Just like humans, dogs experience the pain and discomfort that come with an ear infection. Yeast, a single-celled fungus, is a common cause of ear infections. Floppy-eared breeds are the most susceptible to this condition. The warm, moist environment under those ears makes a perfect breeding ground for yeast.
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Symptoms
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Signs of an ear infection are difficult to miss and may come quickly. In most cases, the inside of your dog's ears will be red and irritated; in extreme cases, the dog will scratch long and hard, enough to make his ears bleed. Sniffing your dog's ear is a good indicator of an infection as yeast-caused infections create a foul odor. A dark, waxy substance would also be visible within the ear canal. Your dog's constant head-shaking or tilting, which may be accompanied by pacing or whining, is another sign of an ear infection.
Cause and Treatment
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Before treatment can begin, first identify the culprit. The most likely cause of a yeast infection is a moist ear canal. Other causes include food allergies, skin diseases and insect bites.
To clean the ear, mix one part white vinegar and one part water. Use a medicine dropper to instill the solution into your dog's ear canal. Massage her ear with your fingers, distributing the solution evenly. Clean out excess wax or debris with cotton balls. Do this daily until your dog's symptoms subside.
Maintenance
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Maintenance is key to prevent further infection. Make ear-cleaning part of your dog's grooming routine, using the vinegar solution about once a week to keep yeast production at bay. If your dog swims regularly or is bathed often, fill a spray bottle with a solution of two cups vinegar, 1 tablespoon rubbing alcohol and one cup water. After every swim, spray the solution around the ear canal, using a cotton ball to wipe off wax. However, do not use this solution if there are cuts in the skin around the ear area.
Warning
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Ear infection symptoms should be treated as soon as possible before the infection spreads and harms the eardrum. When untreated, ear infections cause the dog increasing pain. If there is no visible improvement within 72 hours of treatment, take your dog to the vet. Prescription medication may then be necessary.
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