Can A Dog Die From An Ear Infection
The likelihood of a dog dying from an ear infection is quite rare, but ear infections still cause severe and lasting damage. If you leave it untreated, an ear infection can cause permanent damage to your dogs ears.
Some of the more extreme cases can damage its blood vessels and eardrums. Therefore, even though death is extremely rare in cases of ear infections, you should take care to treat them early because they can harm your dog for life.
How A Yeast Infection Gets Diagnosed
Vets diagnose yeast infections in dogs through a combination of physical exam findings and simple lab tests. Your vet will take a sample from the surface of your dog’s skin or swab the ear, stain it and look at it under the microscope. Yeasts are easily identifiable under the microscope.
If your vet suspects an underlying condition that’s contributing to your dog’s yeast woes, then they’ll likely recommend additional testing to determine the root cause.
Ear Infections Caused By Yeast In Dogs
- urbananimalveterinary.com
- Summary: It may require surgical intervention to remove the vertical portion of the ear canal or even remove and seal the ear canal (ear canal
- Matching search results: Proliferative Ear Canal Change and Middle Ear InfectionA routine ear infection is uncomfortable enough but if the infection persists, it can become an even bigger problem. The infection can lead to proliferation and scarring in the canal which makes
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Dog Ear Infections: Symptoms Causes Treatment And Prevention
- Summary: Head shaking Scratching at the affected ear Moisture, which can create a prime growing environment for bacteria and yeast Duration of any symptoms, such as
- Matching search results: If your dog is showing any of the common signs of ear infections, its important to visit your veterinarian as soon as possible. Quick treatment is necessary not only for your dogs comfort , but also to prevent the
What Are The Signs Of Otitis Externa
The main signs are:
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scratching at the ear or ears
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dropped carriage of ear
You might also notice a smell, a discharge and a red appearance of the skin of the ear canal entrance. The ear or ears may be painful to touch.
In most cases, dogs are still eating, drinking and behaving normally. But if the infection becomes severe, your dog might seem quieter than usual and go off food .
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Are Yeast Ear Infections More Common In Certain Breeds
Infections are more likely in areas where moisture can be trapped. Knowing this, it likely wont surprise to find out pups with floppy ears are more prone to develop ear infections. Some breeds include:
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Golden retrievers
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Cocker spaniels
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.
Presence Of Water In The Ear
This mostly happens after the dog has had a dip. A dogs ear canal structure is such that once water gets in, it is hard to get it out. When this happens and water remains in the ear canal, it offers an environment that encourages the proliferation of yeast. When this is sustained for a while, infections in the ear occur. To avoid this, dry up your pets ears after they have had a swim.
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Dog Ear Infections From Fleas Or Ticks
Dogs who have ear infections to fleas and ticks you can visually see fleas and ticks near your dogs ears. Your dog may also be itching their ears too.
There are over-the-counter flea and tick medications such as Frontline or Advantage that can be given to your dog, just make sure that you purchase the correct size for your dog. If these products do not work, there are more effective products offered at your vets office.
Will Dog Ear Yeast Infection Go Away On Its Own
It is unlikely for yeast infection in dogs ears to go away on its own.
In most cases, it takes between 4 and 6 for the infection to clear, with treatment. Based on the severity, the vet may recommend cleaning the dogs ear canal. Then, they will probably prescribe your dog medications or suggest using specific over-the-counter ear cleaners.
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Treatment For A Yeast Infection In Dogs
Managing yeast infections in dogs is tricky because once the fungus starts to overpopulate, it’s difficult to get under control. The most effective way is to treat the digestive tract and skin simultaneously AND ensure the immune system is working optimally.
The gastrointestinal tract accounts for 70% of the immune system. As mentioned above, yeast starts to grow out of control when the immune system is compromised. Starting here helps your dog’s immune system fight potential invaders such as yeast.
The first thing to do is to ensure the digestive tract has all the essential nutrients it needs to work efficiently. Adding a supplement that contains beneficial amounts of omega-3 and omega-6 is a good start. Both omega-3 and omega-6 are essential fatty acids that are essential to dogs and support a healthy immune system. These EFAs are found in fish oils, salmon, in particular, has an abundant supply.
Be careful when selecting salmon or salmon oil as there is a vast difference between wild-caught salmon and farm-raised salmon. Be sure to choose wild-caught over farm-raised salmon as studies have shown that farmed fish is full of contaminants.
I recommend and use Pawsome Naturals Wild Alaskan salmon oil.
It’s made from fresh-caught wild Alaskan salmon, is manufactured here in the USA in a facility that has earned the Good Manufacturering Practices stamp.
You can find my review of salmon oil, here which goes into more detail of why it’ll help with a yeast infection.
Common Ear Infection Treatments & Relief
To prevent serious complications caused by your dogs ear infections, youll need to employ a mix of home and veterinary care. Dont worryyou dont have to know how to pluck dog ear hair or stick a Q-tip in your dogs ear in order to treat an ear infection at home! If youre ready to dive in, check out these over the counter dog ear infection treatments:
Dog Ear Infection Drops
One of the most effective ways to target bacteria in the inner ear is with medicated dog ear infection drops. A few drops can have a big impact on reducing inflammation, redness, or bacteria in the ear canal. The best ear drops for a dogs ear infection will be made with hydrocortisone for a more effective treatment.
Ear Wash, Flush, or Rinse
Ear flushes can be used at the first sign of infection, or used preventatively for drying and cleaning the ears if you suspect your dog has been in an environment that puts them at higher risk for contracting an ear infection. Antifungal and antibacterial ear flushes usually contain medicated active ingredients that help rinse away debris while treating symptoms of irritation deep within the ear.
Antibiotics
When treating your dogs ear infection, medicine might be necessary. Your veterinary provider might prescribe antibiotics for a dogs ear infection if the cause is bacterial, especially if symptoms are persisting and youve already tried medicated drops, ear flushes, and other treatments at home.
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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 dogs ears a frequent treatment with a vet-approved cleaning agent. Its important to not let moisture stay in your dogs ears. Gently dry your dogs ears thoroughly after baths or swimming to remove as much moisture as possible.
Excessive Use Of Antibiotics
The Malassezia fungus which is what causes yeast infections is usually kept in check by another species of bacteria. When your dog is subjected to antibiotic treatment, it kills off the friendly bacteria allowing for the Malassezia fungus to multiply and grow out of control. As such, a bout of yeast infection could be caused by excessive use antibiotics.
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How Are They Diagnosed
A veterinarian will use cytology to diagnose a yeast infection. The vet will swab the discharge in the infected area, collect a skin sample, or use acetate tape preparations to collect the yeast, then evaluate the sample on a microscope slide to look for Malassezia yeast. The yeast will appear in clusters or will adhere to keratinocytes.
While a yeasty odor or specific lesion patterns may suggest a yeast infection, cytology is the most effective way for a vet to officially diagnose the problem. Keep in mind, though, that the vet may need to conduct more testing to identify the underlying cause of the infection.
Yeast Ear Infections In Dogs
Yeast is a naturally occurring fungi found on your dog’s skin and in their ears. When the correct balance of yeast exists your pet’s skin and ears stay healthy. However, inflammation of the ear can cause yeast levels to accelerate and grow leading to a brown, greasy discharge within the ear canal and around the inside flap of your pup’s ear. This discharge can be both itchy for your pup and smelly.
Our Bartlett vets see yeast infections in dog’s ears far more often in the summer months when it is hot and humid than any other time of year. Hot humid weather provides the perfect environment for yeast to grow. When that moisture and warmth are combined with a lack of airflow caused by the shape of your dog’s ears, yeast infections can often result.
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Yeast Infections May Signal Other Problems
According to the Canadian Veterinary Journal, Malassezia dermatitis in dogs is usually a secondary problem due to an underlying skin disease such as allergic disease , recurrent bacterial pyoderma, and endocrine diseases . Yeast dermatitis occurs most commonly in animals with the following conditions and skin diseases:
- Environmental allergies. Vets will ask about fleas, diet, and exposure to pollen.
- Endocrine disorders like hypothyroidism or Cushings. Common symptoms of hypothyroidism are recurring ear and skin infections as well as unexplained weight gain. The common causes of Cushings disease are increased thirst, urination, panting, thinning of fur on rump and tail, and a pot-bellied appearance.
- Food allergies. Always address any food allergies in your dog with your veterinarian.
- Bacterial pyoderma. Theres typically a rancid odor, crusts, and pustules.
How To Diagnose Canine Ear Infections
This article was co-authored by Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD and by wikiHow staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA. Dr. Nelson is a Veterinarian who specializes in Companion and Large Animal Medicine in Minnesota, where she has over 18 years of experience as a veterinarian in a rural clinic. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1998.There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 38,158 times.
Canine ear infections are a common ailment for dogs. Usually, infections are caused by bacteria or yeast. Although some canine ear infections will resolve on their own, its best to get treatment from a vet, as ear infections can cause hearing loss or become chronic infections. You can diagnose a canine ear infection by recognizing the symptoms and taking your dog to the vet. Then youll be able to treat the infection.
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Causes For Yeast Infection In Dogs
Yeast infections are caused by many reasons, but its always because the yeast is somewhere its not meant to be. Dog ears are the perfect environment for yeast infections because theyre moist and warm.
These characteristics make it easy for the yeast to multiply and snowball. The yeast infection can lead to allergies, bacterial infections, and other opportunistic infections.
Most times, yeast infections are caused by excess moisture in your dogs ear. If your dog just got bathed, went swimming, or running, it could develop a yeast infection.
What Causes Yeast Infection Of The Ear
A dogâs ear canal plunges downward and then towards the head . That gives yeast a favorable environment in which to grow. If your dog swims or is bathed frequently, trapped water or debris in the ear canal can lead to yeast infections. Allergens like pollens, mold, dust, feathers, cigarette smoke, cleaning products, and certain foods can also lead to ear infections in a dog.
A dog’s outer ear extends from the outside of the earlobe to the ear drum. An infection in this part of the ear is called otitis externa. An infection in the middle ear — otitis media – typically develops in association with an outer ear infection. Then once the middle ear is infected, the infection can spread to the inner ear, where it will affect the dog’s sense of balance and position. An inner ear infection can also cause deafness. Catching and treating an infection early, while it’s still in the outer ear, will help prevent more serious middle and inner ear infections.
Yeast infections can also show up elsewhere on your dogâs skin. When one does, it causes the skin to become scabby, reddened, or crusty. with a foul odor.
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What Breeds Are Prone To Ear Infections
Based on a study, the top five breeds prone to ear infections are Golden Retrievers, Basset Hounds, Chinese Shar Peis, Beagles, and Labradoodles. Spaniels and Poodles are also at a higher than average risk.
Here is a list of the dog breed prone to infections of the ears:
- Golden and Labrador Retrievers
- Yorkshire Terriers
- German Shepherd Dogs.
Dogs with large ear flaps and floppy ears suffer from ear infections more frequently. Simply put, they cover the dogs ear canal and trap moisture leading to ear infections.
Upright ears have the advantage of more natural air circulation, but flying insects and other foreign objects can make their way inside easily. The presence of such objects also causes infections.
Dog ear infections are also common in dogs whose ear canals are covered with hair. The hair trap debris and moisture, which contributes to ear infections.
Debris Foreign Objects Ticks Causes Dog Ear Problems
Sometimes a dog’s ear can be filled with debris, or some foreign object can get lodged in the ear canal, causing a variety of ear issues.
Ticks can also be the cause of dog ear issues.
Although these cases are sporadic when they occur, they are usually caused by a tiny object or something like plant debris.
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How Do You Treat Ear Infections In Dogs
The treatment of dog ear infections depends on the underlying cause. Here is a short review of the possible treatment options:
- Ear Cleanser. First, the ear must be cleaned with an ear cleaning solution made for dogs. Based on the circumstances the ear can be cleaned once, or the procedure repeated a couple of times and days.
- Topical Medication. Then, the vet will prescribe or recommend topical medications ear drops usually containing antibiotics . The vet will give clear instructions on how to use the drops and for how long.
- Oral Medication. In severe cases, the veterinarian will prescribe oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications. Sometimes, the dog may also need pain relievers.
- Natural Supplements. Probiotics can be used in the treatment of dog ear infections. We recommend the Honest Paws Well Pre + Probiotics Supplement. The probiotic blend will help with the ear issue, boost the dogs gut health, and support overall wellness.
- Specially formulated with both dog probiotics and prebiotics.
- Avoid diarrhea, loss of appetite, constipation, and many other problems.
- Helps promote the production of natural antibodies, fight free radicals, and support a healthy immune system in your dog.
Are Yeast Infections In Dogs Contagious For Humans Or Other Pets
If your dog has a yeast infection, the yeast cells cannot be transmitted to another pet even if they come in direct contact with the infected dogs skin. What should be noted is that a yeast infection can lead to a secondary bacterial or fungus infection, which may be contagious in some cases. This holds true for humans as well secondary infections, such as ringworm, are contagious and owners should take precaution when directly handling their dog.
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Yeast Imbalance In Dogs Ear
If the yeast infection in the ear is caused by a local problem in the ear, topical antifungal ointments or creams such as Miconazole and ketoconazole are usually prescribed. Natural remedies for yeast infection in dogs are very common as well. Well cover them in more details in the next sections below.
Before applying the antifungal medication or remedy, it is very important to clean the dogs ear canal, remove any accumulated dirt, wax or debris to allow good air circulation, and also confirm that there are no foreign objects trapped inside the ear. This cleansing should be done every time before applying the medication. Disinfecting the affected areas and keeping them clean is a very important part of the treatment, especially considering the dog excessive scratching.
What Is Ear Yeast
This type of yeast infection affects the visible part of your dogs ear. Inflammation in the outer flap of your dogs ear is called otitis externa.
A dog ear yeast infection may be mistaken for allergies. But its often caused by yeast. It could be candida, the most common type of yeast but it might also be malassezia, a different type of yeast. Yeast can smell musty a bit like an old shoe. Your dogs itching will be intense, and there may be a brown or black discharge.
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