Canine ear yeast infections are one of the most common ear problems for dogs and can be caused by an underlying health problem such as food allergies, ear mites or endocrine system issues. Treatment will depend on the cause of the infection, and preventive measures can be taken to maintain healthy ears and inhibit canine ear infections from developing.
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Causes
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Yeasts, also known as malassezia, grow in dark, warm and moist environments such as a dog's ear. For this reason, floppy-eared dogs are more likely to develop ear infections than other dogs because of the excess moisture that develops in their ears. Allergies to one or more ingredients in dog food or external allergens such as dust, mold, insect bites or pollen can also cause recurring ear infections.
Symptoms
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Symptoms of ear yeast infections include shaking and scratching of the head, rubbing the nose or face, ear wax build-up (usually brown or pinkish in color), debris in the ear canal and odor. If allergies are causing the infections, the symptoms might only appear some months of the year and not others. Contact your vet once symptoms appear.
Treatment
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Treatment will depend on the cause of the ear infections. In general, daily ear cleaning is usually recommended, but anti-fungal medications, along with antibiotics to remove any bacterial infections that can occur with yeast infections, might also be prescribed. Antihistamines can be helpful to control itching. Food allergies can be more difficult to diagnose but can be treated by using food trials and removing the problem ingredient from the dog's diet.
Ear Cleaning
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Always follow your veterinarian's instructions when it comes to treating your dog for ear infections (or any other health condition). Usually a gentle ear cleansing solution will be recommended for daily cleaning until symptoms clear and treatment is complete. When inserting the solution or any cotton swabs into the dog's ear canal, do not push too far into the ear or you might damage the ear drum or push debris farther into the ear canal. A good rule is to not go farther into the ear canal than you can see.
Prevention/Solution
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A regular ear cleaning routine can help prevent ear infections, especially in dogs with floppy ears or those that swim often. Do not clean ears every day because this can cause ear problems as well. Examine the dog's ear at least once a week, looking for excess wax build-up, odor and debris. Ask your vet about the best ear hygiene routine for your dog.
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