How Can We Know If Our Dogs Have Yeast Infections In Their Ears
As we have already said, many dog owners confuse this type of infection with allergies. This is a negative as many might not care about these infections, thinking they are just harmless allergies.
It is vital to know the symptoms that a dog with a yeast infection in the ear is presenting to take the necessary measures in time. Some of the most common symptoms are:
- Unpleasant odor from the ears
As soon as you notice any of these symptoms, you must take your pet quickly to the vet so it can be properly checked. Yeast infections in the ear should not be taken lightly.
How Do Dogs Get Yeast Infections
Common causes of yeast infections in dogs include: Allergies: The most common cause of a dog yeast infection is allergies to fleas, food, or substances in the environment. Allergies can lead to skin irritation and make skin oilier. Some dogs can also develop an allergic reaction to the yeast itself.
Preventing Yeast Infections In Dogs
Yeast infections are a sign that something else is going on. The most effective way to prevent your dog from getting a yeast infection is to address any underlying causes. It can be as simple as drying your dog’s ears after they go for a swim. Be sure to take your dog in for yearly examinations and annual bloodwork. That way, your vet can make sure to promptly treat any underlying issues, including hormonal problems or allergies. If your dog has a food allergy, talk with your vet about trying a prescription food that either has limited ingredients or is hypoallergenic.
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What Kind Of Treatment Will My Dog Get At The Vet
If you do take your dog to the vet for treatment, he is probably going to recognize the Malassezia infestation right away because of the smell. If the vet tells you he should swab the skin you need to decline. Why? Yeast are a normal part of the skin and a test might show how many of the Malasezzia bodies are on the slide but it will always come up positive.
If the vet thinks that the skin also looks like a mange infection, he may recommend that he scrape the skin in several spots and examine it under a microscope. He may also notice that your dog has a secondary staph infection of the skin and may put him on more antibiotics.
This disease is usually diagnosed based on response to therapy. Your vet will probably start out with the same shampoo mentioned above. If the yeast do not respond to shampoo therapy, he may then prescribe an antifungal drug that is meant to kill all of the yeast of the skin. Some of the commonly prescribed drugs are ketoconazole, fluconazole, and itraconazole they are given a few weeks after the dog is no longer showing any symptoms. Dogs usually have to take the medication at least a month.
All drugs have side effects and these antifungal drugs might clear up the yeast, but they can cause a lot more problems too. They might cause vomiting, diarrhea, liver damage, and even skin problems. Isn’t that what you are trying to get rid of?
Whats The Difference Between Ear Mites And Yeast Infections In Dogs
Yeast infections in a dogs ears generally cause redness, a brown discharge, head shaking or rubbing, odor, and itching.
Ear mite infections are extremely itchy and can cause many of the same symptoms. The discharge from the ear is usually dark and waxy or crusty. Ear mites are barely visible to the naked eye and highly contagious to other animals.
Your veterinarian can easily determine whether a dogs ear problem is caused by yeast or mites by taking a swab from their ear and looking at it under a microscope.
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Candidiasis In Dogs: Overview
1. Avoid feeding your dog grain-based or high-carb pet foods.
2. Starve or destroy candida and detoxify the body with diet and supplements.
3. Resist giving your dog antibiotics for minor infections or anytime they are not absolutely necessary.
4. Re-establish your dogs gut microbiome with probiotic supplements.
5. Persevere. Candida infections are difficult to eliminate.
Causes Of Yeast Infections In Dogs
Small numbers of malassezia regularly live on healthy dogs. Normally, the immune system keeps yeast numbers in check. A yeast infection occurs when something compromises the health or balance of the skin or ears, causing yeast to overgrow. Conditions that can predispose dogs to yeast overgrowth include inhalant allergies food allergies hormonal conditions such as thyroid disease, diabetes and hyperadrenocorticism and anything that negatively impacts the immune system.
In addition, dogs can develop a version of swimmer’s ear. Yeast loves moisture. If your dog swims or plays in water a lot, or if you don’t dry out their ears after bathing them, then the wet environment in the ear canal can predispose them to a yeasty ear infection.
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Signs And Symptoms Of Yeast Infections In Dogs
You can usually tell if your dog has a yeast infection by watching for these signs and symptoms.
First, the paws. Dogs sweat from their paws, so it’s the paws that contain a moist wet environment that yeast loves. You can usually tell if a dog has yeast on their paws by the pungent smell…it’s a bit like Fritos.
They’ll also be licking and chewing at their paws a lot. Their saliva discolors the fur making it a rust color. You’ll notice this on any areas that they lick, including the hair between their toes.
The ears will also be an area that you can easily detect yeast.
Dogs with yeast in their ears will be itching and scratching at their ears.
They’ll also be shaking their heads a lot. But the biggest clue is you should be able to see yeast in the ears.
Best Dog Ear Cleaner For Multiple Symptoms
Cleaning your dogs ears doesnt require any special supplies, but not all ear cleaners are created the same. Liquid ear cleaners are better at dislodging waxy junk deep in a dogs ear so she can then shake it out. Instead of reaching for multiple ear cleaners to target ear wax, odor, and itchiness, use a safe, effective, all-in-one canine ear cleaner. Great Ears Multisymptom Dog Ear Cleaner wont deplete the skins natural lipid barrier while conditioning and moisturizing the ears. Best of all, its safe for use on adult dogs and puppies over 12 weeks.
Highlights
- Dogs with excessive waxy build-up may require a second application
- Suggest maintenance cleaning is one to two times per week
- Ensure your dogs ears do not require medical treatment before using an ear cleaner
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Causes Of Ear Yeast Infections
There are several causes of ear yeast infections in dogs. Some of the most common causes include:
- Allergies: If a dog has an allergy to something in the environment or food then a yeast overgrowth may occur in the ear. The body reacts to the allergen with inflammation, and this, in turn, can cause the yeast to proliferate in the ear.
- Ear mites: Ear mites, which feed off of a dog’s ear wax, can cause irritation and inflammation in the ear. This can result in an overgrowth of yeast.
- Moisture: An ear canal is a warm place, and yeast thrives in warm, moist environments. If water enters the ear canal during a bath, for example, and the ears do not properly dry out, yeast will reproduce and cause an infection.
- Ear deformities: Some dogs are born with abnormal ear canals or excessive ear tissue. Other dogs will develop ear issues over time due to trauma, recurrent infections, or other things. These deformities usually make it difficult for an ear to stay dry and instead trap moisture that helps to create an environment for yeast to grow in.
- Tumors: Some tumors in the ear block the opening to the ear canal. This causes excessive heat and moisture to build up and encourages the overgrowth of yeast.
- Medications: If your dog is taking certain medications, such as antibiotics or corticosteroids , the medicines may inhibit your dog from effectively fighting off yeast infections.
What Are The Best Home Remedies
The best thing about a home remedy is that its easy to use and can often be done with things you already have around the house.
Plus, its rare for a dog to experience any strange or adverse side effects, as they might with prescription treatments. Some of the best home remedies for yeast infections in dogs include:
Apple Cider Vinegar
This can help to kill the fungus caused by an overgrowth of yeast. It will help to balance the pH levels of your dogs paws and create a harsher environment for yeast to grow in.
Make sure to use unfiltered, 100% apple cider vinegar for this treatment. All you need to do is dilute it slightly. Use one part vinegar to two parts of water. Then, soak a cotton ball in the solution and rub it all over your dogs paws.
Baking Soda
This also helps to balance out the pH levels of your dogs paws and will create a harsh environment for yeast to grow.
Add a tablespoon of baking soda to a liter of water and soak your dogs feet for a few minutes every day for a week. Youll start to notice the symptoms of the infection go away quickly.
Turmeric
This has natural antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Not only can it help to get rid of the infection, but it can soothe your dogs symptoms, too.
To use it, you can either sprinkle a bit of the spice directly on your dogs paws. Or, you can make a paste with a bit of water and massage it into their paws for deeper penetration.
Coconut Oil
Epsom Salt
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Diagnosing A Yeast Infection
Yeast infections are often misdiagnosed. Some vets may prescribe steroids, antihistamines or antibiotics to treat a yeast infection. However, it can be easily determined if a yeast infection is present by taking skin scraping or rubbing a moistened Q-tip on the affected areas and viewing the sample cells under a microscope. Antibiotics dont affect yeast so they keep on multiplying and making more yeast, which in turn, puts out more toxins and weakens the immune system.
What Causes Fungal Skin Infections
We know that yeast thrives in hot, humid environments, and infections can happen if your pets immune system is compromised or if they are taking strong immunosuppressive drugs. An increase in the amount of oils produced on the skin, or excess skin oils, can cause the condition.
Other yeast-like organisms or fungi may invade the circulation system and cause issues in your dogs organs. These more serious fungi can include histoplasmosis, cryptococcus and Valley Fever, among others.
Fortunately, fungal dermatitis is not contagious, but can recur unless the underlying skin condition or allergy is controlled with medication.
As for which breeds are predisposed to yeast infections, be on guard if youve got a Cocker Spaniel, Shetland Sheepdog, Dachshund, Basset Hound, West Highland White Terrier, Silky Terrier, Maltese Terrier, Australian Terrier, Poodle, or Lhasa Apso.
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Other Natural Cures For A Yeast Infection
Do you know why there are so many treatments for yeast infections? None of them work all of the time. If your dog has a yeast infection on his paws, especially if he is already limping, you might need to try several things until you find something that works.
Some holistic practicioners will recommend an immunostimulant. We have several good products here in South America. One of them, pau dárco, is great but the herb available in some pharmacies may not be pure. The same problem exists with a lot of supplies of Cats Claw, another herb from Peru.
Is There A Cure For Yeast Infection In Dogs
While yeast infections can be cured, some dogs are prone to recurrent infections. The best way to prevent a possible occurrence is to take care of your dogs immune system properly. When you treat the root of the problem, you are not only taking care of the possible yeast infection but other potential skin issues that are a result of problems that originate in the digestive tract.
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What Kills Yeast Infection In Dogs Ears
There are a few different things that can kill yeast infection in dogs ears. One is a topical antifungal medication, which can be prescribed by a veterinarian. Another is a systemic oral antifungal medication, which also can be prescribed by a veterinarian. Finally, there are over-the-counter antifungal medications that can be used.
Keep Skin Folds And Paws Dry
A dogâs sweat glands are primarily located in their paws, so this area can get more moist than others. Wipe down your dogâs paws and between their toes after long, vigorous exercise or when itâs hot outside.
Prevention is the best method for most health conditions, however even by doing all the right things, there is still a chance that your dog could develop a yeast infection. The good news is that yeast infections are unlikely to be life threatening but they are very uncomfortable for dogs. The best solution for treating a yeast infection is with veterinary help and an antifungal shampoo. For mild cases, a vinegar wash, probiotics and coconut oil may be an at home remedy that you can use to reduce yeast overgrowth.
Oregon State University: Gut microbes closely linked to range of health issues . http://oregonstate.edu/ua/ncs/archives/2013/sep/gut-microbes-closely-linked-proper-immune-function-other-health-issues
Small door vets. âYeast infections in dogsâ. . https://www.smalldoorvet.com/learning-center/medical/yeast-infections-in-dogs
VCA. âYeast dermatitis in dogsâ. . https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/yeast-dermatitis-in-dogs
Dr. Dobias Naturals. â9 STEP NATURAL TREATMENT PLAN FOR SKIN YEAST INFECTIONS IN DOGSâ. https://peterdobias.com/blogs/blog/9-step-natural-treatment-plan-for-skin-yeast-infections-malassezia-in-dogs#food
Wag Walking. âCan dogs get yeast infections?â. https://wagwalking.com/wellness/can-dogs-get-yeast-infections
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What Does Yeast Look Like In The Ear
Yeasts are tiny, single-celled fungi that can be found in many different parts of the body, including the ears. In the ear, yeast can cause an infection called candidiasis. This infection is marked by inflammation and a discharge from the ear. Yeast infections in the ear are treated with antibiotics and/or anti-fungal medications.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Yeast Infection In Dogs
There are a few telltale signs that will help you figure out whether your dog has a yeast infection, leaky gut or allergies. One of the key signs is changeability yeast can change with shifts in pH or temperature.
Here are other signs of yeast infection youll want to look for:
- Chewing or licking the feet
- Dark rusty-red hair between the toes
- Bad smell and greasy hair
- Ear infections or head shaking
- Speckles on the underbelly
- Seasonal allergies
- Secondary bacterial infection
Its important to know these signs because the longer your dogs yeast infection goes untreated, the harder it will be to resolve.
If your dog has more than one of these signs, it might be time to treat the yeast. Here are the 4 steps you need to take to stop your dogs yeast overgrowth.
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What Causes Yeast Infection On Dog’s Skin
The yeast infection you see in your dog is merely just a result of an underlying issue. There could be a hormone or immune system problem that is causing the yeast to grow in high numbers.
Other causes of infection in your dog’s ears and skin are due to environmental and food allergies. Yeast dermatitis in dogs can also be caused by the following:
- High carbohydrates or sugar
- Oatmeal shampoos
The Best Food For A Dog With Yeast Overgrowth
In order to keep your dog’s yeast infection from coming back, you need to switch from a commercial diet that has grains, sugars, cheap fillers, and âmoist and meatyâ products with high fructose corn syrup. I recommend a paleo-type natural raw diet based on whatever natural meat sources you can obtain in your area.
- Most of your dogs diet should be meat and bones. You can give him chicken necks and feet, chicken wings, ox tails, trachea and lungs from cows, raw tripe, whole rabbits or Egyptian quail, and if you live in a rural area you can buy old laying hens for just a few dollars each. If you live in the city you can usually buy large bags of chicken wings for a low price.
- Meat from organs should be given occasionally. If you do buy whole chickens or feed rabbits, your dog will consume enough organ meat without buying extra organ meat from the butcher.
- Vegetables mixed in with his diet will provide all of the fiber that your dog needs. Add a tablespoon of fresh yogurt every time you serve him a plate of veggies.
- Your dog will get a little coconut oil from licking his skin but fish oil is also a great source of fatty acids.
Feeding raw does not need to be expensive! It is easier to put down a bowl of processed dog food but it is not much harder to feed your dog correctly. I have talked to several people that are unwilling to feed their dog a healthy raw diet. They are usually unwilling to change because of the lecture they received from a previous vet.
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What Is Ear Yeast In Dogs
Yeast infections that affect the ear are usually visible. Many people often confuse these infections with allergies, and that is why it is important to learn how to identify them well in order to act correctly.
Many types of yeast can affect dogs ears, such as Malassezia or candida. An infection of this type will cause pain and a lot of itching in the area, which could be very uncomfortable for these animals.
It is very important to note that ear yeast infections are not contagious.