Just like us humans, our dogs can get sick with similar infections and illnesses. One common condition is an ear yeast infection that comes by various causes (but fortunately, is easy to treat depending on the intensity). In fact, it’s so common, also affecting German Shepherds, a strong dog breed!
I know how difficult it feels having to see your German Shepherd suffer through infections like these. That’s why it’s crucial to know how to detect yeast infections and what action to take on immediately. So read on as I talk about German Shepherd ear yeast infection, why it happens, and how you can treat it.
German Shepherd Ear Yeast Infection
Ear yeast infections are also known as overgrowth, which occurs in dogs who have underactive immune systems. Because of their underactive immune systems, their body can’t fight off these infections. Learn more about German Shepherd ear yeast infection here:
The Causes of Ear Yeast Infections
Dogs’ ear canals would plunge downward, which is an area where yeast likes to grow in. So if ever your dog swims or bathes frequently, the water or debris may get trapped, leading to yeast infections. Furthermore, other contaminants such as mold, feathers, dust, pollens, even cigarette smoke, and other household chemicals or food also cause ear infections.
Ear yeast infections might also have associations with underlying conditions, like:
- Bacterial infections
- Allergies
- Trapped objects
- Tumor or polyp in the ear canal
- Ruptured eardrum
That’s why it’s important to have it checked immediately, as it may cause a lot of pain and deafness. This is because the infection tends to spread and develop, which affects your dog’s position and balance. As a result, it can cause deafness or other serious conditions that feel painful for your dog!
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The Signs of Ear Yeast Infections
It’s best that you begin watching out for the different signs of ear yeast infections. It’s a bit easy to spot since your do would usually scratch his ear or even rub it on hard surfaces. Also, watch out for the rest of these signs:
- Yellow, brown, or bloody discharge
- Odor around the ear
- Ear redness and/or swelling
- Ear flaps have crusted skin
- Loss of hair on the ear area
- Your dog shakes or tilts his head
- Loss of hearing or balance
- Your dog walks in circles
- He has abnormal eye movements
If you notice that he suffers from one or more of these symptoms, then it’s best to take him to the vet. It might also be another ear infection or another underlying condition that requires immediate treatment.
How Do You Treat Ear Yeast Infections?
If you suspect your German Shepherd has a yeast ear infection, you need to take him to the vet immediately. The vet will then use an otoscope to check your dog’s ear canal to see what’s causing the infection.
They will also get a sample of the discharge or any material from around there ear, examining it under the microscope. Through doing so, he’ll determine whether the infection comes from bacteria, yeast, or both.
For ear yeast infections around the outer ear canal, the vet will prescribe medications like antifungal creams and ointments. For infections around the middle ear, systemic medications will be given (injections and/or tablets). Sometimes, surgery may be needed, taking up to six weeks before the infection heals. Besides this, the vet may ask to give a full cleaning of your dog’s ear canal.
How Do You Prevent Ear Yeast Infections?
To prevent more infections from happening, follow these tips:
- To keep your dog’s ears healthy, make sure that you continue to check his ears for any swelling, odor, or discharge.
- If your dog swims or bathes, be sure to clean and dry his ears as much as you can right after.
- If your dog has hair around his ears, tweeze or have it cut by the groomer, but never insert anything inside your dog’s ear canal for cleaning. You can only do so IF the vet recommended and showed you how to do it safely. If not, don’t do anything to it or it can severely damage your dog’s ears.
To learn more about ear yeast infections in German Shepherds, check out this informative video:
Wrapping It Up
A German Shepherd ear yeast infection is quite common and fortunately, treatable as long as you diagnose it quickly. Make sure that you learn all about preventing and treating it to keep your dog’s ear health at its best. That way, you spend less money and effort having to deal with risky infections like these, having your German Shepherd live for years to come!
I hope my article on German Shepherd yeast infection helped you out! So learn more about the common ailments of your specific dog breed to prevent and treat such illnesses now.