If your dog is frequently shaking its head or scratching its ears, it could be due to a yeast infection in the ear. This condition often manifests with a yeasty smell and a black-brown discharge inside the ears.
Such symptoms indicate a more significant health issue that requires attention. Understanding the root causes and finding effective solutions is crucial for your dog's health and comfort.
What Are Ear Yeast Infections in Dogs?
An ear yeast infection in dogs typically affects the visible part of the ear.
This condition, known as otitis externa, involves inflammation of the outer ear flap. While allergies can sometimes be mistaken for ear yeast infections, these infections are usually caused by yeast overgrowth.
The most common types of yeast that affect dogs' ears are Candida and Malassezia. These infections often have a musty odor and can cause intense itching and discharge.
Differentiating Ear Yeast Infections from Other Ear Issues
To effectively treat an ear yeast infection, it's essential to differentiate it from bacterial infections and ear mites, as they share some common symptoms.
Dog Ear Yeast Infection vs. Bacterial Infection:
Yeast Infection: Characterized by a distinct yeasty odor and dark brown or black discharge. Yeast thrives in warm, moist environments, leading to inflammation and itching.
Bacterial Infection: Often the result of underlying issues such as allergies or injuries that provide a conducive environment for bacteria. The discharge from bacterial infections is typically yellow or green.
Dog Ear Yeast Infection vs. Ear Mites:
Yeast Infection: Symptoms include itching, redness, a yeasty odor, and dark brown or black discharge. Yeast infections are not contagious.
Ear Mites: Tiny parasites that infest the ear canal. Ear mites are highly contagious and can spread to other pets. Common signs include excessive scratching, head shaking, and a dark, crumbly discharge resembling coffee grounds.
Symptoms of Dog Ear Yeast Infections
Common signs of a yeast infection in a dog's ear include:
- Swelling and redness inside the ears
- Large amounts of dark brown waxy discharge
- Intense itching and constant scratching
- Drooping ears
- Strong odor from the ears
- Pain and inflammation
- Head shaking or tilting
- Scabs and thinning fur around the ears
Yeast infections can also affect other moist areas of the body, such as the groin or armpits, leading to symptoms like small red bumps, flaky crustiness, thickened skin, and redness between the toes.
Causes of Dog Ear Yeast Infections
Yeast infections in a dog’s ear stem from an overgrowth of yeast in the body. Several factors can contribute to this overgrowth:
Diet: Processed kibble diets can worsen yeast infections due to the high carbohydrate content, which creates sugars that feed yeast, particularly Candida yeast.
Oily or Moist Skin: Malassezia yeast thrives on fats, making dogs with oily skin or coats more prone to infections. Dogs that swim frequently are also more susceptible due to the damp environment in their ears.
Medications: Antibiotics and anti-allergy drugs can disrupt the balance of good bacteria in the gut, allowing yeast to grow unchecked. Immune-suppressing drugs like Apoquel can make dogs more susceptible to yeast overgrowth.
Heavy Metals: Exposure to heavy metals and environmental toxins through vaccines, flea and tick preventatives, and contaminated food and water can harm beneficial gut bacteria, promoting yeast growth.
Foods That Cause Ear Yeast Infections in Dogs
Certain foods can trigger yeast ear infections by upsetting the dog’s gut microbiome. High carbohydrate diets, grains, legumes, and starchy vegetables break down into sugars that feed yeast. Additionally, artificial ingredients like preservatives and synthetic vitamins can contribute to yeast overgrowth.
Soothing Home Remedies for Yeast Infection in a Dog's Ear
To relieve the itching caused by yeast infections, consider the following natural remedies:
Calendula Lotion: Calendula can relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Mix 5 to 10 drops of calendula tincture with 1 cup of lukewarm filtered water and apply using a dropper or sponge.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Dilute apple cider vinegar 50/50 with water and use a cotton ball to gently wipe the ears. This can relieve itching and balance the ear’s pH.
Mullein Oil: Mullein oil has antimicrobial properties. Apply a few drops of warmed oil into the ear canal daily to combat infection.
Treatment Strategies for Dog Ear Yeast Infections
Dietary Changes:
Remove Processed Foods: Eliminate high-carbohydrate kibble and processed foods from your dog’s diet.
Feed a Whole Food Diet: A raw meat-based diet without carbs or starchy vegetables can help control yeast.
Supplements and Herbs:
- Garlic: Breaks down yeast colonies.
- MCT Oil: Contains caprylic acid that kills yeast.
- Pau d’Arco: An herb with antifungal properties.
- Probiotics: Rebuild healthy gut bacteria.
- Saccharomyces boulardii: A yeast that helps control other yeasts.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Reduce overall inflammation.
- Digestive Enzymes: Break down biofilms that protect yeast.
- Olive Leaf: An antifungal herb that kills yeast.
Avoid Toxins: Steer clear of drugs, pesticides, herbicides, and poor-quality food and water. These toxins disrupt gut health and allow yeast to flourish.
Heal the Gut: A healthy gut is essential for preventing and treating yeast infections. Leaky gut, caused by poor diet, drugs, toxins, and over-vaccination, can lead to chronic health issues, including yeast overgrowth. Addressing leaky gut by improving diet and gut health can significantly impact your dog’s overall health and help prevent future infections.
Dog ear yeast infections are often a sign of deeper health issues.
By understanding the causes and implementing natural remedies and dietary changes, you can effectively manage and prevent these infections.
A holistic approach that focuses on gut health, proper diet, and avoiding toxins will not only treat the current infection but also improve your dog's overall well-being.