Ear Yeast Infection

Yeast infections are the most common forms of ear infection in dogs, according to the Vet Info website. This is because yeast likes to live in the warm, dark and moist environments that dog ears provide. If yeast infections are left untreated, they can turn into bacterial infections and will need to be cured through antibiotics.

  1. Symptoms

    • If you suspect that your dog might have a yeast infection in his ear look out for some of the symptoms. According to Vet Info, yeast infections cause an increase in the amount of wax and fluid discharge coming from the ears, and this should be a pinkish-brown color. In addition, as time passes the ears should start to smell unpleasant due to the yeast spores. Another tell-tale sign of a yeast infection is an inflamed ear, which your dog will scratch continually.

    Diagnosis

    • The next step is to take your dog to the vet who will diagnose whether it is, in fact, a yeast infection. A vet typically does this by taking swabs from inside the dog's ears and examining them under a microscope. In some cases, a vet also may culture the ear wax for more specific identification. If it turns out to be a yeast infection, the vet will prescribe the suitable treatment.

    Treatment

    • If the yeast infection is not too developed, then it can be cured by daily cleaning of the ears for up to 14 days. According to Vet Info, vets will often recommend an acidic ear-cleaning solution that makes it impossible for the yeast infection to survive. They also may prescribe an antihistamine to stop the swelling and help control the itching.

    Allergies

    • Yeast infections can be related to allergies, and it is important to find out what they are if the yeast infection is to be treated effectively. According to the Dog Health Guide website, moving your dog onto a diet specifically for allergic dogs might help. If the allergies are not identified and dealt with, then the yeast infection can return within time.

    Prevention

    • Once you have removed your dog's ear infection, it is important to make sure that it doesn't come back. This can be done by cleaning your dog's ears on a regular basis, about once a month, to stop a build up of wax. In addition if your dog gets water into his ears, clean them with some of the acidic ear cleaning solution to prevent a repeated buildup of yeast.