Dealing with Yeast Infection in Dog Ears
The yeast infection in dogs ears can be a common problem to many of our canine best friends. This is caused by the malassezia patchydermis, an organism that is usually found on the skin of the dog. The infections are usually caused by the weakened immune system of the dog.
Factors affecting dog’s immune system
Several factors cause a dog’s immune system to weaken, like vaccinations and antibiotics. This can often leave your dog feeling weak and can also kill all the good and friendly bacteria in the body.
This is why you have to be careful about the different vaccines and antibiotics that you should give to your dog. This yeast infection in dogs ears is also caused by certain substances, like poison and chemicals that dogs come in contact with. These can lead to sicknesses or severe illnesses to our canine friends.
Bacterial infection is also another factor that leads to yeast infection in dogs ears.
Yeast infection in dogs ears symptoms
Always check the different symptoms of yeast infection. Itching is one of the main symptoms. You may notice that your dog is always scratching or shaking its ears. Be careful for any lesions and cuts around the ears that may be formed due to constant scratching.
Yeast infection in dogs ears diagnosis
- Unfortunately, yeast infection in dogs ears can be difficult to diagnose.
- Ear scraping samples have to be collected and observed.
- These have to go under the microscope in order to identify if there are malassezia patchydermis in the ears that cause the infection.
- A sample from another part of the skin will also be taken for a second test to see if the same organism is present.
- If both tests are positive, then medication will be given.
- However, this organism is always present whether the dog is sick or not. If the dog gets better in time during medication, it means that there had been an infection.
Yeast infection in dogs ears treatment
Anti-fungal creams
- Anti-fungal creams are the usual treatments for yeast infection in dogs ears.
- However, this treatment has to be continuously used for a couple of weeks in order to see the effect and for the dog to have relief.
- This is why you need to follow-up with treatments, as a pet owner.
- Check out any other symptom that your dog may manifest.
- If problems still persist, you may need to contact a specialist.
Healthy diet and proper hygiene
- Let your dog undergo regular physical examination in order to check his/her health.
- This can also help in identifying what diet to follow for optimum health.
- A healthy diet can also be effective in boosting the dog’s immune system.
- Make it a point to incorporate food that can replenish the good bacteria in the body.
- Feed your dog raw meat and try other supplements.
- Ask your vet about vitamins and supplements that are effective.
- Always observe proper hygiene especially in dealing with your dogs to avoid infections.
- Also, inquire about antibiotics and vaccinations that can cause yeast infection.
- Consult your vet first if you are unsure about any vaccines.
