Home Remedies for Dog Ear Yeast Infection
82Floppy Ear dogs are prone to yeast infections in their ears
Dogs with normal ears that appear healthy and clean are proof that the ear environment is well maintained under control by bacteria. However, if for some reason or another, the dog's system is disrupted, bacteria may no longer be able to protect the ears from invaders, therefore, yeast may take over the battle and begin to proliferate. This is when trouble begins.
But what is really Yeast? What causes the yeast to proliferate in first place? Why bacteria were no longer able to keep yeast under control?
What is Yeast?
Yeasts are single cell forms of fungi that resemble spores. They are naturally found on skin and ears in small amounts.
Causes of Dog Ear Yeast Infection
- Antibiotics
One of the most common causes of yeast infections is a prescription for antibiotics. Antibiotics are well known to kill both good and bad bacteria in the gut, and this is why yogurt is often prescribed. However, antibiotics can also kill the good bacteria in the ear as well.
- Weakened Immune System
Dogs that are stressed or weakened because fighting against a disease, are more likely to develop yeast infections in their ears. A good way to prevent these annoying infections is therefore to ensure your dog is fed premium dog food (many claim raw food is the best way to go) gets sufficient exercise and lives stress free.
- Weakened Ear Environment
If your dog's ears are already bothering the dog because of allergies, the constant scratching and the higher production of oils, may open the way to yeast growth. So a dog may have ear problems such as a bacterial infection and an ear yeast infection on top of that because the skin in the ears has become vulnerable.
- Ideal Environment
Yeast thrives in humid, dark and warm areas, therefore, your dog's ears make yeast a perfect place to live and settle causing those annoying ear yeast infections in dogs. This is mostly seen in floppy ear dogs that because of their conformation it is easy for yeast to settle in and thrive. Dogs with erect ears therefore, may be less likely to get ear yeast problems because their ears are naturally more likely to be exposed to light and air.
Dog Ear Yeast Infection Symptoms
A dog affected by a yeast infection in its ears is very likely prone to be quite miserables. Symptoms of ear yeast infection in dogs may be as follows:
- Head Shaking
- Pawing at Ears
- Ear Scratching
- Rubbing Ears
- Foul, Rancid Smelling Ears
- Brown, waxy discharge
- Red, Irritated and Swollen Ears
- Ear Discharge
Diagnosis
Ideally, the dog should have a veterinarian check the ears so to exclude other ear problems. If the ears have a black coffee ground discharge there may be actually ear mites, which require a totally different treatment than yeast.
The best way to diagnose a ear yeast infection is by having the vet collect a sample and vieww it under the microscope. In some cases, a culture and sensitivity test is recommended.
Natural Home Remedies
Before using any home remedies the ear canal needs to be cleaned well. Medications or home remedies will not work in a dirty ear because they are unable to treat the surface of the skin directly.
One of the best home remedies for yeast infection in the ears is white vinegar. White vinegar is able to return the ear's PH back to an acidic state that makes the yeast inhospitable for yeast. The vinegar should never be used in its pure form, rather it must be diluted. A 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water may be mixed well and poured in a spray bottle.
After the ears are clean, the solution should be sprayed in the ears and dried out with a cotton ball twice a day. Te ears should improve within 48 hours.
If not the dog may need stronger prescription ear drops from the veterinarian,
Special Precautions
-Floppy ear dogs should never be left with their ears wet. If you are planning to bath a floppy ear dog follow what groomers do: put cotton balls inside the ears to prevent them from getting wet.
 | QuadraClear may aid in limiting discomfort associated with overgrowth of bacteria, fungus, and yeast. Contains a natural insecticide for mite control. Amazon Price: $7.99 List Price: $10.55 |
CommentsLoading...
Very Informative Hub! Very Unique Subject but one that many people have an interest in! :))
My dog (big, hairy floppy ears) had theee worst yeast infection in his ear. Yellow discharge, foul smelling, red, bleeding for scratching, puffy. I tried the vets recommendation, meds, the ACV treatment and this carried on for two months! He was in so much pain and I couldnt take it! I tried TEA TREE OIL AND WARM WATER and within two days his ear cleared up. I also gave him plain yogurt and vitamin c boosters in his high protein dog food. He is a really big dog (80 pounds) so I did 10 drops of tea tree oil to one oz of warm (not hot) water. I did this twice a day and cleaned his ear with pet ear cleaning wipes before adding the warm water and tea tree oil....I am a true believer now.
I have been a groomer for 16 yrs & have seen recurring yeast ear problems in many breeds including bulldogs and pinschers who dont have floppy ears. One thing that wasnt mentioned was how to keep it from coming back. For starters, its not just the ears to worry about. Your dogs bedding needs either washed or replaced. If u can wash it add a cup of white vinegar to the wash. The kennel also needs to be disinfected. Use straight undiluted vinegar in a spray bottle to get all the cracks & crevices. Then rinse in the tub with hot water. Your dogs paws and nails will also have traces of yeast. For this use an empty half gallon container with 1/4 dog shampoo, 1/4 white vinegar & the rest hot water. Shake it up and it makes a nice warm disinfecting bath. Pay close attention to your dogs back feet because those are the ones they scratch their ears with. If you can, trim the nails and file any sharp edges. Also if your dog favors a chair or the couch it will need to be treated. There are a few ways to do this, some cushion covers unzip for washing and some dont. If it doesnt unzip I recommend a anti-fungal spray you can buy at TSC in the horse section. Spray it down, wait until nearly dry and then use an upholstry cleaner. You can also use the vinegar, but it leaves a smell behind. One of the most important things is a grain free food. I use a salmon & potato food. If you think cheaper food is saving you money, just remember all the extra trips to the vet. You will save money in the long run buying a better food & will have a happier healthier pet for it. Love them as much as they love you.
I have been a groomer for 16 yrs & have seen recurring yeast ear problems in many breeds including bulldogs and pinschers who dont have floppy ears. One thing that wasnt mentioned was how to keep it from coming back. For starters, its not just the ears to worry about. Your dogs bedding needs either washed or replaced. If u can wash it add a cup of white vinegar to the wash. The kennel also needs to be disinfected. Use straight undiluted vinegar in a spray bottle to get all the cracks & crevices. Then rinse in the tub with hot water. Your dogs paws and nails will also have traces of yeast. For this use an empty half gallon container with 1/4 dog shampoo, 1/4 white vinegar & the rest hot water. Shake it up and it makes a nice warm disinfecting bath. Pay close attention to your dogs back feet because those are the ones they scratch their ears with. If you can, trim the nails and file any sharp edges. Also if your dog favors a chair or the couch it will need to be treated. There are a few ways to do this, some cushion covers unzip for washing and some dont. If it doesnt unzip I recommend a anti-fungal spray you can buy at TSC in the horse section. Spray it down, wait until nearly dry and then use an upholstry cleaner. You can also use the vinegar, but it leaves a smell behind. One of the most important things is a grain free food. I use a salmon & potato food. If you think cheaper food is saving you money, just remember all the extra trips to the vet. You will save money in the long run buying a better food & will have a happier healthier pet for it. Love them as much as they love you.
Awesome site ... great info... you guys saved time and money but best of all helped bring relief to my "zoe bug" ausiie shep mix sooner then I ever thought possible. THANK YOU
Happy to hear these home remedies for dog ear yeast infection helped you, best wishes!
I have a German Rotweiller who I am not sure if its ear mites or a yeast infection. I had taken her to the vet a while back, like about 5 months ago and they told me it was a bacterial yeast infection, I tried the medication they gave me for her ears, it seemed to be helping, and then bam, it was back. Does anyone have any good home remedies to try, I hate seeing her scratch at her ears all the time and shaking her head, if anyone has any suggestions that would help me I would greatly appreciate it.
First off, there is nothing like a German or American rottweiler, they are all rottweilers regardless of where they were born. According to Vetinfo, "We advise using a mixture of white vinegar and water, using either a 1:1 ratio or 1 part vinegar to 2 parts of water (1:2 ratio). It is not a good idea to do this when the ears are sore or ulcerated, as it will sting".
Read more: Ear problems in dogs - VetInfo
Gypsy Willow Level 5 Commenter 2 years ago
Timely advice as both our floppy eared dogs are joining us in the swimming pool in this heat, thank you