# Yeast Ear Infections in Dogs UK — Quick answer

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/dog-yeast-ear-infection-uk): Yeast Ear Infections in Dogs UK — Quick answer. Yeast ear infections in UK dogs cause head shaking, scratching and a characteristic yeasty smell with brown waxy discharge. They are usually secondary to allergies or moisture. See your vet for diagnosis — do not use human ear drops or insert cotton buds deep into the canal.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/dog-yeast-ear-infection-uk): Yeast Ear Infections in Dogs UK — Signs of yeast otitis in dogs. - Frequent head shaking or tilting - Scratching at one or both ears - Strong yeasty or musty odour - Brown, waxy or greasy discharge - Red, inflamed ear flap or canal - Pain when the ear is touched - Thickened, darkened ear canal in chronic cases Yeast infections often occur alongside bacterial otitis. Your vet identifies the organisms with a simple ear swab examined under a microscope.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/dog-yeast-ear-infection-uk): Yeast Ear Infections in Dogs UK — Why yeast grows in dog ears. The canine ear canal is warm and L-shaped — ideal for Malassezia yeast when conditions favour overgrowth: | Trigger | Why it matters | |---------|----------------| | Allergies | Leading cause of chronic ear disease in UK dogs | | Moisture | Swimming, bathing without drying ears | | Anatomy | Floppy ears (Spaniels, Bassets) trap heat and debris | | Hormonal disease | Hypothyroidism predisposes to skin and ear problems | | Ear mites | More common in puppies; cause inflammation |

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/dog-yeast-ear-infection-uk): Yeast Ear Infections in Dogs UK — How vets diagnose and treat yeast ear infections. Your vet examines the ear with an otoscope, checks the eardrum, and takes a swab for cytology. This confirms yeast, bacteria or mites and guides treatment. Typical treatment includes: - Professional ear cleaning — removes waxy debris (sometimes under sedation if painful) - Topical antifungal drops — prescribed for the specific infection - Oral medication — for severe or deep infections - Allergy management — if allergies drive recurrence Finish the full course even if the ear looks better within days. Stopping early is a common reason infections return.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/dog-yeast-ear-infection-uk): Yeast Ear Infections in Dogs UK — Prevention for UK dogs. - Dry ears thoroughly after swimming or bathing - Clean only as directed by your vet — over-cleaning irritates healthy ears - Manage underlying allergies with your vet's guidance - Check ears weekly for redness, odour or discharge - Never use cotton swabs deep in the canal Schedule a recheck if symptoms return within weeks of finishing treatment.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/dog-yeast-ear-infection-uk): Yeast Ear Infections in Dogs UK — When to see your vet urgently. - Sudden head tilt with balance problems (may indicate inner ear involvement) - Swollen ear flap (aural haematoma — needs prompt treatment) - Bleeding from the ear canal - No improvement after five days of prescribed treatment

Source: https://pethealth.org.uk/health/dog-yeast-ear-infection-uk