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Does your dog have yeasty ears? Here are natural solutions that have worked to cure yeasty ears and skin as well as a natural product to treat infections.

Years ago, one of our dogs began to develop yeasty ears regularly. I tried everything to prevent it from turning into an infection. This happens due to an overgrowth of yeast, a fungus that naturally resides on a dog's skin and in their ears. However, certain factors can disrupt the balance of microorganisms, leading to yeast overgrowth and ear infections.

Why Dogs Get Yeasty Ears

Moisture and Warmth: Yeast thrives in warm and moist environments. Dogs with floppy ears or those that swim frequently, have excessive earwax production, or live in humid climates are more prone to developing yeast infections in their ears. Sydney's ears became an issue in the summer and fall when the weather was warming and we experienced more humidity.

Allergies: Dogs with food or environmental allergies can be more susceptible to yeast overgrowth. Allergies can cause skin inflammation and disrupt the normal protective barrier, creating an environment where yeast can flourish.

Poor Diet: Dry kibble dog food is a major cause of yeast overgrowth in dogs. This is because kibble contains high amounts of starches and sugars, which yeast thrives on. If a dog's nutrition is poor, their immune system may not be able to fight off infections and unfriendly bacteria effectively.

Poor Ear Hygiene: Inadequate cleaning and maintenance of a dog's ears can contribute to yeast overgrowth. Regular ear cleaning helps remove excess wax and debris, reducing the chances of yeast colonization.

Underlying Health Conditions: Some medical conditions, such as hormonal imbalances (e.g., hypothyroidism, Cushing's disease), immune system disorders, or pre-existing skin conditions, can make dogs more prone to yeast infections in their ears.

Genetics: Certain breeds, such as Basset Hounds, Cocker Spaniels, or Shih Tzus, are genetically predisposed to ear infections due to their ear anatomy or hair growth patterns, which can trap moisture and promote yeast growth.

Signs of yeasty ears in dogs may include redness, itching, a foul odor, discharge, or frequent head shaking. If you suspect your dog has a yeast infection in their ears, it's essential to consult a veterinarian. I could stop an infection from developing, but I didn't cure an existing infection. A holistic veterinarian can examine the ears, perform diagnostic tests if needed, and recommend an appropriate treatment plan, including ear cleaning, medication, and addressing any underlying causes or contributing factors.

Natural Recipe to Cure a Dog's Yeasty Ears

All I needed were four ingredients:

I mix the water and apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle (50/50) and mist my dog's ear. I allow the mixture to work for 15 minutes, then gently clean the ear using a damp tissue. Once dry, I massage coconut oil, just a small amount, into the ear.

I continue these steps before bedtime for two to three days until the ears clear up; it usually takes a couple of days. Doing this in the evening keeps the ears from being disturbed and I check the progress each morning.

Once the ear clears up, I use Canine Ear Spray by AnimalEO several days a week to keep the ears clean.

Natural Treatment for Ear Infections

When yeasty ears turn into an ear infection, coconut oil, and apple cider vinegar may not be enough. Whether it's an infection or not, my natural treatment won't work for every dog for a variety of reasons – environment, diet, genetics, or underlying health conditions. When this is the case, I use the following products:

Absorbine Silver Honey Rapid Ear Care Vet Strength Ear Cleaner + Infection Treatment

Here is a simple two-step system for treating yeasty ears or ear infections in dogs and companion pets. The system includes a veterinarian-strength ear rinse and concentrated ear drops that provide immediate relief from discomfort. This powerful treatment uses two potent antimicrobials, MicroSilver BG and medical-grade manuka honey, and is effective and fast-acting without any harmful chemicals. With this treatment, you can expect your pet's ears to be cleared up within 10 days.

Absorbine Silver Honey Rapid Ear Care Vet Strength Pet Wipes

After administering the aforementioned treatment, it is important to maintain your dog's ear hygiene by using pet wipes to prevent bacteria from entering the inner ear. These wipes are specially designed for dogs and cats, containing MicroSilver BG and manuka honey, and are an effective preventive measure against yeasty ears and ear infections.

Clearing Up Yeasty Skin

For yeasty skin (tummy, paws, etc.), I use three ingredients:

My steps are similar to the ears and in my experience, the yeast cleared up almost overnight.  Keep in mind that the problems I've seen with my dogs have been mild.

  • I spray the areas or wipe them down with a damp cloth using 50/50 apple cider vinegar and water.
  • After the skin dries (this happens quickly), I rub the areas with coconut oil.
  • I will see a big improvement overnight. However, I continue for 1-2 days; that length of time, in my experience, keeps the yeast problem from returning.

You can also use the Absorbine Silver Honey Rapid Ear Care Vet Strength Pet Wipes on any problem areas too.

Improving a Dog's Diet

Improving a dog's diet can significantly contribute to balancing their system and enhancing their immune system, which can help prevent yeast overgrowth. While this is not a guarantee, it can be beneficial. Personally, I have found that feeding my dogs a raw diet has been helpful, but I understand that it may not be suitable for everyone. If incorporating fresh food (raw, cooked, freeze-dried, air-dried, dehydrated) into your dog's diet is not feasible, it is recommended to purchase the highest-quality kibble that you can afford and supplement it with fresh food.

Ideas for food you can add to your dog's diet are lightly cooked ground meat (beef, chicken, turkey), DIY bone broth, kefir, raw goat's milk, a vegetable blend, poached eggs, canned sardines (or salmon, oysters, mackerel) – the list is endless. The easiest way to add a variety of fresh food to your dog's diet is by subscribing to Real Dog Box, which is a subscription service that sends you air-dried meat, organs, seafood, and chews.

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