The best medicine for dog yeast infection does exist. However, there is no “ideal” type. Medication is case to case. However, effectiveness, safety, and vet approval are three common criteria. The best medicine for dog ear yeast infection is effective. It removes the yeast problem. This also provides immediate comfort. Safety, meanwhile, involves the chemicals and substances in the medicine. Considering side effects is important. Vet approval, lastly, is the most important. Only vets have the right to recommend the best medicine for dog ear yeast infection. Keep in mind, however, that medication is only a part of the whole. Proper diet, nutrition, grooming, vitamins, and sanitation are all important. Treatment should be holistic.
Ear problems
Ear problems are usually treatable at home. However, they also acquired a trip to the vet. Some dogs are sensitive. They can’t take the irritation. This results in pulling and scratching the ear. There are different kinds of ear problems. However, ear problems may also be related to food allergies. Food allergies occur when food does not break down properly. Undigested food stays inside the stomach. Floating there complicates things. This results in inflammation and irritation. It surfaces on the skin, stomach, and the eyes. Weepy eyes and diarrhea, for instance, are signs of food allergies. Moreover, inflammation in the ear also occurs. This causes the canal to swell.
Bacterial problems
Bacterial problems in the ear are common to furry dogs. Having too much fur on the ear area or around it blocks air. The ear does not have much ventilation. This causes moisture to build-up. Eating dry food such as wheat also causes bacterial problems.
Yeast infection
Food and diet causes yeast infection. Yeast thrives in carb food such as potato and rice. If the dog is suffering from yeast infection, then carb intake is related. Yeast easily builds up. The lack of ventilation is all it takes. Pet owners would easily smell the presence of yeast. Dog ear yeast infection smells bad.
Mite problem
Mites also cause ear problems. Meanwhile, low immunity and poor diet also causes mite infection. Dust mites commonly cause ear infections. They thrive on dead skin. Fleas also cause ear problems. They are also an infamous culprit behind the scratching and shaking. Dogs suffering from mites and fleas may have underlying medical conditions. Healthy dogs hardly acquire mites and fleas. Mites and fleas thrive on unhealthy dogs. A poor immune system attracts mites and fleas. If your dog is under attack, then a trip to the vet is helpful. The vet can diagnose the heart of the problem.
Ear problems are only part of the equation. They may indicate other problems. Ear problems are generally treatable at home. However, a visit to the vet will not hurt.
Other possible causes are:
Dust
Earwax build-up
Small particles
Debris
Yeast infection causes
Particular dog breeds are more prone to ear infections than others. Usually, they belong to the “hairy” type. Others with hairy inner ears, such as a poodle, are more prone. Basset hounds and schnauzers are also more prone to ear infection. Dogs have an L-shaped ear canal. Trapped moisture in the ear canal causes yeast infection. Other causes include dust, food allergies, pollens, and feathers. Nearly anything that gets trapped in the dog’s ear canal causes yeast infection. Yeast infection, after all, involves inflammation.
Different parts of the dog’s ear may acquire infection. The outer ear acquires otitis externa. Meanwhile, otitis media occurs in the middle part. Anything further than the middle part is more than threatening. Infection in the inner ear causes balance problems and deafness. Nipping in the bud is the best route. This prevents the infection from worsening. Signs will always show. Yeast infection in the ear area is associated with scabby and crusty skin. It also gives a foul odor.
Symptoms
Your playful dog is just lying down, occasionally scratching. You dog might be pulling and scratching his ear. This causes reddening. Irritation might worsen. Watch out for these other signs:
Bad odor, poor hearing, crusted and scabby skin, head shaking, ear pulling, and loss balances. When you see any of these symptoms, it is best to check the ear. This can indicate other problems.
Treatment
Dog ear yeast problems are treatable at home. But doing a vet visit is still the best option. The vet could provide the best medicine for dog ear yeast infection. Medicine usually works fast and effectively. This is preferred for immediate relief. However, home remedy also works. All necessary ingredients are found in the household.
Home solutions
Vinegar is a known antiseptic. It helps battle inflammation. This is a great ingredient for immediate relief. Firstly, mix water and apple cider vinegar. After mixing, spray the solution to the infected area.
Another cleaning agent for ear yeast infection is witch hazel. It effectively reduces discomfort and acts as an astringent.
Combine garlic oil and 6 drops of mullein oil in a container. The combination reduces swelling. This solution is applied in a span of 7 to 10 days.
Pau d’arco is also a powerful natural remedy. It kills the bacteria or source of the infection. Simply combine this with mineral oil. Applying the solution 3 times a day reduces the infection.
1-2-3-4 drill
When applying any homemade solutions, it is important to follow specific steps. Firstly, wipe the ear area using a clean cotton ball. This removes dirt and other particles prior to cleaning. Secondly, apply the solution on the cotton ball and to the ear. It helps to pay attention to the ear canal. This is the location of the infection. Make sure to not apply too much. Prevent the solution from excessively entering the inner ear. An appropriate amount is sufficient enough. Some debris, small particles, and/or yeast may already come loose. Thirdly, clean the ear area using clean cotton swabs. After drying, apply another but small amount of the solution via a clean cotton swab.
Medicine
The best medicine for dog ear yeast infection would be safest. Vets use an otoscope to examine the ear. The ear canal is then checked on any anomalies, redness, bad odor, or inflammation. Vets would easily see the first sign of yeast infection. Samples may also be taken. Vets provide different remedies based on the severity and location.
Miconazole (antifungal cream):
This applies to the outer ear. Miconazole is an example of an antifungal cream or ointment. Another is ketoconazole. Miconazole and ketoconazole are highly effective in treating minor infections.
Homeopathic medications:
Vets recommend homeopathic medications to treat chronic otitis. This is when otitis has worsened. It causes bloodied wounds and discharges. Homeopathic medications stop otitis at its track. They rain down hard on the yeast infection, stopping inflammation and irritation causes.
Oral medicine:
Quinolones is one of the best medicines for dog ear yeast infection. This type of medicine prevents cell damage. Vets prescribe this medicine when the yeast has reached the cells. This causes more complications. Left untreated, this could lead to deafness. Aside from quinolones, clindamycin is an alternative.
Antibiotic:
Vets prescribe antibiotics to get rid of bacterial infections in other parts. Ear infection is one problem. However, this may not be the heart of it all. Yeast infection could have also spread to other skin areas. The antibiotic is a safety mechanism. Antibiotics eliminate chronic bacterial infection. However, medication should not cause vomiting or allergic reactions. It should be stopped at the first signs of discomfort.
Reminders: Medication is applied only as instructed. Pet owners should never attempt to make moves without vet approval. Faulty medication, of antibiotics for instance, may cause intestinal bleeding and vomiting. Meanwhile, overusing homemade solutions may also worsen the infection. This welcomes more moisture, doubling the threat.
Prevention
Prevention is indeed better than cure. Even the best medicine for dog ear yeast infection will not be enough if grooming is not regular. Preventing ear yeast infection is simple. It requires regular ear cleaning. However, avoid rough cleaning. Rough cleaning causes irritation and inflammation. Remember to keep the ears dry. But make sure to take it easy. Cutting the hair, especially around the ear area, is important. This ensures enough ventilation. After bathing, it helps to dry the ear area immediately. Hair at the ear opening should be regularly trimmed. You can ask the groomer or the vet to do this just to be sure.
Pet owners should never attempt to reach farther than the outer outer canal. Doing so may damage the ears. Pet owners can, however, ask for vets to teach them. In addition, provide food rich in Omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids prevent inflammation. This helps maintain health. Having the dog tested for hypothyroidism is also helpful. Maintaining cleanliness in the house prevents health problems as well. Placing a dehumidifier in the house prevents moisture build-up. You might want to place one or two in the living room. Also, make sure that there is enough ventilation.
Selecting the best medicine for dog ear yeast infection
Here’s the thing: the ideal medicine versus ear yeast infection does not exist. However, there are “best” methods or treatment. This is always a combination of medicine/treatment, appropriate diet and food, proper grooming, regular ear cleaning, and household sanitation. Remember: yeast clings on inflammation. Various factors cause inflammation. Preventing inflammation is one of the major concerns.
Vet knows best
The best medicine for dog ear yeast infection to use is prescribed. Never try to play the part of a DIY doctor. Medical misuse has a lot of irreversible consequences.
Safety and manufacturer
Vets will recommend the safest medicines for dogs. If you are a meticulous pet owner, then it is best to check the manufacturer. Meeting animal health standards is important. Always check for this feat on the box. What comprises the medicine? Are there side effects? These details are essential. At the very least, you know what to expect. For a list of reputable products and manufacturers, read: Best Ear Drops for Dog’s Ear Infection
Effectiveness
The best medicine for dog ear yeast infection provides immediate relief. It also treats the infection fast – acute or chronic. The best medicine improves the dog’s condition within the intended duration. Why is this important? The dog develops side effects if medication is not appropriate. If it is not effective, other medications are considered. Multi-layered medication is counter-productive to the dog’s health.
Final Thoughts
Vets will always recommend the best medicine for dog ear yeast infection. However, there are common criteria. This includes safety and manufacturer reputation, effectiveness, and vet mandate. A medicine or treatment which vets commonly recommend have earned a great reputation. Paying attention to the vet’s recommendation and the manufacturer’s credibility are essential. But medication is only one denominator. Pet owners should maintain the dog’s health, diet, grooming, and cleaning. Providing a clean environment is also a responsibility. The gist: a healthy dog is a yeast-free dog.
