If your dog is scratching at his ears or shaking his head more than usual, you likely have an ear infection on your hands. Ear infections can sometimes be caused by parasites like ear mites, or it could be that some moisture got trapped inside his ear canal, which is especially common among floppy-eared breeds.
Sometimes, this moisture can lead to an overgrowth of fungus, which is also known as a yeast infection. Prescription treatments are available from a veterinarian, but what about a dog ear yeast infection home remedy? If Monistat works on yeast infections in humans, could it work on a dogs ears too?
A yeast infection is a condition that occurs when too much fungus becomes overgrown in an area, according to PetMD. Dogs typically experience yeast infections on their skin, paws, between their toes, or inside of their ears. All of these places provide ample conditions for the creation of yeast because theyre warm and damp.
Yeast infections usually appear as a pinkish or rust-colored stain on a dogs fur, but can also produce symptoms like greasy fur, scaly skin, or a distinctive odor, commonly known as “Frito paws” among dog owners. When a dog has a yeast infection in his ears, he may be seen scratching his ears, rubbing his head into the carpet, or shaking his head to relieve the itchy, uncomfortable feeling. Fortunately, eliminating a yeast infection in a dog is easy, and you can even find a dog ear infection treatment over the counter in the womens health aisle of most drugstores.
Monistat is an over-the-counter yeast infection treatment medication. Monistat contains the antifungal drug miconazole and is often used by women to treat vaginal yeast infections. Because the active ingredient is an antifungal medication, however, Monistat can be used to treat any number of fungal infections, including a yeast infection in a dogs ears when administered properly.
If you are going to use an over-the-counter treatment for your dog, its always best to consult your veterinarian before administering any medication. However, if getting to the doctor simply isnt possible, Pet Helpful has offered an easy guide to treating a dogs yeast infection with Monistat.
To treat a dog ear yeast infection, Monistat should first be mixed with equal parts hydrocortisone cream in a small dish. The Monistat, or miconazole, will stop the fungus from spreading, while the hydrocortisone will help reduce any itching or inflammation thats irritating your dog. Then, thin the mixture out with a few drops of water and heat everything in a microwave for 15 seconds. Draw the mixture into a syringe and slowly squirt it into your dogs ear, taking care to massage the base of her ear so that the medicine spreads.
You can treat your dogs ear infection this way once a day for about a week, but if symptoms dont seem to be clearing up, be sure to visit your veterinarian for a second look.
Can you use Vagisil for dogs ears? When shopping for a yeast infection treatment for your dog, youll want to make sure you have the right product. Vagisil is often mistaken for Monistat as they are both designed to alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms that come with a yeast infection, like itching or inflammation. However, only Monistat will actually stop the growth of fungus. The active ingredient in Vagisil will only provide temporary relief from symptoms and wont actually treat a yeast infection. If you cant find or dont wish to spend the money on the name brand, you can use a generic version of miconazole, which is the name of the active ingredient that works to kill yeast.
Always check with your veterinarian before changing your petâs diet, medication, or physical activity routines. This information is not a substitute for a vetâs opinion.
Absolutely the best thing I have ever found it works like a miracle my York’s mix has severe yeast problems it cleared up so fast I’m such a believer i bought the generic version miconazole 7 at Walmart I put it between her toes and her ears arm pits every where and used an antibacterial shampoo it took about a week and she’s completely healed up please everybody that has a yeast problem in dogs use it
My moms dog, an 8 years old Coton de Tuléar named Henri was seen by an “in and out” vet, a shot clinic basically. When the vet asked whether she has any health concerns besides shots, she replied by letting him know he chewed on his feet, his back feet were red in color and shed suspected a grass allergy. The vet gave her a spray (Allercain with Bittran) for topical allergies and a bitter taste to eliminate chewing, asked her about her food (already feeding a limited ingredient diet- so no change necessary), suggested adding salmon oil to his food daily and giving him a half of a Zyrtec pill daily, hidden in a pill pocket or treat.
I should also add the vet did not perform a physical examination and my mom said he didnt thoroughly examine the dogs foot (guess it wasnt part of the package – not sure), and he has no fleas, no hair loss nor redness anywhere except just back feet and one is worse than the other.
Does anyone know if it is safe to put Monistat on a place that may end up being licked? Theres a high probability he will continue chewing until it clears up. If he cant be treated with Monistat or an athlete foot cream, she knows he will have to return to the vet (non-clinic), but was hoping to try something more affordable, without being charged for “extras”. She also mentioned using lemon juice, that its a natural antifungal and would be sour in taste to keep him from chewing, but I fear it would sting pretty bad any areas hes chewed raw.
Hes been on this recommended combination for a month with no change, and she said it actually appears worse. His foot is now balding in some places, still red, inflamed and chewing has not stopped. Its especially darker red in between his toes, which suggests to me he has yeast on his feet.
How I Used the Monistat-Hydrocortisone Blend
Poor little Jessi didnt like getting this put in her ear one bit. Luckily, she is also very submissive. I sat with her and stroked her head while my daughter, quick as a wink, gently introduced the cream blend into Jessis ear and massaged it. When we were finished, Jessi shook her head and sent a few drops flying through the air. I wasnt sure this would work.
This worked for my dog, Jessi.
Itchy, Swollen Ears in Dogs and No Vet Available
Many people wonder if you can treat your dogs ear infection with Monistat, and the answer might just surprise you. One day, our dog Jessi started vigorously flapping her ears and scratching one ear in particular. We gently folded back the ear in question and saw a round, red blotch on the underside of her ear. She had just finished up treatment for ringworm, so I assumed it was a ringworm lesion that had been left untreated. We applied a bit of the ringworm topical to the red spot and went to bed.
FAQ
Is Monistat poisonous to dogs?
While it may pass through their system without harm, be sure to keep a close watch for side effects. Telltale signs of a serious case of poisoning include: What is this? The effects and treatment options will vary depending on how much Monistat was consumed as well as your dog’s size.
Can dogs use yeast infection cream?
Can I use human miconazole for dogs?
Can I give my dog human yeast infection medicine?