My dogs have a yeast infection in their ears. I need a natural way to treat it. No money to go to the vet.
Rachal from Norcross, GA
There are no effective home remedies for this. Your dogs are uncomfortable and may lose their hearing. This is serious.
Cancel your cable and internet and sell your computer. Borrow the money from friends or relatives. Offer to wash windows (or shovel snow) in the neighborhood.
We humans have a choice as to what we can or cannot afford. Our pets do not. Do the right thing and get your dog to the vet. (03/14/2008)
I would recommend using the cotton "rolls" that you get at the beauty supply store(for when you get a perm they put this all around the out side when they apply solution so it wont get in your eyes) it is the same diameter as a cotton ball but you give yourself 6 inches to work with gently push the cotton in the dogs ear and proceed with squeezing your solution into the ear only enough to moisten cotton then massage ear so you know liquid gets worked down in-you can hear it-then let the dog shake out length of cotton-or you can remove it, but he's gonna shake his head anyway! Good luck (03/15/2008)
By bridget
Some ideas:
(03/17/2008)
My vet said to feed the dog a tablespoon of yogurt daily. Works for me!(03/17/2008)
By Penny Custar
I am hurting for money too, more than I can say, but I must agree with luvmygingerkids. Scrimp on many things, but not on letting your dog(s) be sitting in front of you in pain and itching, wondering why Mama can afford whatever other. Home remedies will not work fast enough for the pain or well enough to prevent the infection coming back cycle after cycle.
Well just want everyone to know I have been feeding my dog the yogurt twice a day and doing the vinegar/water in the ears twice a day and last night he got his first good nights sleep. When I went to clean his ear this morning they were nothing like they have been. Last night he and my poodle played like they haven't in a few weeks. I will continue to clean his ears and the yogurt will be a regular part of his diet now "he love it" also no more treats with color but he doesn't seem to mind. Thanks everyone for your help (03/18/2008)
By Rachal
I've had luck with my cocker, a chronic sufferer due to his heavy ears, using a diluted Apple Cider Vinegar and Hydrogen peroxide. We shave his ears to relieve as much weight as possible. After cleaning with the solution and drying we apply a small amount of tea tree oil to soothe the skin. It usually clears up in a couple of days. (03/25/2008)
By ariannanme
YES! I have a hound dog that has had ear infection, after ear infection. I have had him to the vet numerous times and tried many different creams that were from the vet. After years of this I could not take seeing my dog in pain anymore. I started researching and I found the best stuff ever.
I can see how much better he feels. It is called Zymox. It is not a medicine so they will not build up a tolerance. It is just enzymes that kill the infection. I purchased the one with the Hydro something. It was about $10.00 without shipping from and Amazon dealer. I read after I ordered it to always order two and I wish I would have. I am telling you from someone who has been dealing with ear problems for 4 years now this stuff rocks. (04/04/2008)
By Monica
To those slamming DIY treatments. I have tried EVERYTHING the vet could throw at me, with NO avail. I use vinegar/water solution, a pelitol cream for pain, and feed a wheat free food. I've tried antibiotics, ear washes from the vet, steroid injections. The steroid injections work, but my dog gets aggressive when he gets one.
My next step is going for a completely grain free food. I hope it works. My frustration is spending lots of $$$, and trying lots and lots of things and NO RELIEF for my dog. He is still miserable. :( (04/11/2008)
By BlueOwl
Why does it matter how much you spend to treat your dog's problem? Home remedies are not always about the money but instead about what is best for your dog! Have you heard about MRSA in humans? It stems from over use of antibiotics. Just because people decide to help their pets with natural remedies doesn't mean they don't love their pets perhaps they are simply doing what is best for their pet in the long run. Not everything that costs more is better! (04/29/2008)
By
My lab mix has continuous problem with ear infections. Sadly, I got her from a shelter where she was abused so I cannot get near her with ear drops etc. I read that natural food can help get rid of the infection. Are there any you suggest? Or if there are any other non-ear drop remedies please please let me know (05/15/2008)
By Kristina
I'm gonna give the yogurt and dwv a try. My lab has been having yeast ear infections and skin infections. Nothing seems to help. We have tried so many different antibiotics and such from our vet. Thanks for everyone's feedback on this topic. (05/24/2008)
By Catherine
We have owned and raised labs for years. Our one yellow lab had chronic ear infections. After years of using expensive medicines with very little relief. Our vet suggested we try out a recipe he had found. It is really simple recipe, and it works great! Just mix equal parts of white vinegar, and isopropyl alcohol. Clean the dogs ear twice a day while they have an infection. then once a week there after. It really works. He explained that the vinegar helps to kill the bacteria and the alcohol dries the ear out.
I am also a firm believer in the yougurt keeping the ear infections down too. My labs and Springer just love it. (05/30/2008)
By Shirley
I did the apple cider vinegar solution and it worked! Soaked her feet for a few minutes and drizzled some diluted solution that I had warmed a little in her ears and have not had a problem since. no foul smelling ears no more scratching and a happy border collie (06/13/2008)
By Chris
I have used two products together that have stopped my dogs
yeast ear infection for several months now. Nothing has ever worked this long including DOZENS of products and
treatments from several vets. Fist I use Zymox Otic
with hydracortazone (avaliable from entirelypets.com)
Next I sprinkle a medium amount of boric acid powder around and over the opening of her ear. I put the powder in a generic squirt bottle (shown in picture below). I cut the tip of the bottle large enough to easily cover in one or two squeeses. I do NOT put the tip in her ear.
These products were suggested by my vet as safe and effective. You must also use the Zymox brand ear cleaner
if you want to occasionally clean your dogs ears. Any other liquid that gets in their ears make Zymox ineffective. It's a pretty inexpensive treatment all in all, and most importantly... It works!
Jan S.
(06/15/2008)
By JANICE SARNO
You guys have the right idea about natural treatment. You need to stop the yeast infections from happening.
Dogs with yeast CAN NOT eat foods with grain. So sorry, but get out of petsmart, that food isn't good for them anyway! Grain FEEDS a yeast outbreak, so whenever one is triggered, you don't stand a chance if the dog eats any grains. If you feed grains you are never expelling the yeast, you are only suppressing it into the dog where why will suffer internally until their body can not contain it anymore and will again express the infection externally. SO NO GRAIN (and if you buy food from the vet, it's probably got grain in it too).
I spent thousands on my dog, she started chewing off her own skin when she was just a puppy. the vet put her on prednisone and recommend she stay on it indefinitely. EDUCATE yourself! I feed raw, its the healthiest and had taken care of every problem my pets have had, they are all the perfect weight, no skin or coat problems. I have three dogs, lots of cats, and a large feral cat colony. No fleas here, worms, ear mites, weight problems, eye problems, skin problems, kidney problems. Real Dogs Eat Meat! (07/09/2008)
By Elle
I believe! It worked finally some relief for my baby girl-Sugar part boxer part Lab. She has suffered with yeast in her ears since birth. After many trips to the Vet and drops, antibiotics and lots of $. This remedy is cheap and it works. Equal parts of Vinegar and Alcohol. She got relief from the itching in the first application, also started her on the yogurt. She even slept all night with no scratching at her ears at all. Thank you all. dgs (07/11/2008)
By DGS-CINCINNATI
I have a small dog and i have spent hundreds of dollars on her at the vets. she hate ear drops. does any one have a suggestion on how to put drops in the ear of a dog that fights with everything she has to prevent it? (07/21/2008)
By izzy
Years back we used to breed poodles with our share of ear problems. Every time I go to the vet I am "sold" something. From food to shampoo, drugs to stop fleas and antibiotics for ear infections.
I find it so difficult to buy dry food without grain and this is what the vets are pushing. In fact it is always the number 1 ingredient. Dogs are carnivores and do not have the ability to digest grain. So many dogs are being diagnosed with diabetes today and their diet needs to be addressed.
I live in Australia and while I see some products overseas that cater to a dogs natural (what they would eat in the wild) nutritional diet. I now buy fresh meat and bones and give them vegetables should they feel like them... which is rare. Never had a sick day, since I changed my dogs to a "natural"carnivore diet and stopped giving my dogs the drugs that the vets push. (08/08/2008)
By melanie
I had similar problems with my good boy Clyde. He is older now (9) and doing GREAT! For him, it was bad intestinal tract, which meant, weaker immune system, which led to fleas, and then flea dermatitis. ICK. He was on EVERYTHING. And i just couldn't see him having more years, and HAPPY on all the steroids and pain meds from the vet. I tried diet, (NOTHING CHANGED), meds, therapies, etc...
As a last resort, and really feeling sad about my best friend's health and suffering, found a product from a naturopathic doctor / vet. Probiotics and Digestive Enzymes. it's called Total Zymes and Total Biotics. (2 products used together for best results).
Within 2 weeks (NO JOKE) Clyde's sores from biting and scratching were healing, skin was clear, fur growing back, no more vomiting, diarrhea, more energy, eating less food, but digesting more of what he did eat, and a healthy weight. After a month, there were no fleas, yeast infections, hot spots NOTHING. His eyes and coat were bright and clear.
I've not used any Frontline, Advantage or ANYTHING since this stuff. I just put it on his regular food.
I adopted another dog, Abby, who was healthier overall, but infested with fleas, worms, mites, yeast -- from neglect. She's been on the same stuff for a month, and she's 100% better.
I rarely have found any product I recommend to friends and neighbors wholeheartedly, but this one I do, and will forever.
The immune system starts in the gut. You make that healthier, the animal is healthier, and less susceptible to parasites, and disease. I live in FL where there are parasites EVERYWHERE, and I no longer have to use chemicals to 'prevent' problems.
I also used the vinegar/alcohol remedy for Abby's ears, and it was great. To clean ears on a regular basis -- try olive oil, and a DROP of tea tree oil, it will sooth ears, help heal the skin, and prevent infections. USE A COTTON BALL, not a q-tip. and be gentle. (08/08/2008)
By tj
When you suggest to give dog yogurt, I assume you mean as food, right? AND how much? A vat full or a teaspoonful? Thanks for much for all the wonderful information. Pam (08/10/2008)
By pam.
What kind of yogurt are you suggesting? I've been feeding my husband and kids the new Activa Yogurt, Strawberry and peach with pro biotics for a few months now. Would that work? I am wary of giving it to the dogs because I have always thought dairy was bad for dogs, as well as fruit. Is there a certain brand and flavor that would be best for dogs??
The vinegar bath solution used to work on a dog my mom had years ago. (08/11/2008)
By Three Big Dogs
Is it okay to use a product, such as Monistat, that is primarily used for treating vaginal yeast infections, in a dogs ears? (08/24/2008)
By Janet
Neem Oil seems to be a rapid cure-all for dogs ear infections. I have used it with my cockapoo and it worked in a couple of days where other treatments failed.
Using a dropper, I filled the ear canal with Neem Oil, then massaged it in for a about a minute, then wiped off the excess with a cotton ball. This was done once a day for a few days. Highly recommended. (09/08/2008)
By Steven Beresford
I have a poodle with chronic yeast infections in her ears. Thanks for all the good diet advice, I think that might be the root cause. I have started giving her the active ingedient in yogurt, Acidopholus bifudus, in tablet form made by Mason's. It's a people vitamin. I also came upon something called the Blue Power Ear treatment that combines isopropyl alcohol, boric acid powder, and gentian violet. It works!! (09/12/2008)
Whoops! I forgot to mention that a vet tech friend said NOT to use cotton balls or Q-Tips due to the little fuzzies that could come off and create more infection. She said to use a paper towel. (09/12/2008)
By Kim from NY
I have a female, smooth hair, toy fox terrier. I have been struggling for the last four years to relieve my poor little girl of ear itching, and itchy rash on her body as well as occasional smelly ears. At last count, I have taken her to six different vets! They have done skin scrapings, and tests for mites, blood tests and prescribed tons of medications including antibiotic, prednisone, benadryl, and even a Kangaroo meat elimination diet. If you've never heard of that, its meat they've never eaten and you can only get it by prescription, but it supposed to discover if food is the problem.
After thousands of dollars, nothing has worked! They said she doesn't have mites, parasites etc, that "it's just allergies" which doesn't help any of us. This last vet told me that at best, I can only hope to control it and proceeded to prescribe their office stock food, benadryl, antibiotic and prednisone. I keep feeling, that they don't know what they are doing because this dog did not have this for the first 5 years of her life! She is 9 years old this Oct, 2008. I am going to do my best to try some of these remedies you have here. I may have to switch to cooking stews of chicken and vegetables also.
Her rash used to be only on her tummy, now it is all over her legs, feet, chest neck, paws etc. She has no parasites as confirmed by the vet. I changed bedding too, laundry detergents, foods etc. I need a solid remedy for the yeast infection that I suspect has affected her whole body. Her ear wax is dark when I clean her ear but, they keep saying she doesn't have ear mites.
Anyway, if anyone can recommend, a good food, and the best yeast treatment. HELP!! Also, by the way, I did buy the OTC female medication for yeast infection and this last VET warned me about that because she said that those meds a human strength and not only absorbed by the dogs little body but the lick it off and ingest it too. That scared me so I don't advise anyone use the yeast creams on your dog just because of that. On the other hand, that VET did nothing to help us after $450.00 visit. My little dog is loosing her vigor for life. Doesn't want to play much any more. Thanks for helping us! (09/15/2008)
By Yvette
This is for Yvette with the Jack Russell. I breed and raise golden retrievers and that breed if very well known for allergies. My 6 year old that I have had a major allergy attack when she was 1 year old with breakouts all over her body that was very itchy for her and caused dry flakey skin. I discovered Nzymes products that have helped tremendously!! I swear by these products!! My 6 year old has not had any breakouts since she has been on the nzymes. I also have not had any issues with any of my other goldens as I have all of them on these products..You can visit their website at www.nzymes.com and read testimonals, see actual photos of incredible changes in the dogs. I would recommend getting the complete yeast package to start you dog on and keep her on the products for the rest of her life. I also recommend to all those that buy puppies from me that they put their new family members on these products. It really keeps your pet healthy. I hope that you try this product and I wish you the best in luck with your pup. (09/18/2008)
I under stand how she feels, I have a toy fox terrier, and have taken her to about 6 different vets. I have gotten several different answers. Ear drops don't work, cause she fights with every thing she has. And just as soon as we seem to get rid of the yeast infection, it comes right back. I have had her tested two times, and both times it comes back she has yeast.
It is very trying. I am now going to start her on yogurt, and vitamins to build up her immune system. And vit c. Don't know what else to do. I feel so sorry for her. She gets afraid of me, cause she is afraid I am going to put ear drops in here ears. She will hide from me. It breaks my heart. There has to be something out there that works. (09/29/2008)
By diane.
Mix equal parts of white vinegar, rubbing alcohol and water. Pour in ear. Massage outside of ear, while holding ear flap up. Dry with towel. Dog will shake excess out. Alcohol helps ear dry out. Repeat as needed.
(10/19/2008)
By Bill Bailey
I am interested in starting to feed my dogs raw meat but is it really safe or healthy? If so then I have a 20 pound 4 year old dog and a 70 pound 13 year old dog and I was wanting to know how much raw meat they should have everyday? Thanks! (10/21/2008)
By Mindy
I tried a stronger white vinegar and water treatment (that I found on another website) that called for equal parts of vinegar and water for my dog's itchy ears. It stung and upset him so much that it made me cry. I'll never put vinegar in his ears again. (10/28/2008)
By Eileene
Vagisil wipes work for treating ear yeast infections. I had a lady at Tractor Supply tell me this trick when I was there to switch my dog to an all-natural, wheat-free diet (because I couldn't get rid of her ear yeast infection).
It worked within days and the dog had instant relief. I bought the wipes with aloe. (11/07/2008)
By Alexis
I have 2 std poodles. My female continues to get yeast infection in her left ear primarily. The boy dog's infection has cleared up. A friend that used to train dogs suggested giving them plain yogurt or buttermilk. I'm doing that and mixing it with dry Science Diet for Large Breed. It has helped. I've spent a fortune on medication, etc. from the vet and the vet said next step is restricted diet with NO treats and NO food other than as prescribed. These "kids" are only 2 yrs old and have been TRAINED to expect treats (also from Science Diet and Milk Bone).
Has anyone else been using the yogurt/buttermilk "diet"? Should I feed it to them daily? ALL suggestions and help appreciated. (11/09/2008)
By Norman James
In response to question posted by colts73, I have two dogs, an 18-month-old mutt who is about 14 pounds, and an 11-year-old mutt who is about 50 pounds. On the average morning, I give the 14-pounder a third of a chicken thigh and a tablespoon of plain whole-milk yogurt; and the 50-pounder a whole thigh and 3 tablespoons of the yogurt. In the evening, I repeat except without the yogurt. Make sure to give them the chicken and its bones RAW. Do not cook the bones because they become brittle when cooked. I interchange their meals with raw pork/bones and sardines in olive oil as well. My dogs never need dental cleaning, anal gland expression, and they're both in great shape. (11/11/2008)
By M Tartaglia
This is in response to a question posted by gnjgnj. I highly recommend plain whole-milk yogurt; packed with probiotics and dogs love it! I give my 14-pound dog a tablespoon a day, and my 50-pound dog 3 tablespoons a day. It keeps away yeast problems and keeps their digestive tracks healthy. I haven't tried buttermilk. Regarding snacks, see if your local pet store has something called chicken chips by a company called "Smokehouse." They're crunchy chips of chicken whose sole ingredient is CHICKEN. If your petstore doesn't have them, go to www.smokehousepet.com, to see if you can order them online. No starch, no dextrose, no high-fructose corn syrup, all of which encourage yeast growth, diabetes, and joint pain in dogs. (11/11/2008)
By M Tartaglia
I thought of this and tried it and it completely cured the yeast infection fast. Just sprinkle garlic salt in your dog's inner ear and rub into infected areas of the outer ear. The garlic and salt combo kills the yeast and there's no liquid left to encourage regrowth! (11/12/2008)
By tony
Yogurt and vinegar/alcohol didn't work for my dog. The liquid just kept the infection going and the alcohol seemed to make her sick. Try garlic salt. It's quick and easy to use and works within a week (3 days for my dog and hasn't come back in a month so far). Just sprinkle a generous pinch of the powder in their inner ear at night and if necessary massage into infected areas of the ear-flap a few times each day. Labs are bad about getting yeast infections because they love getting in the water, so lab owners should stock up on cheap/effective garlic salt. (11/12/2008)
By tony
We have a full blooded American Pitt (unclipped ears, so they hang down), sweetest dog you'll ever meet, who recently seems to have developed a yeast infection in her ears. Foul smelling reddish/brown/wet discharge, lots of scratching, etc... At first it presented like mites (no smell, etc...), tried the mite treatment, NO luck whatsoever. Have absolutely NO extra money for a vet visit just yet. Been to lots of sites and 99 out of 100 recommend vinegar/alcohol solution. I hate to see her suffer, so we're going to try this starting tonight for a couple of days. Of course if it doesn't work, I'll find someone to borrow the money from to take her in, I'm not going to let her suffer. I'm also going to start her on the yogurt, but what's the recommended amount? She's between 60 and 75lbs.
I've read all the stuff about allergies, but it seems odd to me that that would be her problem seeing as how it's never happened to her before and she's about 5. I think what might have happened here was that she may have gotten water down in there during a bath. Also, about the allergies, my other dog was losing hair like CRAZY as a young pup (about 9months old), vet could never figure it out, we backed him off everything and had him on Science Diet Z/D Ultra (let me tell you, EXPENSIVE). Slowly we introduced things back again. Turns out...he was bored. Every time now when he gets bored, he starts pulling his own hair out. (11/12/2008)
By Whiskey Girl
My sheltie was put on an antibiotic and ear drops for what I thought was ear mites (there were signs of blood in her ear) and what two different vets said they didn't think it was. Even though a culture didn't really show anything, the first vet put her on antibiotics. One of them said to keep her on the ear drops for a week, the other said for two. It has now been a month and although her ear (only one was affected) looks better, there are still some crusty bits and guck.
I thought of using a probiotic no fat plain yogurt --before reading this website so was glad to see so much positive feedback on it -- and will continue doing that for awhile to see if (a. it helps the ear whatever and (b. helps the incontinence that seems to have resulted from the use of the antibiotics and the ear drops. Anyone had that interesting result?
One more trip to the vet for a follow-up and then I think I will go with some of the suggestions here if it doesn't clear up really quickly. She is a very gentle dog who never fights me but sure doesn't like the drops and is embarrassed with the incontinence. Her food is a Canadian holistic food with no corn, no wheat, no beef, etc. It is called Holistic Blend. She eats the one with lamb and rice. It "cured" a PH balance problem some years ago.
I'm losing my faith in vets since the food they recommended had wheat in it and her PH problem persisted even after months of antibiotic treatment and acidifying tablets. Holistic Blend is available on line but in Canada only, I think. I get it from a local pet store. (11/12/2008)
By Cherie
Unbelievable results using the advice in this string! My golden has had problems with yeast infections since he was a pup. I was staying on top of the stinky ear gunk, but it never went away and just in the last year, I noticed the skin discoloration, flakiness, and lethargy that seems to be the usual package of symptoms. He was very un-golden like, just slinking around the house and hiding under the furniture chewing on himself.
My vet said something vague about allergies and suggested I change his food but had no real advice, nothing I felt compelled to follow anyway. Instead 2 weeks ago, searching the web for a cheap ear cleanser instead of the expensive Hydro-B and Mometamax i had been using, I tried a combination of home treatments.
I used the white vinegar/alcohol/water solution in equal parts and cleaned his ears. I used a 50/50 solution of water and acv for his coat, paying particular attention to the spots on his fore-paws where he consistently chewed, and I put 3 Tbsp of yogurt in his evening feeding. He's like a brand new dog!
That very afternoon when I cleaned his ears, he went out in the yard and after sniffing the perimeter he plopped down in the sunshine as if to say, Wow, I forgot how good it feels to feel good.
Now, 2 weeks later, he still occasionally tries to get under the coffee table (pretty cute because he's about 80 pounds), but he spends much more time outside, is way more playful, the flakiness is dissipating and the discoloration seems to be getting better.
I did the sweet potato thing (minus butter) just because it sounded like a good idea even though I consider doggie odor part of the price for having a big sweet goofy dog, but surprise, surprise, that helped too. He's got a sensitive digestion so I was afraid the yogurt would kill us (used to get pretty gassy at night, sheesh worse than my Dad), but the yogurt seems to have cleared that up too.
The tater may be overkill, but now he loves it so much if I quit, he'll probably pee in my shoes. Besides he's a reddish Golden, has to be good for his coat. Thanks again for sharing to everyone who posted. (11/15/2008)
By Utah Dog Lover
This is in response to Whiskey Girl. My female Std. Poodle has a persistent yeast infection in her left ear only. She is about 50+ lbs. and my male is almost 60 lbs. I mix about a 1/2 cup of yogurt with the dry food (Science Diet for Large Breed) for each dog. I THINK it might be helping. I have been to the vet SEVERAL times for this problem. They keep prescribing Mometamax (sp?) which irritates her ear. I clean both dogs' ears every 2 days with cotton balls wet with Vet Ear Cleaner. (11/15/2008)
By Norman James
I adopted my German shepherd a year and a half ago when his previous owners decided they no longer wanted to care for a "sick" dog. My boy came to me with brown, cakey gunk in both of his ears. I took him to the vet and they confirmed it was a yeast infection. They gave me a laundry list of medications that "might" help alleviate the problem. Needless to say, the "treatment" was very expensive with no guarantees.
I decided to do some research of my own and find a cheaper alternative. I mentioned my dog's situation to a friend and she recommended Zymox. It was only 10 bucks on amazon.com so I decided, "what the hey." I bought the ear cleaner and the medicine. At first, my boy's ears started drying up, the skin started turning red, then it started flaking. I was about to stop the treatment, but after I talked to my friend who assured me this was normal, I continued. I'm glad I did because after 2 weeks, his ears cleared up!
I took him back to the vet and they confirmed his infection disappeared. I now keep a supply of zymox in the house and clean my dog's ears out every week. He will scratch at his ears every now and then, but his infection has yet to return.
I'm telling you all this because I know how frustrating it is to feel hopeless. I truly find it despicable that vets do not recommend this product. They prey on the vulnerability of an owner and I find that disgusting. This product is a God send and I hope that some of you take the time to look it up.
Hope this helps some of you. (11/17/2008)
By JSS
Pain relief: Our vet recommends people meds for dog pain -baby aspirin or 1/2 a tablet of tylenol for our JRT, who weighs 15 lbs. He also has recommended 1/2 benadryl for allergies.
Agree with above about lotrimin and recommend caution for anything on their skin, because they will lick it, even if it's in their ears.
He has always had "issues" due to a car accident he suffered from as a puppy, and so his diet has always been carefully managed. Now that he's older, yeast has been a big problem. We use the cleaners and meds from the vet (they did a culture, yes, it's yeast), but the yeast hasn't gone away, and it's been a year. I'm going to try the yogurt in his food, and the vinegar/water in his ears. Will report back.
To those having trouble getting the drops in: I've found doing it quickly, right after a walk, while he is still on the leash works. If I so much as take out the bottle while we are in house, he dives under the sofa. But he can't predict which walk I'll decide is time for drops, and he tends to be more tolerant right after a walk.
Editor's Note: Please check with your vet before using over the counter medication. Acetaminophen is known to be toxic to dogs.
(11/27/2008)
By Sandra
For Trying to Help My Fox Terrier! My terrier mix had a similar problem for a couple of years - lots of expensive vet trips. His skin was so bad he'd get infections all the time, plus the ears. Finally I took him to a dermatologist who, as soon as we walked in the room (from his smell and lethargy), said "he has demodex" (a form of mange). The other vets had missed it because their scrapes weren't deep enough! We got the right medication and his condition cleared up after several months. And now he has his energy back too. Good luck! (12/04/2008)
By Kim
Thanks to all the comments here! I'm going to try the vinegar/alcohol/water ear wash and the yogurt.
Question: What raw meat and how much do you feed your dog? (Please include your pet's weight)
I see below that one feeds raw chicken, but what about ecoli? (12/05/2008)
By Kristi
I didn't know what was wrong with my beagle's ear until I took him to the vet. vet said he had a bad case of yeast infection (really smelly, had lots of yellowish gunk in the ears). he prescribed him Gentizol: squeeze into ear every day, rub, continue every day for 2 weeks, then reduce to every other day for a week, then reduce to once a week til tube was gone. Well I did just that and the yeast was disappearing but he came back after the tube was gone. During this 2 month treatment I had to take him back for checkups weekly so that cost so much!!
Anyway, I decided to research an alternative, cheaper cure. Gentizol contains Gentamicin (which is an antibiotic), betamethasone (which is a steroid) and clotrimazole (which is used to treat human jock itch and some yeast infections). I went to Target, looked at all the yeast and jock itch creams and found one that contained CLOTRIMZAOLE. This particular ingredient is what really clears away the yeast. I grabbed a tube that was a generic Target brand for $5.
Every day I wiped his ears with 2 different baby wipes (which usually contains an anti-microbial), swabbed with q tips, and applied maybe a pea size amount in ear of his ears with a swab (making sure to push the cream all the way down the canal) and rubbing the base of the ear. The wiping with a baby wipe and swabbing was recommended by my vet. The first 2 days his ears reacted by being super red and irritated. Then beginning on the third day, the smell was practically gone and less red. I continued the same routine (wipes, swab, application of cream) every day for a week, then every other day. So far so good.
I'm suspecting his recurring yeast is due to imbalance in the digestive tract, so I've also added plain (greek style) yogurt to his food; 1 tablespoon per meal. Greek style has the least amount of sugar.
I'm not a vet but I know this worked on my poor beagle. So give it a shot if you're looking for a cheaper alternative.
This page has been helpful to me, and I hope I can offer some help to you and your pal. (12/06/2008)
By christine
Maggie, I don't know if you're still out there but your yellow lab's ears look just like my chocolate's did when he was bitten by something (spider?). The flaps filled up with fluid - one side more than the other. He shook them all night and by the time we got up in the morning they looked just like your dog's. First I gave him a benedryl, then I took him to the vet who gave him a shot of steroids immediately. I hope your dog is okay and I hope my vet didn't take me for another ride.
On to the yeast infection - my black lab female has the worst ears ever. Every vet we've met has asked us if we would consider moving to AZ. We've done allergy tests and shots to no avail. We've tried every allergy food he/she could sell us, including kangaroo. We've settled on Dick van Patton's fish and potato and we use potato bread to give her her medicine.
We have tried all of the lotions and drops the vet has too. None of them help for any length of time. We finally resorted to ear surgery to remove part of her ears to allow for better air flow. It has helped some but certainly hasn't been a cure-all.
Some of the tricks I have learned through the years are to keep her hair trimmed around her ears to increase airflow, give as many truck rides as possible because she won't let me use the hairdryer on her ears, clean her ears out thoroughly at the beginning of a bath because by the end of the bath she has forgotten that she's supposed to run around rubbing her ears on the floor until they bleed, and when we don't catch her before she has a meltdown, weather permitting, hose her down and get her in the wading pool because she gets so worked up her tongue turns purple.
I haven't tried the yogurt or the vinegar mixture. I worry about the vinegar mixture because it is an acid. What about apple cider vinegar? Maybe that would be less caustic? (12/14/2008)
By Labs' Mom
I just want to say to all those who are not in favor of home remedies for yeast infections in dogs ears- you are wrong. I have tried for five years to get rid of my dog's stubborn, stinky, painful yeast infections in his ears. I have spent hundreds (if not more) on cleaning and treatment materials including, ointments, cotton balls, cleaning solutions, creams, natural pet foods, allergy tests and medicines including steroid pills from the vet clinic and no relief insight for the poor dog.
I will gladly try homeopathic remedies like yogurt in the food and garlic in his ears. If yogurt can prevent yeast infections in humans, why not our pets? Thanks to all the positive people who love their animals! (12/15/2008)
By sallyomally
I have a new rescue --a Scottish Terrier (5yr old female) who has the worst ears I've ever seen. The ear flaps are crinkled up and very thick. She must have had many, many yeast infections. I've been told she'll have to have surgery to cut off part of her ears, but I'm getting a second opinion on Saturday at my own vets.
I have a friend who also rescues who told me to buy Zymox which is a combination of 3 enzymes that attack yeast and basically kill it. I've ordered it, and it should be in the mail on Thursday. I can't wait to see if it will indeed work. If it does, I'll let you know. She tells me she's had cauliflower ears a lot with bad, bad yeast and this stuff is a life saver. Anything to save this poor scottie's ears. (12/16/2008)
By Rose
I want to say thank you for all the great "natural" remedies, I will try them and am sure one of them will work. I DO have an issue with Vets. I'm sad to say my experience leads me to believe the dogs version of medico's like the human version has become a "pharmaceutical" driven industry or business that makes money making people feel bad, callous, uncaring if they aren't willing to spend heaps and heaps of dollars. It seems to prey mostly on older, alone people who rely a lot on their pets for company. Obviously there will be exceptions and truly dedicated/caring medicos and vets but the industry doesn't promote it.
Meanwhile the natural alternative is usually the simplest and best approach, after all it's natural!!. The medicine business thrives on sickness problems becoming more complicated and unfortunately more expensive ( drugs will do that to you) when the KISS approach is better for us humans and our lovely animals. Plus how great is it to have a site like this you can research and take responsibility for your pets health and heal it yourself, that's so satisfying, to know you have the power to do that so congrats on this site and all the people sharing! Cheers Ursula from OZ!
(12/19/2008)
By ursula
My little Pom is on the Nzymes program for her yeast problem and after a little more than a month I can happily say that she is really getting better! It's not expensive compared to even one vet visit and it really works! I was skeptical but I have to admit that her skin is healing. Their website is Nzymes.com . Don't waste your time with vet meds for allergies or yeast - they just don't heal what is causing these problems and even make the whole situation worse.
I brought my dog to the vet the other day because her ear was quite red - we still need the vet's medical advice and diagnosis - but I just don't say yes automatically to any of their meds anymore; my first question after the diagnosis was "so how can WE solve the problem naturally? - I'm not giving her antibiotics and ruining the progress we've made with Nzymes unless there's absolutely no other choice!"
Yes, I frustrate my vet, but she has seen how the Nzymes program has been working for us and she agreed that antibiotics could start up the yeast again so she provided some natural solutions for the ear issue (it's not a yeast problem, by the way). But for overall resolution of the yeast problems - ears, skin, everything - I strongly recommend starting the Nzymes program ASAP and follow all the instructions to the letter. Good Luck! (01/06/2009)
By Lisa
I have to say after reading all the Vet problems you guys have had, I have a wonderful vet, who uses natural remedies when they are available. No new help on your ear problems, but the ears of my GS were horrible and the natural vit/enz and ear wash that she gave me has worked great, and in a short time. I use Oxyfresh pet ear cleaner which is a hydrogen peroxide solution and Phellostatin which is a natural/herbal antifungal and yeast tablets.
You make me love my vet even more as she will always look for a natural remedy. I don't think I have ever gotten "pharmaceuticals" from her. I am an RN and I understand the "Push the pill" attitude in medicine, it stinks. (01/14/2009)
By Phyllis
The best treatment is Zymox OTC. My 4 year old Cockapoo had a severe ear infection that did not respond to the vet's treament, nor anything else. Zymox OTC cured the condition in 2 weeks. (01/18/2009)
By Steven
I have a dane with floppy ears and he constantly has yeasty ears. I've spent so much money at the vet and then did some research and got the zymox with hydrocotorzone, and wow, it took a few days but it worked with him though I have to continue to use it a couple times a week so it doesn't come back. I'm going to try giving him my acidophiles vitamins over his food. For those who don't know, women can take them when on antibiotics, and it will keep you from getting a yeast infection. It's the same thing that's in yogurt, just easier to keep in the cabinet. Hope this helps. (02/07/2009)
By amanda
Thank you so much for this site. Like others have spent so much money at vets over the years to help my Yorkie who gets yeast infections and is so unhappy from them. I am going to try some of the solutions I have just read on this site and I'm sure these natural solutions will do the trick and give my Yorkie a better, healthier life!
(02/20/2009)
By Joy
Ok. I have 2 labs one went months with ear, yeast problems no meds seem to work this website was a God send. I stopped milkbones my konas favorite and they are on evolve dog food and like magic I used the ear wash equal parts white vinegar filtered water/ alcohol. Stopped all wheat prod. And gluten and I used greek yogurt until the ears cleared up I cant wait to see my vet. I have spent hundreds of dollars to no avail. He will hear it. My girls are at peace. Thank you everyone. (02/27/2009)
By ANNA M FROM JERSEY
Hi. I have found a fantastic book that uses all natural remedies, many I've never heard of. Due to the strict nature of spamming here and as I'm a new member I don't want to put a link here but there's information at dogyeast.com you get some free remedies straight away but the book has saved me a fortune over the last year. I hope this helps anyone. John (03/12/2009)
By John
I just happened upon this site and found lots of great suggestions. Something that might work for those at 'wits' end' could be an old remedy which my pediatrician suggested after all the expensive prescription drugs didn't work on my son's yeast infection inside his mouth when he was a baby. It is called Gentian Violet (pronounced Jen'-shun) and is packaged in a very small bottle. It was extremely inexpensive (maybe a dollar years ago) and is still very inexpensive. It will stain anything it touches so be VERY careful.
Soak a cotton swab with the Gentian Violet and use this to apply to the ear and down into the ear canal as far as you can SAFELY go with the swab (which is not very far at all!). The ear will stain a dark blue/purple which will wear off in time, but if it gets into the hair, that stain may last through a number of shampoos and possible until it grows out.
Apply once a day and it kills the yeast very quickly! Just be careful when you apply it and be careful not to allow you furkid to rub his/her ears on any furniture, clothing or anything that will stain. Good luck! (03/18/2009)
By Lotta Paws
A massive thanks to John Parker for recommending the site dogyeast.com. I went there after seeing your post and left my email. I got some tips which I immediately tried on my Spaniel. By the next morning the redness had gone right down and the dog was much happier. I went on and bought the book and I really recommend this to other people suffering from dog ear yeast infections. The book cost $17 but is well worth it and you get other books with it. In total using just one of the free methods, my dogs ear was totally clear after just 3 days. I'm now following up with the maintenance method that's in the book to prevent it from returning. Dog is happy, I'm happy! Thanks again John. (03/26/2009)
Our baby has horrible ear problems that are caused by his allergies. We have taken him to countless vets to try and clear up his problem with no solution. We have found that giving him baby Benadryl, the liquid kind, along with using Zymox OTIC hydrocortisone drops in his ears will control his problems. It usually only takes a week, max, to get things under control and then he is good. During allergy season for him he gets the Benadryl once a day. It is a fairly cheap way to keep him happy and healthy. (05/26/2009)
By karin bales
I was hoping to find this thread again because I wanted to thank everyone for their advice. I spent $150.00 at the vet to find out my sweet old lady has her first yeast infection in her ears, and to purchase a minuscule tube of medicine. After 3-4 days, she was still going nuts and we were due to leave on vacation for a week. I didn't want her to be miserable so I started searching and found this website. I didn't dare use the garlic salt (too chicken), but I used a dropper of white vinegar in each ear, massaging the base of her ears, then wiping the excess with a kleenex. We left her with friends and prayed for her. (I find Heavenly Father the most powerful medicine, but I do put faith in other medicines, too), and now that we are home, she is just fine--no more knocking us over trying to rub her ears against us. Thanks so much! (08/10/2009)
By Shauna
Glad to hear the good news. I recommended a book I got at www.dogyeast.com, it's $17, a fraction of one vet trip. Everything is natural. My dogs have been fine and I gave these tips to my friend who has also been successful. I even told my vet who is now recommending the book to his customers. I don't know the guy who wrote the book but I sure wish I did! James (08/26/2009)
By James Tyson
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