How to tell if dog ear infection is yeast or bacterial?
Karson Hamill
2025-08-16 17:03:21
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If you see a moderate to large amount of dark brown or black ear discharge, ear mites may be involved, possibly with a concurrent bacterial or yeast infection. Typically, mite infections cause drier exudate than yeast or bacterial infections. Your vet will need to do a test to determine which type of organism is causing the ear infection and associated inflammation. Using a clean swab, they'll smear the exudate from your dog's ear canal onto a microscope slide and stain it for examination under a microscope. If your vet suspects mites, the exudate will be mixed with mineral oil and examined under the microscope; this allows the mites to move about and be easily observed. These tests are examples of cytology, and they're the most informative diagnostic test for otitis cases. Ear swabs and cytology are also useful to monitor a dog's response to therapy. Occasionally, culturing a sample of the exudate or imaging studies are necessary, but this is the exception and typically reserved for severe chronic cases. A dog ear yeast infection usually occurs when there's an excess of moisture in their ear. Dogs of all ages can develop both bacterial and yeast-based ear infections.
Moses Moen
2025-08-06 07:13:35
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If your dog has a yeast ear infection you may notice one or more of the following symptoms: Red or brown waxy discharge in the ear Itching, scratching & pawing at the ear A cheesy or musty smell coming from the ear Red or irritated ear. Your veterinarian can determine the cause of your pup's ear infection and recommend the best treatment. The best treatment for your dog's yeast ear infection will depend upon the underlying cause and may include: Regularly cleaning your pup's ears at-home with a medicated cleanser Topical medications Oral antibiotics Anti-inflammatory medications.
When the correct balance of yeast exists your pet's skin and ears stay healthy. However, inflammation of the ear can cause yeast levels to accelerate and grow leading to a brown, greasy discharge within the ear canal and around the inside flap of your pup's ear. This discharge can be both itchy for your pup and smelly.
The trick to preventing yeast ear infections in dogs is keeping the ear canal healthy and dry.
Underlying conditions such as allergies or hypothyroidism can cause your dog to experience chronic or recurring infections.
Treatment for the underlying cause of your pup's ear infections is essential.
Our vets can diagnose the cause of your dog's ear issues and provide effective treatments to restore your dog's ears to good health.
Rhianna Hermann
2025-08-06 05:29:03
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Fortunately, an infection in general is easy to spot, but you cannot always tell it is yeast from appearance alone.
If your dog has a yeast infection of the outer ear canal, the vet might prescribe a topical antifungal ointment or cream.
Using an otoscope, your vet will be able to look at your dog’s ear canal to determine if the eardrum is intact or if anything is present in the ear canal that could be causing the infection.
The doctor will probably also take a sample of material from in and around the ear, and examine this under the microscope.
It is important to determine whether the infection is caused by yeast, bacteria, or both.
You may notice your dog scratching their ear or rubbing it on the floor or on a piece of furniture.
That's a sign that they may have a yeast infection.
Here's what else to look for: Brown, yellow, or bloody discharge, Odor, Redness or swelling, Crusted skin on the ear flap, Loss of hair around the ear, Head shaking or tilting, Loss of balance, Loss of hearing, Walking in circles, Unusual eye movements.
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