Dog: yeast infection ears??

[jeria]

My lab/rotsy mix (Pepper) has yeast infections in her ears. I've tried the vet's meds and didn't work. Added $100.00 to my wellness visit. So I'm hunting for something to use naturally that isn't going to cost a fortune but works. Woke up in the middle of the night thinking peroxide. Any help on solutions that may work are appreciated, vet said not to use alcohol to clean them. Part of the issue is Bosty mix licks the inside of her ears and Pepper begs her to do it. Vet thinks that may be why she has the yeast infection. I can't watch them every minute to tell her no.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hi @jeria

You may want to ask your vet - but depends on what type of yeast, but you may be able to try an OTC yeast infection cream or antifungal cream. I'm thinking along the lines of Monistat (vaginal yeast cream) or athlete's foot (antifungal cream).

You may also want to investigate something that has Zinc Oxide in it as well.

Just some thoughts.

 

[eggbert420]

Clean the dogs ears then spray them with white Vinegar, dry with a clean cotton ball twice a day. It will work but could take a few weeks of treatment.

 

[jeria]

Wyorp, thanks but the vet's recommendations and prescription haven't worked that's why I'm hunting alternatives. Why zinc oxide? curious.

Eggbert, I can try that. Instant cure is not always the best. I read to add organic apple cider vinegar to their water as a preventative so I added some to their water this morning. Wasn't sure if the taste change would matter but they are drinking it. The vet said the yeast would grow when the ph was right in their ears so vinegar makes sense as it would make it more acidic and yeast I know from bread making acidic can kill most yeast.

 

[lastco]

Dilute the vinegar at least 50/50. More if the ears are really sensitive.

I have a dog with problem ears. I've found that blow drying (NOT directly into the ears and with the lowest/coolest setting) is very helpful, especially after bathing. You're not trying to blast the ear canal with air, just creating a little air flow after cleaning to dry out any extra moisture.

 

[eggbert420]

ACV is good for their water. I use it in dogs, chicken, and rabbits water. It helps with fleas,ticks, and ear mites which often cause yeast infection in dogs ears.

 

[SunHwaKwon]

My dog used to have chronic yeast infections in his ears, feet, and even random patches on his skin. Oddly enough, when I gave him benedryl along with using the vet's ear drops it seemed to make it to where the yeast meds could work better, I think by calming the associated swelling and itching. I'll look when I get home to see which it was, though we tried several before I did the benedryl trick.

 

[SunHwaKwon]

As far as what to use between treatments, did he give you an ear wash to use along with the meds? The one that I have cleans, dries, and moisturizes the inside of the ears.

 

[jeria]

Dilute the vinegar at least 50/50. More if the ears are really sensitive.

I have a dog with problem ears. I've found that blow drying (NOT directly into the ears and with the lowest/coolest setting) is very helpful, especially after bathing. You're not trying to blast the ear canal with air, just creating a little air flow after cleaning to dry out any extra moisture.

Thanks, will see if she will tolerate a blow dryer especially after and ear licking by her buddy. Being 65 pounds she doesn't get a lot of baths unless they are outside.

 

[lastco]

Haha! I do it after regular ear cleanings too. My problem dog is a yorkie and she HATES it, but at least she's little! I have to blow dry her anyway, and she loves that, just not the ears. I try to keep the dryer angled perpendicular to the canal while holding the ear open. It might help to use it on other areas first, so that she knows it's not going to kill her. Lol.