Your dog’s ear is itchy and it smells somehow strange? Then you could be correct in your assumption that your dog has an ear fungus.
But what exactly does this mean for you and your dog? Is a fungus contagious to humans?
In this article you will learn everything you need to know about the topic Mushroom in the dog ear. How to recognize a fungus, when it’s time for a vet visit and much more important information.
How do I recognize a fungus in my dog’s ear?
That on your dog’s skin Malassezia (yeast fungi) can be found is quite normal and also the case with us humans. If the yeast fungi multiply over a large area, it can lead to inflammation and infections in the ear.
The following symptoms can indicate a fungus in your dog’s ear:
Severe itching
Itching can, but does not have to be a symptom of a fungal infection. With the Scratch your dog tries, from the disturbing itching to free.
However, scratching often promotes inflammation, since the claws cause small skin irritations and skin injuries and other bacteria can penetrate the injured skin.
Increased shaking of the head
Like scratching, shaking your head is an attempt to get rid of the uncomfortable situation. Increased or severe head shaking is always a symptom that indicates that your dog has a problem formed in the ear area.
The ear “smells”
Because there is an overproduction of yeast fungi in the ear, there is a rancid, slightly sweet odor. This smell is sometimes perceived as smelly.
If something changes its smell, this is usually an indication of an illness. At the ear smell is usually the first action taken by veterinarians when a fungal infection is suspected.
Overproduction of dark earwax
By producing earwax cleans the ear itself. The lard carries dirt particles to the outside. If the dog’s body tries to get rid of the fungus itself, more earwax, which looks like black dirt, is produced.
pain in the ear area
A fungus in the ear is in itself painless. The inflammation caused by scratching can cause pain in the ears and head.
Good to know:
A clear sign of an earache is when the dog rubs his ears not touch leaves or tries to avoid the touches.
Dog has fungus in the ear – causes
Malassezia live on the dog’s body and are usually harmless. However, there are several reasons that can lead to a sudden multiplication of Malassezia and the fungus will grow unchecked if left untreated.
Dog ears provide that ideal climate for mushrooms, because they love it warm and humid. Dogs with floppy ears are therefore more often affected by fungal infestation in their ears than dogs with pricked ears.
Causes of a fungal infection in the ear can include:
- allergy
- weakened immune system
- lining
- medications such as antibiotics
- parasites
Fungal infections are usually a secondary infection.
When to the vet?
Smell the dog ear and you suspect a fungal infection or an ear infection, it is advisable to have a visit a veterinarian.
If the Malassezia have spread over a large area, tea tree oil unfortunately no longer helps, but only treatment with the right medication.
A fungus in the dog’s ear will only go away if the triggering cause is eliminated. Anything else is just symptom control and the fungus will periodically re-emerge.
Fungus in the dog’s ear – treatment
For a clear diagnosis at the place where the fungus is, a detailed examination is carried out and possibly even a swab or scraping is taken.
The dog’s ear canal is examined with a special lamp. If mites or other parasites are also visible, they are treated as well.
To do this, the dog is given ear drops that eliminate the parasites. The dead parasites are excreted from the body independently with the help of earwax.
If inflammations caused by infections are found, they are also treated with medication, usually with an antibiotic.
The mushrooms themselves are also treated with a special drug such as ketoconazole.
It is not uncommon to be given multiple medications for the dog when treating a fungus. This is the only way to ensure that the cause is also successfully combated.
home remedies
Unfortunately, a large-scale fungal infection can no longer be combated with household remedies alone.
However, home remedies can be good supportive used for drug treatment. However, this should only be raised with your veterinarian first. The veterinarian often has good information on the use of home remedies.
The following home remedies can be used to help treat fungus:
tea tree oil
According to various studies, tea tree oil can be used successfully to treat fungal infections all over the body, including in the ear.
However, care should be taken that the tea tree oil is not put pure into the dog’s ear. A return flow into the inner ear should also be avoided at all costs.
Most suitable are ointments and jellies with a tea tree oil content of 5 to 10 percent.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is one of the best home remedies for fungal infections thanks to its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. It is important that no pasteurized vinegar is used.
As long as the dog does not have any skin irritations, the apple cider vinegar can be applied pure. As soon as small skin injuries are visible, the apple cider vinegar should be used diluted, otherwise it can burn severely.
marigold oil
Calendula oil has healing properties. It can be used as a tincture, in the form of ointments or jellies.
homeopathy
Many types of inflammation are triggered by a metabolic disorder.
Homeopathy can be used to support this, for example with globules.
For the exact diagnosis as well as the selection and dosage of the medication, I recommend a visit to a trained homeopath.
medication
The medication for the fungal treatment and any infections are determined by the veterinarian after a thorough examination.
Since the cause must be treated for successful fungal treatment, self-medication is not recommended.
Is Malassezia contagious?
No, a Malassezia is not contagious to other animals or to humans.
How can I prevent a fungus in the dog’s ear?
To prevent infections or fungal diseases, it is advisable to regularly check the dog’s ears once a week for redness, changes in smell and foreign bodies.
Gentle, regular ear cleaning with suitable care products not only ensures clean ears, but also creates an environment in the ear that fungi do not like.
With regular fungal infections, the general condition of the dog should be checked closely, as well as the feeding schedule.
Recurring fungal infections in the ears are usually a sign that something else is wrong.
Conclusion
A certain number of yeast fungi can be found on every living being. However, if something is out of balance, they can multiply and lead to a fungal infection.
With today’s medicine, the diagnosis can be made quickly, the infection can be effectively combated and the main triggers can be identified. Home remedies and homeopathic remedies can also be used successfully after consultation with the treating veterinarian.
Is your dog one of those candidates who regularly gets ear fungus? How do you deal with it? Please leave us a comment.