Dealing With Ear & Skin Yeast Infections in Dogs

Dogs with ear yeast infections will have red, itchy ears that stink. They'll also likely have copious amounts of dark brown earwax. Dog ear yeast infections are very itchy, and affected dogs may constantly scratch their ears and shake their heads. They may also rub their ears along furniture or along the carpet — leaving their signature scent everywhere they rub — or groan when you scratch their ears.

If your dog has a skin yeast infection, their skin will be itchy and red. They may also experience hair loss and smell bad. If your dog is constantly chewing on their paws and the underside of the paw is red, swollen and smells bad, it could be a yeast infection. If a yeast infection goes on long enough, it can make the skin thicken and turn rough and black.

If you think your dog is suffering from a yeast infection, then it's time to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. If your dog does have a yeast infection, then that means two things:

• The overgrowth on your dog's skin or in your dog's ears needs to be addressed.
• The underlying condition that compromised the health of the skin or ears needs to be addressed.

If you don't correct or address the underlying condition, then even if you treat the yeast infection with anti-yeast medication, the problem will return. Treatment of the underlying cause depends on what it is and should be handled in partnership with a veterinarian. Allergies can be managed with special food, reducing exposure to allergies or allergy medication. Horm

If your dog has a yeast infection in their ears, then your veterinarian will likely prescribe a combination of ear cleaning and topical medication that's applied to the ears. Cleaning ears is an important part of treatment, as it removes debris that can clog up the ear canal. If you've never cleaned your dog's ears, ask your veterinarian to show you how it's done. Your veterinarian may also prescribe a medicated lotion or cream to apply in your dog's ears once or twice daily after cleaning. Give this medicine as recommended by your veterinarian, don't skip doses and don't stop early — even if your dog is doing better. Yeast infections like to hide deep in ear canals and if you stop too soon, you risk creating drug resistance and your dog getting another infection.

Skin yeast infections can be treated in multiple ways. Your veterinarian might prescribe an oral anti-yeast medicine. However, topical treatments, such as prescription strength anti-yeast cream, lotion, shampoo and wipes, are also effective. If your dog has a yeast infection on their paws, medicated wipes or lotion can be effective.

If your dog has a widespread skin yeast infection, your veterinarian may prescribe shampoo with ketoconazole. The shampoo needs to be in contact with the skin for five to ten minutes before being rinsed off. If used properly and if the underlying cause is addressed, medicated shampoos are very effective in eradicating yeast overgrowth (and help your dog smell good too!). Be sure to follow your veterinarian's instructions regarding any prescribed treatments.