If your dog is constantly scratching at their ears, shaking their head, or giving off a funky smell that reminds you of popcorn, cheese, or bread — they might be dealing with yeasty ears.
Yeast overgrowth in dogs is common, uncomfortable, and often misunderstood. But with the right approach — and a little patience — you can get things back on track naturally.
Let’s break it down.
Yeast is a natural fungus that lives on your dog’s skin, ears, and paws. It usually stays in balance, but sometimes, it can overgrow, especially in warm, moist areas like the ears.
When that happens, your dog might show signs like:
Scratching or rubbing at their ears
Frequent head shaking
Brown, waxy, or sticky discharge
A sweet, musty or cheesy smell
Red, inflamed, or scabby ear flaps
Thickened skin or hair loss around the ears
Yeast overgrowth isn’t always just a hygiene issue — it's often a symptom of something deeper. Some common root causes include:
Yeast thrives on sugar, and some dogs react poorly to high-carb or processed diets. Even natural ingredients like sweet potato, peas or grains can be triggers for certain dogs.
Antibiotics, stress, or poor-quality food can affect your dog’s gut microbiome — and when the gut is out of balance, so is the skin.
Dogs with allergies (to pollen, dust, grass, or food) often get chronic ear infections as a secondary symptom.
Dogs with floppy ears, who swim regularly, or who live in damp climates (hello, Cornwall!) may simply have the perfect environment for yeast to thrive.
Always rule out mites, bacteria, or a serious ear infection. Your vet might prescribe drops or recommend ear cleaning to clear things up short-term.
Once any acute infection is treated, think about why it keeps happening. Recurring yeast often points to an internal issue, especially with food.
That’s where our free TEDDY Talks Food Exclusion Planner comes in.
If you suspect food is contributing to your dog’s yeast problems, the best thing you can do is eliminate and observe — but that can feel overwhelming without structure.
Our Food Exclusion Planner is designed to take the guesswork out of food trials, helping you log meals, monitor symptoms, and slowly narrow down potential triggers in a calm and clear way.
It includes:
✅ A simple, dog-friendly method to start a food trial
✅ Weekly symptom checklists (for ears, skin, digestion and mood)
✅ Ingredient tracking to help spot hidden culprits
And it’s completely free. Because your dog’s wellbeing shouldn’t be a guessing game.
👉 Download the TEDDY Talks Food Exclusion Planner
Alongside food trials and vet advice, here are a few natural approaches that may help:
Clean ears gently with a vet-approved or natural ear cleanser (avoid harsh alcohols)
Keep ears dry, especially after walks or baths
Add natural anti-fungal support like raw apple cider vinegar (diluted) or coconut oil under guidance
Support the gut with probiotics and prebiotics
Reduce carbs — yeast loves sugar, and many dry foods are carb-heavy
Consider a natural, low-sugar, grain-free diet to support skin and coat health long-term
Yeasty ears can be persistent, but they’re also a helpful signal. They’re your dog’s way of saying, “Something’s not quite right inside.”
With a bit of patience, some gentle changes, and a free tool to guide you, you’ll be on your way to clearer ears and a happier pup.
🐾
Download the planner. Track the signs. Support the whole dog.
Because they deserve to feel good — from the inside out.
TEDDY Talks was created by Katy Peck, a passionate dog advocate with years of hands-on experience in behaviour, training, and nutrition. As the co-founder of one of Cornwall’s busiest dog day care centres, Katy helped care for up to 80 dogs a day, learning first-hand what makes dogs feel calm, confident, and understood.
In 2018, she brought that knowledge into the world of natural nutrition by opening a pet shop focused on healthy, wholesome choices — supporting thousands of customers with thoughtful advice, honest information, and a personal touch.
TEDDY Talks is the natural next step: a way to take everything we’ve shared in person and make it available to every dog lover, everywhere. These free downloads and training tools are built from real experience, not just theory — and grounded in kindness, patience, and the belief that when we understand why, we can teach how.
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