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dog ear yeast infections: signs, smell, causes, and treatment

A dog ear yeast infection is an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast in a dog's ear canal. Common signs include a musty or corn-chip-like smell, brown waxy or greasy discharge, red or inflamed ears, itching, and head shaking.

Yeast normally lives on a dog's skin and in the ears without causing problems. An infection can develop when the ear's normal environment changes, often because of allergies or moisture trapped in the ear. If the yeast ear infection keeps coming back, it’s commonly because of an underlying cause like one of these.

A veterinarian can diagnose a yeast infection with an ear swab called cytology. Treatment usually involves antifungal ear medication. Recurring infections require a plan to identify and manage the underlying cause.

Notice a musty smell, brown discharge, or persistent ear scratching?

Get your dog's ears checked

What does a dog ear yeast infection smell like?

A dog ear yeast infection often smells musty, sweet, or like corn chips. Some owners describe the odor as fermented or slightly cheesy.

The smell is a common clue, but odor alone cannot diagnose a yeast infection. Bacteria, ear mites, and other ear problems can also cause discharge and an unpleasant smell. The only way to know exactly what’s causing your dog’s ear issues is with an ear swab.

Illustration of a dog with an odor coming from its ear

Signs of a yeast ear infection in dogs

Common signs of a yeast infection in dogs' ears include:

Brown, waxy, or greasy ear discharge
A musty, sweet, or corn-chip-like odor
Redness or inflammation inside the ear
Itching or frequent scratching
Head shaking
Rubbing the ears against the floor, furniture, or other surfaces
Sensitivity or pain when the ears are touched
Hair loss, scabs, or raw skin around the ears from scratching

Dogs may scratch an itchy ear hard enough to injure the skin around it. Repeated scratching can make an already inflamed ear more painful, so avoid repeatedly cleaning or treating the ear with products that haven't been recommended by your veterinarian.

A dog with a more severe ear infection may develop significant pain, a head tilt, or balance problems if inflammation affects deeper parts of the ear. Get your dog checked out by a vet if you notice any of these symptoms.

Yeast, bacteria, or mites? How to tell

Yeast infections, bacterial ear infections, and ear mites can cause similar symptoms. A veterinarian can distinguish between them with an ear examination and cytology rather than relying on smell or appearance alone.

Some general differences include:

Possible cause	Signs that may occur
Yeast	Brown or greasy discharge, redness, itching, and a musty or corn-chip-like smell
Bacteria	Yellow or cream-colored discharge, redness, pain, and sometimes a strong or foul odor
Ear mites	Dark, dry debris that can resemble coffee grounds, often with intense itching

These descriptions are only clues. A dog can also have both yeast and bacteria in the same ear, which is another reason testing matters.

During cytology, your veterinarian examines a sample from the ear under a microscope to identify yeast, bacteria, and ear mites to guide treatment.

Learn more about ear mites in dogs

What causes yeast ear infections in dogs?

A yeast ear infection develops when Malassezia yeast grows excessively in the ear. While allergies are the leading cause of recurring yeast ear infections in dogs, there are other factors that can contribute to yeast overgrowth:

Environmental allergies or atopic dermatitis
Food allergies
Moisture trapped in the ear after swimming or bathing
Floppy ears
Hairy or narrow ear canals
The naturally L-shaped structure of a dog's ear canal
Skin conditions that disrupt the normal protective barrier
Certain health conditions, including diabetes, that can affect the body's normal defenses

A dark brown dog getting its ear examined by a veterinarian

These factors can create a warm, moist, inflamed environment where yeast can multiply.

Download more about external ear infections

Download more about middle and inner ear infections

How vets diagnose and treat yeast ear infections

A veterinarian diagnoses a dog ear yeast infection by examining the ear and testing a sample of ear discharge. Cytology is one of the key tests used to identify yeast and bacteria in the ear.

Your veterinarian may ask about:

When the signs started
Whether your dog has had previous ear infections
How often infections recur
Allergies or skin problems
Swimming and bathing
Previous medications or ear cleaners

Treatment for a yeast infection in a dog's ear usually includes antifungal ear medication. Depending on the test results, your veterinarian may prescribe a combination ear medication that treats yeast, bacteria, inflammation, or more than one problem.

An ear flush may also be recommended to remove discharge and help medication reach the affected area. For severe or recurring infections, additional treatment or testing may be necessary.

Treatment doesn't stop with clearing the yeast. If allergies or another underlying condition caused the infection, your veterinarian can help develop a plan to manage that condition and reduce the chance of recurrence.

A follow-up examination may also be recommended to make sure the infection has cleared.

Download more about cleaning and medicating pet ears

Home remedies to avoid

If your dog's ear smells like yeast, you may find advice online recommending household products or human medications. Don't put home remedies into your dog's ears.

Avoid using:

orange check mark Hydrogen peroxide

orange check mark Rubbing alcohol

orange check mark Undiluted vinegar or apple cider vinegar

orange check mark Human antifungal creams

These products can irritate inflamed ear tissue and make discomfort worse. If the eardrum is ruptured, some substances placed in the ear can also damage deeper structures and potentially affect hearing.

Your veterinarian should examine the ear before you use medication or cleaning products, particularly if your dog has pain, significant discharge, or a history of ear problems.

Myth: a grain-free diet cures a dog ear yeast infection

A grain-free diet is not a proven treatment or cure for a dog ear yeast infection. In fact, grain-free diets are not often recommended by veterinarians because they have been linked to heart disease in dogs.

If your veterinarian suspects a food allergy is contributing to recurring ear infections, they may recommend trying a specific diet to investigate that possibility. Don't switch your dog's diet solely because of a yeast infection without discussing it with your vet.

Can you treat your dog’s ear infection without a vet?

Why do yeast ear infections keep coming back?

Recurring dog ear yeast infections are often a sign that an underlying cause hasn't been addressed. Allergies are one of the most common underlying factors.

An antifungal medication can treat the current yeast overgrowth, but it doesn't necessarily prevent another infection. If an allergy continues to cause inflammation in the ears, the environment that allowed yeast to overgrow can develop again.

Breaking the cycle means treating the current infection and investigating why it happened. Depending on your dog's signs and medical history, your veterinarian may recommend an allergy workup, skin care, diet evaluation, parasite prevention, or another treatment plan.

Tell your veterinary team if your dog's infections return shortly after treatment or happen several times a year. The pattern of recurrence can provide important information about the underlying cause.

Which dogs are most prone to yeast ear infections?

Any dog can develop a yeast ear infection, but some dogs have characteristics that increase their risk. But keep in mind that a dog's breed or lifestyle doesn't guarantee they will develop an infection.

Dogs more prone to ear infections include:

Floppy-eared breeds, such as poodles, cocker spaniels, and basset hounds
Hairy-eared breeds, including poodles
Dogs with environmental or food allergies
Dogs with narrow ear canals
Dogs who swim frequently
Dogs with certain underlying health conditions, including diabetes

How to prevent yeast ear infections

You can't prevent every dog ear yeast infection, but several steps can help reduce the risk, especially for dogs with a history of recurring infections.

orange check mark Flush your dog's ears with an ear cleaner that contains a drying agent after swimming and bathing.

orange check mark Ask your veterinarian whether your dog needs routine ear cleaning.

orange check mark Use only a vet-approved ear-cleaning product and technique.

orange check mark Don't over-clean your dog's ears unless your veterinarian recommends it.

orange check mark Work with your veterinary team to manage known allergies.

orange check mark Keep up with routine veterinary examinations and preventive care.

orange check mark Have recurring ear infections evaluated rather than repeatedly treating them at home.

Your vet can help you develop the right ear-cleaning schedule if your dog suffers from ear issues.

Learn how to clean your dog’s ears

Dog ear yeast infection FAQs

What does a dog ear yeast infection smell like?

A dog ear yeast infection often smells musty, sweet, or like corn chips. The odor is a common clue, but it isn't enough to confirm yeast because bacterial infections and other ear conditions can also cause an unpleasant smell.

Can a dog ear yeast infection clear up on its own?

It's best not to wait for a suspected yeast infection to clear up on its own. Untreated ear inflammation can become more painful and may allow the infection to worsen or recur. A veterinarian can identify the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.

Why does my dog keep getting yeast ear infections?

Recurring yeast ear infections are often associated with an underlying problem, such as allergies. Treating the yeast without addressing the reason the ear keeps becoming inflamed can lead to repeated infections.

Are yeast ear infections contagious to other pets or people?

Most dog ear yeast infections aren't considered contagious to other healthy pets or people. Malassezia yeast normally lives on the skin, and an ear infection usually develops because of changes in an individual dog's ear environment or underlying health.

Is apple cider vinegar or hydrogen peroxide safe for a dog yeast ear infection?

Don't put apple cider vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or other household remedies into your dog's ears. They can irritate inflamed tissue and may cause problems if the eardrum is damaged.

Can I use human antifungal cream in my dog's ear?

Don't use any human antifungal medication in your dog's ears. Many medications are not safe for dog ears. Treatment will depend on whether yeast, bacteria, or another problem is causing the signs and if the eardrum is damaged.

Don't use human antifungal medications in your dog's ears. Many are not safe or appropriate for use in dogs, especially if the eardrum is damaged. The right treatment depends on whether it's yeast, bacteria, or another problem — and the condition of the ear.

What do vets prescribe for a dog yeast ear infection?

Veterinarians commonly prescribe antifungal ear medication for yeast infections. Depending on the cytology and examination findings, treatment may also include a combination ear medication, ear flush, or — for severe or recurring infections — additional medication such as an oral antifungal.

When to see your Banfield veterinary team

Notice a musty smell or brown discharge? Schedule an ear exam with your Banfield veterinary team. If your dog has recurring ear infections, they can help identify underlying causes and create a plan to help manage them. Find a Banfield near you

Did you know that an ear exam is included in the first year of all Optimum Wellness Plans^®?

Explore OWPs for dogs

April Nguyen, DVM, with a vet tech examining a tri-colored dog

Medically reviewed by Diana Luplow, DVM

Important Notice: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult a veterinarian with any questions regarding your pet's health or medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional veterinary advice based on information from this page.