Yeast Ear Infections (Otitis) in Dogs – Vet Care and Prevention Tips for 2025 🧴🐾

Dog ear infections caused by yeast are among the most common issues vets treat. In this 2025 guide, Dr Duncan Houston explains how yeast thrives in the ear canal, what symptoms to watch for, and how to treat and prevent future flare-ups. If your dog keeps scratching, shaking, or smells funky around the ears—this article is for you! 🐶🩺

🔬 What Is a Yeast Ear Infection?

Yeast infections in dog ears are caused by Malassezia pachydermatis, a type of fungus that normally lives on skin and in ears. Under normal conditions, it's harmless—but when the ear becomes inflamed or the environment shifts, this yeast overgrows and causes infection. 🦠

📈 How Yeast Infections Develop

Yeast overgrowth is often linked to other health issues. When the ear becomes moist, inflamed, or has excess wax, it creates a perfect environment for yeast to multiply.

Common causes include:

• Allergies: Especially food or environmental allergens
• Narrow ear canals: Breed-related anatomy issues
• Water trapped in the ears: From swimming or bathing
• Skin disease: Yeast often appears with itchy, flaky skin elsewhere

🔍 Signs Your Dog Has a Yeast Ear Infection

• 🟤 Brown, gray, or greasy discharge
• 👃 Strong, musty odor from the ears
• 🦻 Constant ear scratching or head shaking
• 📉 Drooping one ear more than the other
• 🐾 Sensitivity when ears are touched

🧫 Diagnostic Process

Your vet will examine the ear canal, often collecting a small sample of ear wax or discharge. Under the microscope, Malassezia appears as footprint-like structures. 📸

🧼 Treatment Steps

🔹 Level One: Simple Infections

Most yeast infections are treated with:

• Professional ear cleaning: Removes debris and discharge
• Topical antifungal medication: Drops or ointments applied at home
• Microscopic analysis: To guide appropriate medication choice

Sedation may be needed for deep flushes, especially in painful cases. 💤

🔹 Level Two: Chronic or Recurrent Infections

For stubborn infections that don't resolve or keep coming back, your vet may:

• Conduct culture & sensitivity tests
• Recommend daily ear cleaning routines at home
• Investigate for underlying conditions like allergies or hormonal imbalances

🔹 Level Three: End-Stage Ear Disease

When medical therapy fails and the ear canal becomes irreversibly damaged, surgical options are considered:

• Lateral ear resection: Improves drainage by opening the vertical canal
• Total ear canal ablation: Complete removal and closure of the canal (last resort)

⚠️ Complications of Yeast Otitis

1. Aural Hematoma

Intense scratching or head shaking may rupture blood vessels in the ear flap, creating a painful swelling (hematoma).

• Treatment: Surgical drainage and bandaging under anesthesia
• Risks: Without surgery, the ear may scar or look misshapen

2. Middle Ear Infections

When yeast overgrowth persists, bacteria may join the infection, making things worse. Chronic infections can spread into the middle ear and cause:

• Head tilt
• Lack of balance
• Nystagmus (back-and-forth eye movement)
• Facial paralysis or slack jaw on one side

This is a serious complication known as vestibular syndrome.

🔁 Why Do Yeast Infections Keep Coming Back?

Recurrent yeast infections almost always signal a deeper issue. Some dogs have underlying allergic dermatitis or food sensitivities that cause inflammation of the skin and ears.

In many of these cases, the ears are just one part of a whole-body allergic reaction. 📋 That’s why managing allergies is crucial to long-term ear health.

🧽 Home Maintenance Tips

• Weekly ear cleaning: Use a vet-recommended disinfectant rinse
• Dry ears post-bathing/swimming: Prevent moisture buildup
• Manage allergies: Work with your vet to identify and treat the underlying trigger
• Routine rechecks: Follow up even if symptoms seem resolved

🐶 Breeds at Risk

Some breeds are more likely to suffer yeast infections due to their ear structure or genetics:

• Cocker Spaniels: Long, floppy ears that trap moisture
• Shih Tzus & Poodles: Hair grows deep in the canal
• Bulldogs & Frenchies: Skin folds and allergies predispose them to yeast growth

🧠 Quick Comparison: Yeast vs. Bacterial Otitis

📞 When to Contact Ask A Vet

If your dog’s ears are itchy, smelly, or producing discharge, don’t wait. Yeast infections get worse quickly without treatment.

• 📲 Connect with a vet via the Ask A Vet app for immediate advice
• 📷 Share ear photos for fast feedback
• 💊 Get guidance on ear cleaners and antifungal medications

Download the Ask A Vet app today and get the help you need without leaving home. Prevent ear problems before they spiral into bigger issues. 🐕🦻