Dog Ear Yeast Infection: Causes & Solutions
Got a dog that's driving you up the wall with relentless scratching and a stench that could clear a room? You're in the right place! Your furry friend might be battling a sneaky internal fungal overgrowth. Let's break it down for you.
A fungal overgrowth (yep, we're talking yeast infection here) is a surprisingly common issue among dogs. It could be candida, the most common type of yeast … but it might also be malassezia, a different type of yeast.
Normally, yeast hangs out in the digestive tract without causing a fuss. But when it decides to throw a party, your dog turns into an itchy, smelly mess—think cheesy corn chips level of gross. And let's not forget those pesky ear problems that often tag along.
If your dog is showing these signs, it's time to act fast before things get worse. When the immune system is compromised—thanks to things like poor diet and heavy metals from vaccines—the yeast goes into beast mode, becoming virtually untouchable and even hungrier.
Here’s the checklist to know if your dog is dealing with this fungal fiend:
Funky smell (like cheesy corn chips)
Constant itching and scratching
Gnawing or licking at their feet
Hair falling out
Diarrhoea
Skin turning black
Rusty-colored hair between the toes
Ear infections
If you’re ticking off three or more of these symptoms, it’s pretty safe to say your dog’s dealing with a fungal overgrowth. Time to tackle this head-on!
Why Does Overgrowth Happen?
Your dog's gut is home to a bustling community of good bacteria, fungi, and protozoa that work together to keep the 'bad' guys in check. When everything's balanced, your furry friend is healthy and happy. But when yeast starts outnumbering the good bacteria, the immune system struggles to keep up, and that's when problems begin.
What Causes Dog Ear Infections?
A yeast infection in a dog's ear isn't just surface-level. It often points to yeast overgrowth within your dog's body. While yeast is naturally present in healthy ears, several factors can trigger its rampant growth.
Diet
Processed kibble diets worsen yeast issues. Why? Carbohydrates turn into sugars, feeding the yeast, especially candida yeast.
Oily or Moist Skin
Malassezia yeast has a particular liking for fats (lipids). Dogs with oily skin or coats are more prone to this type of yeast infection. Dogs that love to swim are also at risk, as damp areas like ears, groins, and armpits become breeding grounds.
Medications
Antibiotics, steroids and anti-allergy drugs pose another concern. Antibiotics & steroids wipe out both harmful and beneficial bacteria, allowing yeast to flourish. Allergy medications like Apoquel, often misused for ear infections, suppress the immune system, making dogs more vulnerable to yeast overgrowth.
Heavy Metals
Heavy metals and environmental toxins disrupt the beneficial bacteria in your dog's gut. These toxins can enter through vaccines, flea and tick preventatives, cleaning products, food, and water.
A yeast infection in your dog's ear usually signals a more profound, underlying issue. When yeast overtakes the good bacteria in your dog's gut, it irritates the cell lining. These strong linings usually prevent harmful food particles and microbes from entering the bloodstream. But once they’re compromised, so is your dog’s health. This leakage of toxins into the bloodstream leads to allergies, a weakened immune system, and high inflammation. Leaky gut is the primary culprit behind yeast overgrowth, so tackling this needs to be the first thing to address. Heal the gut BEFORE auto-immune disease kicks in.
Related article: Combating a Leaky Gut
Stop Yeast in Its Tracks: Heal Your Dog’s Gut Now!
The first step is crucial: heal the leaky gut that's causing all that inflammation and messing with your dog's gut and liver. The biggest offender is a sugar-packed kibble diet. Ditch the kibble and any sneaky carbs and sugars—think potatoes, rice, oats, corn, millet, and peas. Artificial ingredients like preservatives, flavourings and synthetic vitamins and minerals can also contribute to yeasty ears.
For a surefire way to starve the yeast and boost your dog’s health, switch to a raw diet. The PMR (Prey Model Raw) diet is the gold standard for a thriving, yeast-free pup.
Annihilate That Yeast!
Yeast can be really stubborn and hard to get rid of. It can hide behind a tough biofilm, making it hard to destroy. But when you starve it, and heavy metal detoxification is implemented, that biofilm gets stripped away, leaving the yeast vulnerable to your immune system's attack.
If you want to speed up the process, digestive enzymes are your secret weapon. They break down the biofilm, exposing the yeast even more. Timing is crucial: take these enzymes between meals to ensure they go after the biofilm, not your food.
Related article: Are Digestive Enzymes Essential for Your Dog?
Add Foods and Supplements to Fight Yeast
Make these powerhouse foods and supplements part of your dog’s meals to combat yeast head-on:
Garlic: Proven to dismantle yeast colonies.
MCT Oil: Packed with caprylic acid to obliterate yeast.
Probiotics: Essential for rebuilding your dog’s gut health and defeating ear yeast infections. >> shop here
Saccharomyces Boulardii: A unique yeast that halts other yeast in its tracks. Grab this from your local health store or pharmacy.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Perfect for slashing overall inflammation. >> shop here
Digestive Enzymes: Tears down the biofilms and fiber protecting the yeast. >> shop here
Olive Leaf: A potent anti-fungal herb that eradicates yeast. Grab this from your local health store.
Anti-fungal foods: add oregano, rosemary, thyme, and a clove of garlic into the diet. Introduce them gradually, one at a time.
Soothe Your Dog’s Yeast Infection With These Easy Home Remedies
Dealing with a dog ear yeast infection can be a real pain—literally. The constant itching drives both you and your furry friend crazy. But don’t worry, I’ve got some simple, soothing solutions to bring some relief.
Calendula Lotion Magic
Calendula is a wonder herb that can help ease your dog’s discomfort. Known for its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, it also fights off infections. Here’s how to use it:
Grab some herbal calendula tincture.
Mix 5 to 10 drops of tincture with 1 cup of lukewarm filtered water.
Use a dropper or sponge to gently apply the mixture to your dog’s ears.
Apple Cider Vinegar Relief
Apple cider vinegar is another great remedy. It can calm the itch and help clean your pup’s ears. Follow these simple steps:
Dilute apple cider vinegar with water in a 50/50 ratio.
Soak a cotton ball in the mixture.
Gently wipe your dog’s ears to ease the itching.
These easy and effective remedies can make a world of difference for your itchy pup, so give them a try.
Final Step: Keep Your Dog’s Gut Healthy
We’ve tackled the hard part—starving the yeast and breaking down the biofilm. Now, let’s ensure your dog’s gut stays in top shape. Here’s how:
Avoid These:
Over-vaccination
Exposure to toxic chemicals
Chemical flea and tick treatments (opt for natural alternatives like a clove of garlic daily)
High-carbohydrate diets like kibble (steer clear of sugars)
Embrace These:
A raw food diet until the yeast is gone, specifically PMR (try to skip beef and chicken as these are common triggers for food sensitives)
Low-stress environment
Regular exercise
High quality probiotics, loaded with soil and water-based microbes - Shop here
Keeping your dog’s gut healthy is a journey, not a destination. Follow these tips to keep their tail wagging and their tummy happy!
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