Alex Seilis
Dog ear yeast infections are a frustrating and often painful condition that affects many dogs ... especially those with floppy ears or who spend a lot of time in damp environments.
Even worse? These infections often point to deeper issues within your dog’s body. So understanding these underlying causes is crucial for effectively managing and preventing recurring infections.
Here's what dog ear yeast infections are, what causes them, and what you can do about them.
What Are Dog Ear Yeast Infections?
This type of yeast infection affects the visible part of your dog’s ear.
One of the first signs of a yeast infection in a dog’s ear is intense itching, which may cause your dog to scratch at her ears constantly. As the infection progresses, you might notice a distinctive musty odor coming from the ears, which is a hallmark of yeast overgrowth.
Another telltale sign is the presence of dark brown or black discharge inside the ear, often greasy or waxy in texture. This discharge can build up over time, and if left unchecked, it can harden and make the ear appear dirty or crusty.
In severe cases, the infection may cause the ear to become swollen or red, leading to even more discomfort for your dog.
It’s important to understand that not all ear infections are caused by yeast.
Yeast infections tend to produce dark brown or black discharge with a strong, yeasty odor, while bacterial infections are more likely to result in yellow or green discharge and don’t usually have the same strong odor.
Bacterial infections may also be linked to other factors like ear injuries, allergies, or water trapped in the ears.
Dog Ear Yeast Infection Vs. Ear Mites
Ear mites, unlike yeast infections, are highly contagious and can spread quickly to other pets in your home. Mites are tiny parasites that burrow into your dog’s ear canal, causing extreme irritation and inflammation. In addition to constant scratching and head shaking, dogs with ear mites often have a dark, crumbly discharge that resembles coffee grounds. This discharge is a result of the mites feeding on the ear’s wax and oils.
Yeast infections in the ear are usually characterized by itching, redness, swelling, and the signature musty odor, but they're not contagious to other pets or humans. Your dog may also show signs of discomfort by frequently shaking her head, rubbing their ears on surfaces, or developing scabs or bald patches around the ears due to excessive scratching.
The dark, greasy discharge caused by a yeast infection often leads to further irritation if it builds up in the ear canal, making it difficult for the ear to "breathe" and heal on its own. Though uncomfortable, yeast infections typically stay isolated to the affected ear and don’t spread to other areas of the body unless the underlying cause of the yeast imbalance is left untreated.
Common Symptoms Of Dog Ear Yeast Infections
Yeast infections in a dog’s ears can manifest in several noticeable and uncomfortable ways.
The most common symptoms include swelling and redness in the ear canal, often accompanied by a waxy, dark brown or black discharge. This discharge can build up, causing the ear to feel greasy and emit a strong, musty odor that’s hard to miss.
You may also notice your dog tilting or shaking their head frequently, trying to relieve the itching and discomfort caused by the infection. In more severe cases, your dog might start scratching so aggressively that they create scabs or bald patches around the ear area.
Yeast infections don’t always stop at the ears; they can also spread to other moist areas of your dog’s body, particularly in spots like the armpits, groin, and between the toes. In these areas, you might see red bumps, flaky skin, or even thickened, darkened skin that resembles an orange peel.
Yeast loves warm, damp environments, so dogs who have folds of skin or spend a lot of time in water are especially vulnerable.
Symptoms like redness, itching, and crusty buildup in these areas can signal that yeast is affecting more than just your dog’s ears and may point to a larger imbalance in her overall health.
What Causes Dog Ear Yeast Infections?
One of the primary causes of ear yeast infections in dogs is an imbalanced diet, especially one that’s heavy in carbohydrates. Foods like kibble, which are often high in starches and sugars, can contribute to yeast overgrowth because when carbs break down, they convert to sugar, feeding the yeast in your dog’s gut and ears.
Yeast thrives on sugar, and when there’s too much in your dog’s system, it can lead to an imbalance in gut health, promoting the growth of yeast colonies that trigger ear infections. If your dog’s diet is predominantly kibble or processed food, this could be a key contributor to recurring yeast problems.
Beyond diet, there are several other factors that can trigger a yeast infection in your dog’s ears. Dogs with oily skin or coats, such as certain breeds like Cocker Spaniels or Basset Hounds, are more prone to yeast overgrowth because yeast thrives in moist, oily environments.
Environmental toxins, like heavy metals from polluted water or cleaning products, can further compromise your dog’s gut and immune health, making her more susceptible to yeast infections not only in her ears but throughout her body.
Food And Diet Triggers
Carbohydrate-rich diets are a significant contributor to yeast overgrowth in dogs. When dogs consume foods high in carbs—such as grains, legumes, and starches—those carbohydrates are broken down into sugars in the digestive system. This sugar provides a perfect breeding ground for yeast to thrive, especially candida yeast.
Over time, excess sugar can fuel chronic yeast growth in the gut, leading to recurring infections in areas like the ears. If your dog frequently suffers from ear yeast infections, reducing the carb load in her diet by eliminating high-carb foods can make a big difference.
Another hidden culprit in your dog’s diet is the presence of artificial ingredients and preservatives found in many commercial pet foods. These synthetic additives can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and yeast in your dog’s gut, weakening her immune system and making her more vulnerable to yeast overgrowth.
Natural Remedies For Dog Ear Yeast Infections
If your dog already has an ear yeast infection, what should you do?
Calendula Lotion
Calendula lotion is one gentle yet powerful herbal remedy that can help soothe the irritation caused by a yeast infection in your dog’s ears. Calendula has properties that support healthy skin and may reduce discomfort from itching.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Another effective option is using a diluted mixture of apple cider vinegar (50/50 with water) to gently cleanse the ear and maintain the natural pH balance in your dog’s skin, which discourages yeast overgrowth. Simply apply it to a cotton ball and wipe the ear gently to avoid further irritation.
Mullein Oil
Mullein oil is a great natural remedy for relieving ear discomfort and helping to calm inflammation. This oil has been traditionally used to support ear health and can be especially helpful when your dog is dealing with the itchiness and irritation that come with ear yeast infections.
Applying a few drops of mullein oil into the ear canal daily can help soothe the area and provide relief from the symptoms. The key to effective treatment with natural oils like mullein is consistency, so make sure to follow a regular application routine.
Managing Ear Yeast Infections At Home
One of the most effective ways to manage yeast infections at home is to address your dog’s diet. Switching to a raw, whole-food diet can make a huge difference because it eliminates starchy vegetables and carbohydrates that promote yeast growth.
In addition to improving the overall diet, certain foods and supplements can further help fight yeast. Foods like garlic and MCT oil (which contains caprylic acid) are known for their antifungal properties and can help break down yeast colonies.
Omega-3 fatty acids from sources like fish oil can support a healthy inflammatory response, while probiotics restore the balance of good bacteria in your dog’s gut.
Saccharomyces boulardii is a specific type of yeast that fights off harmful yeasts, making it a useful supplement for dogs with chronic yeast issues.
Preventing Future Yeast Infections
Long-term prevention of ear yeast infections begins with managing your dog’s gut health. About 90% of your dog’s immune system resides in the gut, so maintaining a healthy balance of good bacteria is key to preventing recurring infections.
Focus on feeding a diet that supports the gut, such as one rich in raw meats and low in carbohydrates, and consider adding probiotics or digestive enzymes to aid in digestion. A healthy gut leads to stronger immune function, which will naturally reduce yeast overgrowth in your dog’s ears and elsewhere.
Beyond diet, reducing your dog’s exposure to environmental toxins is crucial in preventing future yeast infections. Chemicals in household cleaners, pesticides, low-quality dog food, and even over-vaccination can disrupt your dog’s immune system and promote yeast imbalances.
So opt for natural cleaning products, avoid excessive use of medications, and ensure your dog has access to clean water and high-quality, whole foods. By minimizing toxins in your dog’s environment, you’ll help strengthen her immune system and promote a healthier gut, reducing the likelihood of recurring yeast infections.
FAQ
How do you get rid of a yeast infection in a dog's ear? To get rid of a yeast infection in a dog's ear, start by cleaning the ears with natural remedies like calendula or diluted apple cider vinegar, and consider switching to a raw, whole-food diet that supports gut health. Adding probiotics and yeast-fighting foods like garlic and MCT oil can also help reduce yeast growth and prevent future infections.
How do I know if my dog's ear is bacterial or yeast infection? To determine if your dog's ear infection is bacterial or yeast-related, look for a distinct musty odor and dark brown discharge for yeast infections, whereas bacterial infections often produce yellow or green discharge. For more accurate diagnosis, a vet may analyze skin and hair samples to identify the cause of the infection.
What foods cause yeast infections in dogs' ears? 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.
What is the fastest way to get rid of a yeast infection for dogs? The fastest way to get rid of a yeast ear infection in dogs is to clean the ears with natural remedies like mullein oil or calendula while adjusting the diet to eliminate carbs and support gut health. Consistent use of yeast-fighting supplements like probiotics can further help in preventing yeast ear infections and promoting long-term relief.
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