a long way in preventing ear infections, especially if you’re employing a third set of trained eyes, such as a dog care specialist, who can spot early warning signs. Routine vet visits keep instances of ear infections down, too. Vets check for ear infections and other minor health issues at every appointment.

• Sometimes home remedies, such as wiping the infected area with apple cider vinegar, can help. Applied topically, a half vinegar-half water solution alters the skin’s pH level and prohibits yeast growth.

• Avoiding allergens is another way to help at home. Steering clear of foods your pup is allergic to and staying indoors when environmental allergens are high helps curb yeast production.

Once a yeast ear infection takes hold, it can be tricky to eliminate. Ear cleaning solutions and antifungal and anti-inflammatory medicated drops can help ease the pain and stop the infection, but the problem can easily recur without regular care and hygiene.

Ear infections aren’t unusual for dogs, but part of being a good pet parent means knowing how to ease the pain and kill the infection. Keeping your pup’s ears clean and dry is the number one priority.

Routine care for your pup’s ears

All dogs require basic hygiene and cleaning your pup’s ears is part of our routine care and grooming package. We also give your dog a bath, teeth cleaning, and nail clip as part of our base package. And after every groom you’ll receive our S.C.E.N.T. Check™ report detailing our assessment of your dog’s overall external health.

Contact Scenthound to learn more about our routine care and grooming packages.