Signs & Symptoms of Canine Ear Yeast Infection

Dog breeds that feature larger or floppy ears are more likely to develop a yeast infection than dog breeds with upright or erect ears. This is because floppy ears give yeast bacteria the ideal warm and dark environment for optimal growth.

  1. Itching

    • One of the most common signs of any ear infection in a dog, including a yeast infection, is excessive itching of the ear.

    Shaking

    • In addition to itching or scratching, the dog might also frequently shake its head in an attempt to dislodge or remove the source of the itch.

    Ear Wax

    • There might be an increase in the amount of ear wax present in the canine ear. The ear wax might also appear to be a pink to brown color.

    Odor

    • The yeast bacteria will produce a foul odor in the affected ear(s) of the dog.

    Treatment

    • Before applying any medication, the dog's ear will be cleaned out using a gentle cleansing solution. Then an anti-fungal solution is applied to kill off the yeast. In the event a secondary bacterial infection has occurred, oral antibiotics might be prescribed.