Dog Ear Yeast Infection

dog ear yeast infection




Canine dog ear yeast infection...what is it?


Treating the symptoms and learn about the causes, treatment, remedies and how to spot the signs of recurrent ear infections in dogs and puppies...

Whether you use a home remedy, natural or seek your vets advice, you need to act fast to help cure this distressing problem for your beloved dog or puppy...

So lets get started and learn about treating your dog's ear yeast infection...

Dog Ear Yeast Infection

What are the Causes?

Dog ear yeast infections malassezia  are quite common especially in dogs that are more prone to having an allergic reaction.

Dog's ears have what are called mast cells which are also found in the respiratory system of humans. Mast cells are designed to produce lots of chemicals that are called histamines and prostaglandins. These chemicals are produced to combat certain allergens and then help stimulate the ear to produce certain secretions like wax. Of course the nice sticky and warm wax that is produced is the perfect environment for skin bacteria and yeast spores to germinate, and thats when your dog starts to have a problem.

A dog ear yeast infection can also be caused by an allergic reaction to food or due to dreaded ear mites.

Our dog's at home have sticky up ears which are less likely to have infections. Floppy ears are more prone to infections due to the warmth that they produce being so close to the skin and being more enclosed.

What are the Symptoms?


The Symptoms of a dog ear yeast infection include the following symptoms...
  1. Your dog will itch them.
  2. Expect your pooch to scratch at his ears.
  3. The ear may start to smell.
  4. A yeast infection may produce an ear wax that is brown and even slightly pink in color.
  5. You should of course get advice from your vet, and under very close magnification your vet may be able to see that the ear tissue has become thicker.

Treating Ear Infections from Home


  • Of course you should firstly get some advice from your vet.
  • Your vet may mention cleaning the ears out with a cleansing solution.
  • Although some people mention using a cleansing solution and then placing the drops in your dog's ear yourself - but we recommend getting your vet to do it for you - it is very easy to slip or for your dog to shake his head and before you know it you have hit the ear drum - big mistake!
  • Your vet may use a medicated drop that kills the yeast - something like chlorhexidine maybe used by your vet.
  • If your dog has a nasty reaction and it has become inflamed, your vet may use an anti-histamine like benadryl or if the infection is really bad your vet may decide on using as steroid such as prednisone.

Home Remedies
  • Of course clean your dog's ears on a regular basis and make sure that there is no build up of wax.
  • A healthy diet may help to avoid the problem, flora may help to alleviate any infections.
  • You could use a home remedy like an ear flush that fills your dog's ear and then you massage the full ear, with the contents in for 5 mins.
  • Some people recommend products that contain an acid or boric solution such as dermapet. 
Remember always get professional advice from your vet before treating your dog yourself.


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