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More info 8 Product FeaturesEar Yeast Infections In Dogs
Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
© Provided by The Spruce Pets bymuratdeniz / Getty ImagesEar yeast infections are very common in dogs. Dogs with floppy or hairy ears are particularly vulnerable because their ears trap moisture. The moist environment of the ear is a prime breeding ground for fungal yeast that, when overgrown, creates an infection. This causes itching, inflammation, and an unpleasant odor. Untreated, neglected ear infections can lead to painful skin crusting and other complications and serious problems that can affect the ear canal lining and even lead to facial paralysis. So it's helpful to know how to spot—or sniff—the symptoms.
What Is an Ear Yeast Infection?An ear yeast infection occurs when yeast species overpopulate the ear of a dog. Malassezia pachydermatis is the species of yeast that is typically seen in dog ears. This type of yeast is different than the yeast that is used to bake bread or that is found in probiotics. It is naturally found on the skin and ears of dogs in very small amounts but if the right conditions are present to cause inflammation, the result will be a noncontagious infection.
Symptoms of Ear Yeast Infections in DogsLuckily, signs of ear yeast infections can be easily spotted so if you see any of the following signs, visit the vet.
Similar to a bacterial infection of the ear, a yeast infection usually causes a dog to shake its head and scratch at its ears. This is due to the irritation and inflammation that the infection causes.
Painful EarsYour dog may also be reluctant to have its head and ears touched due to discomfort.
Red or Swelling Inside EarsInside the ear there may be redness and swelling, both of which may indicate a yeast infection.
Yeasty Odor From the EarsAn odor similar to sour bread dough may be present if your dog has an ear yeast infection.
Excessive Ear Wax or DebrisIf you spot oily ear debris in your dog's ears, it means its canals are inflamed and the possibility it has an infection.
Thickened Ear FlapsThe ear canal and the ear flap itself can both be affected. The condition may cause thickening of the skin on the ear flap.
Ear Skin ScalingScaling or crusting of the skin on the ear flap is also common, especially in severe or chronic cases.
Drooping EarIf you notice that your dog is walking around with a drooping ear, or holding one side of its head lower, it may mean your pet has had an ear infection for a while. Your dog may have learned to adapt to the discomfort by lowering an ear.
Trouble With BalanceIf the infection is causing neurological problems, you will notice your dog walking off balance. This usually means the inner ear is affected.
© Provided by The Spruce Pets ThamKC / Getty Images What Causes Ear Yeast Infections in Dogs?There are several causes of ear yeast infections in dogs. Some are more serious than others.
AllergiesIf 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 MitesEar 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.
MoistureAn 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 DeformitiesSome 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.
TumorsSome 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.
MedicationsIf your dog is taking certain medications, such as antibiotics or corticosteroids (steroids), the medicines may inhibit your dog from effectively fighting off yeast infections.
How Do Vets Diagnose Ear Yeast Infections in Dogs?If you suspect there's a yeast infection in your dog's ears, have it examined by a veterinarian. Your vet will use an otoscope to see inside the ear canal and make sure the eardrum isn't ruptured. A cotton swab will then be used to collect some of the ear debris for microscopic examination to see if yeast, bacteria, or both are present. A dark discharge may mean an ear yeast infection, mites, or a mixed infection, but your doctor will check for more evidence of mites.
How to Treat Ear Yeast InfectionsYour vet will prescribe medicated ear drops and a cleaner to remove the debris. These will be used for about two weeks. If the ear is especially painful, then anti-inflammatory medications may also be used.
Occasionally an ear yeast infection may be so painful for a dog that it will need to be sedated or anesthetized by your vet to perform the initial ear cleaning and treatment. Your veterinarian may also recommend some at-home remedies depending on the severity of the infection.
Your vet may suggest clipping the hairs around the ear to improve comfort and cleanliness during treatment and recovery.
Prognosis for Dogs with Ear Yeast InfectionsYeast infections are usually easy to treat with persistent treatment. In dogs with predisposing characteristics, such as floppy ears, allergies, or ear deformities, the condition is likely to reoccur since they are at a higher risk of recurrent ear yeast infections.
Many breeds, including cocker spaniels and basset hounds, have floppy ears that cut off air to the ear and should be maintained to keep infections at bay. Other breeds need observation as well, such as poodles (also with floppy ears) and schnauzers may have thick hair growth inside their ears that can block the flow of air in the ears and keep them overly moist. In addition, dogs that like to play in water are also potentially more likely to experience a recurring yeast overgrowth and infection.
How to Prevent Ear Yeast InfectionsThe best way to prevent your dog from developing an ear yeast infection is to keep its ears clean and dry. An ear cleaner with a drying agent should be used after baths and swimming to help dry the ear canal. If your dog has allergies, your veterinarian may recommend certain foods and supplements to help support the skin and decrease inflammation.
What Your Dog's Ear Position Means
What Your Dog's Ear Position Means
(Picture Credit: kiszon pascal / Getty Images)
Dog ears aren't just for listening – they're for talking too! They're great indicators for telling you what your dog is feeling, but with so many different ear positions, it might be difficult to work things out. Here are the most common ear positions for dogs, and what they might mean.
Neutral Position(Picture Credit: Olga Pankova / Getty Images)
When your dog is relaxed, their ears will sit in a neutral position. Neutral position means that the ears are not pricked forward, drooping down or pasted to his head. Whatever the dog's breed, they are just sitting easy.
Here is a relaxed dog with a neutral ear position.
Attentive/Pricked Ears(Picture Credit: Dmitriy83 / Getty Images)
This dog's eyes are looking directly at something and their ears are pricked. If you make a funny sound your dog may prick their ears forward and also offer a head tilt.
Alert/Concerned Ears(Picture Credit: Nikolaos Killas / EyeEm via Getty Images)
This dog has just heard something. They're on the fence about it and processing the information. Their ears are pricked and their mouth is shut. Their ears tell us that they're on alert.
Changing Ear Position(Picture Credit: Lourdes Balduque / Getty Images)
This dog may be a bit concerned and working to figure something out. Their ears are changing positions – they're trying to decide how they feel about their current situation and the sounds around them.
Dropped Or Pinned Ears(Picture Credit: Nevena1987 / Getty Images)
The term dropped or pinned ears refers to ears that appear pasted/pinned or dropped and held tight to the dog's head. Dogs can drop or lower their ears when they are both happy and nervous. It's important to read the rest of the dog. As for the dog in the imagine, their body is likely wiggly and loose. This dog is using their dropped ears to convey that they are harmless and happy to be social.
Extremely Pinned Ear Position(Picture Credit: Photograph by Devon OpdenDries. / Getty Images)
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On the flip side, this dog is using every square inch and muscle in their body to tell us they are nervous and fearful, their ears included – they're extremely pinned back.
Some dog owners believe their dogs like to use 'selective hearing' or feel ignored when they call their dogs to come. When this is happening, take a look at your dog's ears to see what's he's saying with them. Maybe they're not responding to you because he is keenly focused on something else. Perhaps, they're not coming to you, because they are nervous that you are mad at him. Pay attention to what your dog's ears are communicating to you.
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