How to Treat Yeast Infection in Dog Ears

Golden retrievers are prone to ear yeast infections.

Many dogs suffer from yeast infections. It is common among poodles, goldens, Labradors and other breeds that have "floppy" ears where moisture has a chance to get in the ear but the air cannot get in to dry it out. The yeast infection causes severe discomfort in your dog. You may notice shaking of the head, scratching of the ears (sometimes causing bleeding), and a foul odor. In chronic cases, you often find yourself repeatedly visiting the vet paying for office visits and expensive medications only to have the yeast reappear a few months later. The good news is that with a proper diagnosis and medicine, you can treat your dog safely at home.

Instructions

1. 

   Dogs such as this with button ears or open ears are not as prone to ear infections.

   Visit the veterinarian. Some yeast infections require prophylactic antibiotics as well as a steroid shot if there is severe inflammation and irritation. Many times, the yeast infection will cause bleeding ulcers deep within the ear where you cannot see it without an otoscope. If your dog is shaking his head and scratching at one or both ears, see a vet without delay and follow her advice.

2. Flush your dog's ears twice a day with the ear flush prescribed by the vet or use a solution of apple cider vinegar and water. Use 1/3 cup of vinegar to 2/3 cups of water and mix the solution in a bottle with a nozzle on it. Do not go too deeply into the dog's ear canal. Firmly squirt the solution into your dog's ears and allow her to shake her head vigorously, which she will do anyway. This disperses the solution into the ears.

3. Wipe out the excess ear wax and dirt that comes loose with the flush. Repeat the flush if necessary. Using cotton balls, gently wipe out the outer ear and where ever you can see dirt or wax.

4. Feed your dog yogurt to help bring probiotics into her system and wipe out the yeast. Purchase plain or vanilla flavored low-fat yogurt and spoon it into her dish. Most dogs will lap it up happily.

Tips & Warnings

• Some dog's ears require plucking out the hair that works as a harbor for yeast and bacteria. If your dog has a lot of hair inside her ear, ask a groomer to pluck it out. Do not try this yourself if you are not skilled at this or you will further inflame the area.

• Most likely you cannot cure a yeast infection at home. It is strongly advised that you seek the services of a veterinarian.

References

• Dog Ear Yeast Infection: Treatments
• Medicine.net: Yeast Infections

Resources

• Organic Pet Digest: Dog Ear Cleaning