Signs Of An Ear Yeast Infection In Dogs
You may be wondering, does a yeast infection in a dogs ear smell bad?
Yes! This is one of the most common signs of an ear yeast infection in a dog. Typically, the ear will smell bad, and if you look deeply into the ear, you will notice black or dark brown discharge. Yeast infections are also usually associated with itching, so your dog might shake his head or dig at the ears with their back legs. If you are noticing a yellow discharge, this might be a sign of a bacterial ear infection. If you want to learn more about other causes of ear infections, be sure to check out this article on Dog Ear Infections.
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.
Symptoms Of Yeast Infections In Dogs
Yeast infections commonly occur in the ear canals of dogs, contributing to ear infections. Yeast problems can also be seen anywhere on the skin, but most commonly in warm moist skin folds, in-between toes, and around the nail beds.
If you are wondering how to identify a yeast infection in dogs, there are some characteristic symptoms to look out for. These include:
- Increased itchiness
- Inflamed, red or pink skin
- An increased odor to the skin or ear canals
- Discoloration of the nail beds or paws
- Greasy, scaly skin
- Increased discharge and wax in the ears
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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.
What Have You Learned About Ear Yeast Infections
Ear yeast infections can be managed and prevented when you restore balance to the microbiome. Having Skouts Honor probiotic products in your arsenal can help maintain this balance. If you notice an ear issue with your cat or dog, let your veterinarian confirm that theres an infection and treat it appropriately. Then make sure you get your hands on our probiotics to help prevent future infections.
Dr. Dwight Alleyne is a veterinarian who has over a decade of experience treating cats and dogs. He is also the creator of the Animal Doctor Blog, where he provides general health advice and pet product reviews.
References:
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How Is Yeast Dermatitis Diagnosed
There are several techniques used to collect samples for diagnosing yeast dermatitis:
- Skin scraping – scraping the skin with a blade to collect yeast organisms
- Impression smear – pressing a microscope slide on the skin to collect yeast organisms.
- Cotton swab sample – rubbing a moistened swab on the skin to collect yeast organisms.
- Acetate tape preparations – applying a piece of clear tape to the skin to collect yeast organisms.
- Skin biopsy – obtaining a small piece of skin with a biopsy punch. This is the most invasive diagnostic test, but provides the most complete diagnostic information.
Once the sample is obtained, it is examined by a veterinary pathologist under the microscope.
Treatment For Ear Yeast Infections
Diagnosis for ear infections in dogs also involves Cytology, where skin cells are examined under a microscope slide.
Prescription medications for ears may include antifungal drops or ointment for the ear canal. Your vet can also suggest an effective ear cleaner for dogs with a drying agent. Oral antifungal medication will be prescribed for severe cases.
Again, your vet will need to run some tests to identify the potential underlying issues causing the yeast overgrowth.
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What Causes Yeast Infections In Dogs
Yeast infections in dogs are usually secondary problems. This means that there is some other issue that is weakening the skins defense mechanisms to allow the yeast to grow in higher numbers than normal.
It is very common to see yeast infections in a dogs ears or on their skin if they have food allergies or environmental allergies. Other underlying issues that may cause yeast infections in dogs include hormonal problems or other diseases that suppress the immune system.
There are no studies to confirm that any of the following cause yeast infections on a dogs skin:
-
Carbohydrates or sugar in food
Dog Ear Yeast Infections: Causes And Solutions
If your dogs shaking his head or scratching his ears constantly, it could be a dog ear yeast infection. One or both of his ears might have a yeasty smell, or black-brown gunk caking the insides. When your dogs ears are crusty, smelly and inflamed, its a warningsign of a bigger health issue
Heres how to look beyond your dogs earsto find the problem and the solution.
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Dog Ear Mites Vs Yeast Infection
How can you tell the difference between ear mites and ear infections in dogs? Ear mites and yeast infections have some similar symptoms, so sometimes, its hard to decipher between them. Puppies are usually more prone to ear mites than adult dogs.
Yeast infections, on the other hand, happen in both puppies and adult dogs. There are many different reasons a dog can have a yeast infection, including genetics and allergies. Yeast infections usually cause head shaking, redness, odor, itching, and a brown discharge.
Your veterinarian can determine if your dogs ear issues are because of mites or yeast by taking an ear swab and viewing it with a microscope. Keep reading as we break the symptoms of dog ear mites vs ear infections down:
Which Dogs Fall Prey To Yeast
Healthy dogs that are fed a nutritious diet don’t usually succumb to yeast infections. However, any dog can be affected by yeast overpopulation. The ones that are vulnerable are those that have existing health issues, are on antibiotics, or have been on steroids for a prolonged period.
Also, certain breeds are more likely to suffer from a yeast infection than any others, these include:
- American Cocker Spaniels
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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.
How Important Is It To Treat An Ear Infection
Dogs with ear infections are uncomfortable. Their ears are a source of constant pain and they frequently scratch them and shake their head. This can cause a condition called an ‘aural hematoma,’ in which blood vessels in the ear flap break, causing a painful swelling that requires surgical treatment. Deep ear infections can damage or rupture the eardrum, causing an internal ear infection and even permanent hearing loss.
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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:
-
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.
Here’s What To Do If Your Dog Has A Yeast Infection In His Ear
A dog ear yeast infection is exactly what it sounds like an ear infection thats caused by an overgrowth of yeast .
It certainly sounds pretty uncomfortable, so youre going to want to help your pup out if hes dealing with one.
We spoke with Dr. Chylre Bonk, a veterinarian working with Hepper, to find out everything you need to know about dog ear yeast infections, like causes, symptoms, treatment and more.
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Preventing Fungal Infections In Dogs
Fungal infections in dogs range from localized annoyances to potentially fatal systemic diseases. Prevention is not always possible, but common sense measures can help. If you live in an area where a certain type of fungal infection is endemic, avoid high risk environments. Pets with ringworm should be isolated to limit the spread of the disease to people or other animals. Finally, appropriately manage any underlying health problems that increase your dogs risk for developing a fungal infection.
What Are The Symptoms Of An Ear Infection
Ear infections are painful. Many dogs will shake their head and scratch their ears trying to relieve the discomfort. The ears often become red and inflamed and develop an offensive odor. A black or yellowish discharge commonly occurs. In chronic cases the ears may appear crusty or thickened and the ear canals often become narrowed due to the chronic inflammation.
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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.
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Shampoos and natural remedies may treat skin or ear infections, but more importantly, you need to partner with your vet to address the causative illness. Finding a vet that you trust is the first step in your animals care plan. Natural remedies and supplements can form part of that plan, but professional treatment is necessary for yeast infections.
Over and above wanting to snuggle your pets soft skin, you want them to live an itch-free life.
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How To Give Coconut Oil To Dogs
Coconut oil can generally be given to dogs 1-2 times a day with meals. How much you should give your dog depends on his size. Many veterinarian recommend starting slow with the coconut oil. A good starting dose is ¼ teaspoon daily for small dogs up 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon daily for big dogs. However, if you have an obese or overweight dog, its suggested that coconut oil be provided no more than once a day because of its high fat content. Any dog who is receiving coconut oil should be closely monitored for weight gain.
Coconut oil can also be used as a base for dog treats, explains Smith. She suggests mixing turmeric and vitamin D in with coconut oil for optimum snacks. Turmeric works as an anti-inflammatory, while vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. Be careful that you dont give too much vitamin D to your dog, however. Over-supplementation can cause kidney problems.
To find the best coconut oil, understanding the labels can make all the difference. Smith recommends pet parents use organic, virgin, cold-pressed coconut oil.
Remedies And Treatments For Dog Ear Infections
Up to 16.5% of dogs will experience at least otitis externa, and complications may involve further development into more serious dog ear infections. Fortunately, there are straightforward steps you can take to alleviate symptoms and minimize the severity of such infections in your dog.
Immediate Care
Once your vet has determined the severity and type of ear infection your dog is experiencing, they will clean your dogs ear thoroughly to remove debris, discharge, and ear wax. They may use a medicated ear cleaner or apply a topical medication.
In more severe cases, the vet may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications or oral antibiotics for your pet.
Long-Term Care
Your vet will likely prescribe a topical medication to your dog. It is important for you to carefully follow your veterinarians exact directives and instructions. You may make the application process easier by:
- Keeping your dog relaxed with affection and treats.
- Relying on a partner’s help to hold and comfort your pet while you apply medication to the ear.
- Ensuring that you place the applicator safely outside of the dogs ear when dispensing medication.
- Gently massaging the medication into the affected area.
Continued
Always finish the full course of the medication, even if your pet seems to be feeling better. Lapses or errors in treatment can prolong your pups illness.
Maintenance and Prevention
Managing your dogs hygiene is an effective way to prevent future ear infections. Clean your dogs ears by:
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How To Mix The Monistat Cream With Hydrocortisone Cream For Use
You should use the same amount of both creams. The reason you want to add Hydrocortisone cream to the Monistat cream is that it will help relieve your dogs excessive itchiness.
When mixing, use the same amount of Monistat & Hydrocortisone Cream
After combining the two creams, you will notice it has a thick consistency. Add several drops of water to the blend of these two creams to make it slightly thinner, add it to a dropper, and then carefully squirt the mixture into your dogs ears
Use this home remedy treatment for a week to get rid of the yeast infection for good. If the problem does not subside despite the constant use of Monistat /hydrocortisone cream combo, youll need to bring your dog to the veterinarians office.
Do make sure you are using Monistat when selecting an over-the-counter cream to treat your dogs yeast infection. Do not mistake this product for another product on the market, such as Vagisil. While Vagisil relieves itching, it is not formulated to eliminate fungus , so its not at all useful for your dogs yeast infection.
Rinsing Out Your Dogs Ears
Warning: Dont get a cleaner that contains alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. These chemicals can dry out the skin in your dogs ears.
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Preventing Yeast Ear Infections In Dogs
The key to preventing yeast ear infections in dogs is keeping the ear canal healthy and dry.
Whenever your pooch has been in water bathing or swimming be sure to dry your dog’s ears well.
Underlying conditions such as allergies or hypothyroidism can cause your dog to experience chronic or recurring infections. Treatment for the underlying cause of your pup’s ear infections is essential.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet’s condition, please make an appointment with your vet.
How Is Yeast Infection In Dogs Diagnosed
The vet will be able to diagnose the condition by running a few tests on your dogs skin. Hair plucks, skin scrapes or smears, very easy to take, are common techniques used to help identify any infectious agents, including yeasts, that could be contributing to the skin disease. These are analysed under the microscope to determine if the fungus responsible for the yeast infection exists in the sample, or whether there are any other bacteria, fungi or viruses that may be causing the symptoms.
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