A dog can be plagued with any type of infection on any area of the body, but usually yeast infection affects a dog’s ears more than any other part of the body. I guess it is because of how the ear is positioned; it is close to the head and if not properly cleaned can develop an infection.
Dogs that have floppy ears don’t get enough circulation and dogs that do not get enough sunlight are susceptible to dog ear yeast infection. Yeast is developed in areas that are moist and dark. If a dog has had a bath, the area behind the ears needs to be dried properly. Putting the dog out in the sunlight will help to dry behind the ears.
Look for any excessive scratching behind the ear and notice any type of redness, swelling or discharge as well as any unusual odor coming from the animal. These are some of the signs of dog ear yeast infection.
Taking your dog to the vet is the best possible reaction to these symptoms. However, some dog owners have found natural methods that work even faster than anything that the vet may prescribe for the animal. So in cases where the problem still persists, you can opt for natural cure of a dog’s ear yeast infection.
Here are some options you might want to consider to cure dog ear yeast infection:
- Change your dog’s diet to foods that will help to build up the immune systems. Dogs are pretty much like humans who get sicker when the immune system is low. Do not give your dog only the scraps from your leftovers to eat. There are different types of dog foods that target the immune system. Go to your local pet store to see what you can find. You can also give your dog Vitamin C and anything that will improve the health of your dog.
- As discussed before, make sure that your dog’s ear is clean and dry because yeast grows more when it is in a moist area. If you have a dog that has ears that stand up, it is easier to maintain because nature (sunlight) will dry it for you. However, if the dog has droopy ears, then more care needs to be taken to keep it clean and dry. Try to see if your dog will let you put a headband that pulls the ear forward so it can have a chance to dry properly. Do this when the dog is lying down. Trim any excessive hair growth behind the ears. Use diluted vinegar to wipe behind the ears.
- Stay away from giving your dog too much antibiotics. Antibiotics are a friend to yeast infection in both humans and animals. The body has a natural flora balance and the antibiotics disrupt the flow to cause yeast to grow.
- Use anti-microbial herbs, if possible, which you can get at your local health food store. Pau d’arco is a great natural anti-microbial that you can try. Check with your vet first.
- Chorhexidine is a good substitute for prescription treatment as well as the ointment known as Cotramizole.
Your dog is depending on you to take care of its dog ear yeast infection. If you follow the tips above, it will help to cure dog ear yeast infection, but make sure you do your own research and get medical help when needed.