One of the easiest ways to tell if your dog is suffering from an ear infection is to check for discharge around the ears. There are different types of colors and smells. Knowing the difference and what they mean can help your best friend get better faster. Here is a simple guide to the types of discharge you might come across.
Black and Granular Discharge
How to spot it: Look out for coffee grind-like discharge around your dog’s ears.
What it means: Black granular discharge is usually a sign of ear mites, which can also cause ear infections in dogs.
Treatment: You need to get rid of the ear mites as soon as possible. For this, you will need an ear flush, cotton balls or swabs, rubber gloves, and an earmite medication.Clean out your dog’s ears twice daily until the discharge and ear mites are gone. This might be a messy affair so do it in an open area and with clothes that are easy to wash. If you suspect your dog already has an ear infection, use reliable products like our very ownEcoEars Dog Ear Infection Formulato provide proper care.
Smelly Yellow to Green Discharge
How to spot it: This type of discharge will range from yellow to green, but you will really know because of the unpleasant smell that’s hard not to notice.
What it means:It might signal that your dog hasa bacterial ear infection.
Treatment: A bacterial ear infection can be treated at home with natural products like EcoEars Dog Ear Infection Formula. Because of the rapid growth of bacteria, you should attend to this as soon as you realize there is an issue. The treatment will typicallytake around 12 days, but you should see improvement in just three days. If you don’t see any changes within 72-hours, your dog might be in need of antibiotics. If this happens, it’s best to pay a visit to the vet. Otherwise, the bacteria could spread.
Dark Brown Discharge and Pungent Odor
How to spot it: In this case, you will see a dark brown discharge, but most of all notice a pungent, fermenting-like odor.
What it means: This is frequently a sign of a fungal infection caused by yeast. This can happen afterexposure to excessive moisture, for example, swimming or bathing. To prevent fungal infections, thoroughly dry your dog’s ears after water activities, especially if your dog has long droopy ears that can capture moisture and lead to infections.
Treatment: You should take almost the same steps as you would for an ear mite infection. Clean out your dog’s ears twice daily until you don’t see any discharge, and there is no smell. EcoEars for Dogs(or EcoEars for Cats)is a great option that works in 94% of all infection cases. It's also very easy to use. Simply
follow the instructions inthis video.
A Mixture of Different Colors
In isolated cases, your pet might appear to be excreting a mixture of some or all of the above symptoms. This can be accompanied by shaking, scratching, and rubbing. If you notice this, it is usually a sign of more severe underlying problems, and you have to call your vet. Many medications work pretty well with the multiple symptoms problem, but it isessential to rule out any life-threatening conditions first.
Get a Closer Look at the Discharge
If you are having a hard time figuring out what you are looking at, there is an easy way to check fordischarge in your dog’s ears. Use a Q-tip to scoop just a bit and spread it on a napkin or a white piece of paper. Remember that your dog might be in distress or even in pain if there is an ear infection, so you don’t need to push too far.Be gentle when you check for discharge, you don't want to hurt your pet in the process.
Tell the Difference BetweenDischarge and Earwax
Sometimes, it can be hard to tell the normal ear wax and discharge apart. Typically, ear wax is yellow or tan in color, but after mixing with dirt, it can lookdarker. The quantity of wax can also help you to identify whether you’re dealing with wax or discharge: anything below 1/8 of a teaspoon for small dogs, ¼ teaspoon for medium-sized dogs and ½ a teaspoon for the larger dogs isconsidered normal. If you see a lot of wax build up in your dog’s ears or notice dirt, it’s probably a good idea to clean your pet’s ears. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you with this task.
Additional Resources:
FAQs
Probiotics are also helpful in preventing yeast growth in your dog's ears. Offering your dog a daily probiotic, like Daily Dog, can significantly reduce their risk of ear infections and provide a balanced gut microbiome.
What ingredient in dog food causes ear infections? ›
When some dogs eat ingredients such as chicken, wheat, corn or other individual items, ingestion will trigger an allergic reaction that can alter the natural flora and allow an unnatural growth of yeast. If your pet suffers from yeasty ears, attempt altering their diet to eliminate common triggers.
What is the primary cause of ear infections in dogs? ›
Primary factors are diseases that have a direct effect on the external ear canal and can cause otitis, including otic parasites such as Otodectes cyanotis, hypersensitivity disease [food allergy, atopic dermatitis, contact hypersensitivity (Figure 1)], endocrine disease such as hypothyroidism, otic neoplasia and ...
Can environmental allergies cause ear infections in dogs? ›
Ear infections are often a secondary symptom of underlying allergies, especially allergies to dust mites, molds, pollens and animal proteins in dog foods. Ninety-five percent of ear infections in pets are caused by allergies.
What happens if a dog has too much probiotics? ›
Simply put, dogs cannot overdose on probiotics as they do not contain directly troublesome ingredients. However, too many good bacteria can upset the dog's digestive system and cause issues like diarrhea and excessive gassiness.
Do certain foods cause ear infections in dogs? ›
Food allergies are one of the most prevalent causes of ear infections in dogs, especially those with food sensitivity. Certain food, just as in humans, may not suit your pet's digestive system, and food allergies can show up at any point of time in their lives.
What is the best dog food to stop ear infections? ›
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice is the best dog food for ear infections for the money because it's a high-quality kibble for a low cost. Salmon is the main ingredient, which is a good choice for pups with allergies, but be aware that this recipe does contain beef fat.
What not to feed a dog with a yeast infection? ›
Yeast loves sugar, so avoid pet foods and treats that include the the following:
- Honey.
- High-fructose corn syrup.
- Potatoes.
- Corn.
- Wheat.
- Rice.
Yeast: If your dog suffers from ear infections, hot spots, or constant itchiness, yogurt may help relieve their symptoms. Probiotics fight the yeast – or candida – that causes these conditions, reducing the symptoms and frequency of infection.
How do you treat ear discharge in dogs? ›
A problem like this requires prompt attention from your veterinarian. Treating an external ear infection may require an antibiotic as well as an antifungal lotion, oral medication, an ear-cleaning solution, or an ear-drying solution. Chronic issues sometimes need surgery.
Drop warm liquid coconut oil into your dog's ears every two to three hours during the day and before bedtime. Coconut oil will help to kill bacteria causing an infection. Once the infection is gone, drop liquid coconut oil into your pup's ears twice a week to keep the canal clean and free of bacteria.
What is brown discharge from a dog's ear? ›
Yeast Ear Infections in Dogs
However, ear inflammation can cause yeast levels to rise and cause a brown, greasy discharge within the ear canal and around the inside flap of your dog's ear. This discharge can be itchy and smelly for your dog.
What is the best dog food for dogs with yeast problems? ›
To help dog owners find the right formula, we have reviewed some of the best-selling anti-yeast diets on Amazon and Chewy.
- We Feed Raw Dog Food.
- Open Farm Grass-Fed Beef Grain-Free Dry Dog Food.
- The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated Grain Free Dog Food.
- Raised Right Original Beef Adult Dog Recipe.
Dab a cotton ball with hydrogen peroxide and add drops of coconut oil for your dog's ears; it is an effective cleanser. Apple cider vinegar and equal parts water can be used to clean the ears against infection, but do not use this if the ear tissue is raw.
What are the environmental causes of ear infections? ›
Allergies to pollen, dust, animal dander, or food can have the same effect. So can smoke, fumes, and other environmental toxins. Bacteria can cause an ear infection, but usually these germs come after a virus or an allergic reaction.
How do I know if my dog is allergic to probiotics? ›
In rare cases, dogs may show signs of allergic reactions to the ingredients in probiotics. Signs of allergies may include itching, hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing. If you suspect an allergic reaction, get help from your vet immediately, and don't give your dog any more probiotics.
Are probiotics good for ear infections? ›
Probiotics may help to prevent ear infections
Now, research is also demonstrating that Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG may have the ability to reduce the frequency of middle ear infections, most likely due to an ability to boost the immune system and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria known to cause ear infections (4).
Why does my dog keep getting yeast infections in her ears? ›
Foreign materials: Anything that blocks the ear canal, including seeds, grass, ear wax, and ear discharge, can lead to a yeast infection. Ear mites: Ear mites are tiny little spider-like bugs that can infest dog ear canals, causing itchiness and inflammation that can lead to infection.
How do you prevent bacterial ear infections in dogs? ›
Ear infections can be caused by a number of factors, including allergies, hormonal conditions, nutrition, and autoimmune diseases as well as a buildup of wax and debris. Keeping your dogs ears dry and clean can help prevent infections.
If you are having a hard time figuring out what you are looking at, there is an easy way to check fordischarge in your dog’s ears. Use a Q-tip to scoop just a bit and spread it on a napkin or a white piece of paper. Remember that your dog might be in distress or even in pain if there is an ear infection, so you don’t need to push too far.Be gentle when you check for discharge, you don't want to hurt your pet in the process.
