What You Need to Know About Your Dog’s Ear Yeast Infection
Does your dog show signs of an ear yeast infection? Follow these tips to keep your dog's yeast ear infection and them healthy.
Key takeaways:
An ear yeast infection is easy to spot, but knowing what caused it can be more difficult.
Infections may indicate an underlying condition.
You should take your dog to a vet to find out if there are other health issues.
Yeast infections are usually treated with medication.
Certain breeds have a higher chance of infection.
Routine dog care visits can catch the problem before it worsens.
As a pup parent, you need to learn what your dog's behavior tells you about their health, including ear yeast infections. Your pup can't use words to communicate, but they will let you know when something is wrong. When a dog rubs their ears, it may be a sign of an ear infection. There are different kinds of ear drops, so it will be up to your vet to find out which type of infection your pup has.
This article will outline the different kinds of infections, causes, treatments, and dog ear cleaning tips for prevention.
Recognizing the Importance of Prompt Treatment
Prompt treatment of ear yeast infections is essential to prevent complications. Left untreated, a simple yeast infection can escalate into a more serious issue, potentially causing chronic pain and hearing loss. In addition to medication, your vet may recommend changes to your dog's diet or environment to reduce allergen exposure. Keeping your dog's ears dry and clean, especially after swimming or baths, is vital to preventing yeast ear infections. Regular check-ups allow for early detection and treatment, ensuring your dog's ears remain healthy and free from infections. By staying vigilant and responsive to your dog's needs, you can effectively manage and prevent ear yeast infections.
What are the signs of an ear yeast infection in dogs?
Your dog's ear infection may be bacterial, or it may be caused by an overgrowth of yeast. Yeast infections have several telltale signs, making them easy to spot. Some include:
Scabbing around the opening of the ear
A waxy residue that's reddish or brownish
A musty, cheesy smell
The ear itself may be red or irritated
Trouble with balance or walking in circles
Missing fur in the infected area
Hearing loss
Unusual movement or patterns in your dog's eyes
Many of the symptoms are the same if your dog has swimmer's ear. These symptoms point to a yeast infection in your dog's ears. This is not only uncomfortable, but if left untreated, it is very painful. If you see these signs, take your dog to your vet.
Understanding and Preventing Yeast Infections in Dogs
One of the primary factors contributing to the development of yeast infections in dogs is the shape of their ears. A dog's ear canal is "L" shaped, creating a perfect environment for yeast to thrive. This structure of dogs ears allows water and other materials to become trapped, especially after swimming, increasing the likelihood of an ear infection in dogs.
Due to this unique shape, a dog's ear canal can harbor various allergens that lead to infections. Common culprits for ear discharge include:
Feathers
Dust
Mold
Cleaning products
Certain foods
Cigarette smoke
These allergens can cause a buildup in the affected pup's ear, leading to discomfort and potential infection. It’s important to regularly check your dog's ears for any signs of redness, swelling, or unusual discharge, as these can indicate the onset of an inner ear yeast infection.
What causes an inner ear yeast infection in dogs?
Inner ear yeast infections in dogs are often caused by a combination of factors. The shape of the ear canal, as mentioned, plays a significant role, but other elements can contribute as well. Moisture from swimming or bathing, the presence of foreign materials, and exposure to allergens all increase the risk dog yeast infections. Additionally, a weakened immune system or an underlying health condition can make dogs more susceptible to developing yeast infections. Regular veterinary check-ups and ear cleanings are essential in keeping your dog’s ears healthy and free from infections.
Beyond the Ears: Identifying Yeast Infections on the Skin
Yeast infections in dogs aren't limited to the ears. They can affect the skin all over their body. Watch your dog's skin for symptoms such as redness, scabbing, and other markers of irritation. Regular grooming and inspection can help catch these issues early. Ensuring your dog’s overall hygiene and maintaining a clean environment are key steps in preventing these infections from spreading or becoming severe.
A yeast ear infection may indicate other health issues
Your vet will examine your pup to find out what kind of ear infection you're dealing with. If the above signs are present, it's likely an ear yeast infection. Other infections are possible, however. For instance, a bacterial infection exhibits many of the same signs as treat yeast infection.
The bigger concern is that inner ear infections may point to something else wrong, such secondary infections 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.
Once your vet finds out what kind of ear infection you are dealing with, they can look for other health issues. The next step is treating the problem.
How to treat ear yeast infections in dogs
Fortunately, treating outer third ear infections in dogs is pretty simple. Your vet will find out if the eardrum is intact by using an otoscope, plus see if there is anything in the canal that caused the infection. They will likely extract a sample from the infected area to look at under a microscope. From there, they can determine whether your dog has an ear yeast infection or bacterial infection—or both! Your vet will prescribe medication to treat the infection. The kind of treatment depends on the infection.
Outer ear canal infections: are usually treated with topical anti-fungal creams or ointments
Middle ear infections: These are more serious, and your vet may prescribe injections or tablets. Depending on the severity of your pup's condition, surgery may be necessary.
Does your dog get frequent ear infections? Ask your vet for medical ear cleaners oral antibiotics 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 to find out pups with floppy ears are more prone to develop ear infections. Some breeds include:
Golden retrievers
Poodles
Cocker spaniels
Basset hounds
Other breeds with hair in their ear canal, like Schnauzers, are also susceptible to ear yeast infections. Outside of specific breeds, a yeast infection may be more likely if your dog suffers from general allergies.
Additional Factors Increasing Susceptibility
Breeds with hair in their ear canals, like Schnauzers, are also at a higher risk for ear yeast infections. The hair can trap dirt, debris, and moisture, contributing to the development of recurrent yeast infections there. Additionally, dogs with general allergies are more susceptible to ear yeast infections. Allergies can cause inflammation and increase the production of wax and oils in the ear, further promoting an environment conducive to yeast growth. Regular grooming, proper ear cleaning, and addressing any underlying allergies are crucial in preventing ear infections in these susceptible breeds.
How to prevent ear yeast infections in your dog
Cleaning is the most important thing you can do to prevent your pup from getting an ear yeast infection. Prevent debris from remaining in the inner canal. Give your dog's ears a frequent treatment with a vet-approved cleaning agent. It's important to not let moisture stay in your dog's ears. Gently dry your dog's ears thoroughly after baths or swimming to remove as much moisture as possible.
Schedule routine dog care visits
Schedule regular monthly visits with Scenthound and feel secure knowing a professional is providing routine care and looking out for your dog regularly. A well-trained specialist knows how to thoroughly clean your dog's ears, skin and hair samples. Regular visits allow your routine care specialist to get to know your dog. They will be able to tell when your pup is “off” and look for signs something is wrong. Use our easy store locator to find the location nearest to you.