A dog ear yeast infection looks like red, swollen, itchy ears with a strong, musty (corn chip-like) odor and thick, dark brown, greasy discharge, often accompanied by excessive head shaking, scratching at the ear, and potential crusting or hair loss from scratching, indicating inflammation and discomfort.
It is important to determine whether the infection is caused by yeast, bacteria, or both. If your dog has a yeast infection of the outer ear canal, the vet might prescribe a topical antifungal ointment or cream. Miconazole and ketoconazole are two antifungal medicines that are often effective.
A yeast infection and a bacterial infection in dogs can look the same to the naked eye. To determine the difference, your veterinarian can take a sample of the ear discharge. When examined under the microscope, your vet can distinguish between a bacterial and yeast ear infection by the microbes they see.
There's some evidence to suggest that common food allergens, such as grain, could be responsible for yeast infections in some dogs, alongside other food triggers such as dairy or sugar.
Treatment involves antifungal shampoos, allergy medications, and maintaining hygiene. Over-the-counter products like Monistat are sometimes used but should be applied cautiously and only after vet approval. Preventative care includes regular cleaning, avoiding moisture buildup, and monitoring for recurring infections.
If a dog's yeast infection is left untreated, it will progressively worsen and lead to extreme discomfort. Over time, the discomfort can cause the dog to become very sick.
Many ear infections won't heal on their own and require veterinary attention. Fortunately, if symptoms are minor, you can manage and treat the dog's ears at home, potentially avoiding a trip to the veterinarian. However, severe cases and chronic infections may need professional veterinary care.
Certain ingredients, such as grains, wheat gluten, rice flour, corn gluten, and sugar, can be associated with yeast infections in dogs. Given this, our grain-free options, both wet and dry, might be suitable. However, any dietary changes should be introduced gradually over a 14-day span.
If the ear is not kept dry, water and debris can become trapped inside the ear canal. Other causes for yeast infections in a dog's ear include wax or discharge, a trapped foreign object inside the ear, poor hygiene, hot, humid weather, and the use of products or ear drops that alter the natural environment of the ear.
Signs That Your Dog May Have A Yeast Ear Infection
If your dog has a yeast ear infection you may notice one or more of the following symptoms: Red or brown waxy discharge in the ear. Itching, scratching & pawing at the ear.
The paws are a common site for a yeast infection in a dog. If your dog is licking or chewing at their paws, they may have some pain, discomfort or itching there. Yeast infections are one of many reasons why a dog's paws might be irritated, and constant licking can cause more inflammation and discomfort.
The frequency of cleaning your dog's ears will depend on whether it is for treatment of an infection, which could be up to daily to start, or maintenance, which could be every 1-2 weeks. Dogs with a history of allergies, recurrent ear infections, or floppy ears may need their ears cleaned more frequently.
There are certain breeds thought to be genetically predisposed to developing yeast infections. These breeds include West Highland White Terrier, Basset Hound, Cocker Spaniel, Silky Terrier, Australian Terrier, Maltese Terrier, Chihuahua, Poodle, Shetland Sheepdog, Lhasa Apso, and Dachshund.
Antifungal ear drops, such as fluconazole and clotrimazole, can treat many types of fungal ear infections.
MalAcetic Otic Cleanser
This product is great for cleaning out your dog's ears if it has a minor bacterial or fungal infection. This liquid cleanser can kill bacteria, stop fungal growth and kill yeast infections in your dog's ear. It's also great for eliminating built-up earwax and drying out excess moisture.
Today the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved DuOtic (terbinafine and betamethasone acetate otic gel) for the treatment of otitis externa in dogs, associated with susceptible strains of yeast (Malassezia pachydermatis).
Herbs and supplements such as, oregano oil, pau d'arco, rosemary, thyme, caprylic acid, and undecylenic acid can be added to your dog's diet, and have been shown to have antifungal properties and restore natural flora balance. Natural immune boosters will help eliminate fungal overgrowth.
Foods high in carbohydrates, such as kibble, grains, and starchy vegetables, can contribute to yeast infections in dogs' ears by feeding the yeast that thrives on sugars. Reducing these foods and opting for a low-carb, raw diet can help prevent yeast infections and promote better overall gut health.
Zignature Kangaroo Dry Food is a great option for dogs with yeast infections because it uses kangaroo as a novel protein, which reduces the risk of allergic reactions that can contribute to yeast overgrowth.
A few of the most common causes of yeast dermatitis and ear infections in dogs include:
Hydrogen Peroxide: Use a diluted solution of hydrogen peroxide to clean the ear. Be cautious not to use too strong a concentration, as it can cause irritation. Witch Hazel: Apply witch hazel to the ear with a cotton ball. It has astringent properties that can help dry out the ear and reduce inflammation.
Dark Brown or Reddish-Brown
Dark brown earwax may simply be a build-up of healthy wax. Your dog's ear may just need cleaning. Gently wipe away the dirt and debris with a warm, damp cloth and dry afterward. Yeast infections (candida or Malassezia spp) commonly cause earwax to turn greasy, dark brown or reddish-brown.
Common causes include skin allergies, ear infections and ear mites. Contact your vet as soon as possible if you notice your dog head shaking/scratching their ears – the sooner the problem is diagnosed, the easier it will be to treat.
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 (stenotic) due to chronic inflammation.
It doesn't take long, then, before the dog has a full-blown yeast infection, complete with a buildup of brown, waxy discharge and a painful, itchy, and inflamed ear canal.