One of the most common underlying causes of ear infections in dogs is an allergy affecting the skin, such as food or environmental allergies (atopic dermatitis). Up to 80% of dogs with food allergies also suffer from ear infections. If your dog keeps getting ear infections, perhaps it's time to check their diet.

What foods can irritate a dog's ears?

Sugar feeds the yeast that is naturally present in the dog's body, so when a dog consumes too much sugar, yeast overgrowth occurs in the body and around the ear folds or in the canal, causing infection.

Can gut health affect dogs' ears?

STUDIES SUGGEST THAT GUT HEALTH & BAD BACTERIA ARE LINKED TO EAR HEALTH. A healthy gut & immune system is the key to maintaining ear health. If your dog's gut is overrun with bad bacteria it will cause havoc across their body; specifically resulting in itchy, smelly & gunky ears.

What can cause ear problems in dogs?

Common Ear Problems in Dogs

• Ear Infections. Normal dog ears have both bacteria and yeast in them. ...
• Ear Mites. Ear mites are parasites transmissible from one dog to another and can lead to dog ear infections. ...
• Allergies. ...
• Ear Tumors. ...
• Ear Hematomas. ...
• Vestibular Disease.

What foods cause ear problems?

Foods that can worsen ENT health

• Dairy. “Dairy can contribute to ear infections in young children, believed to be due to a milk allergy that is often unknown or undiagnosed,” Lessem said. ...
• Alcohol. ...
• Processed foods. ...
• Histamine-rich foods.

How a raw diet can benefit ear problems in dogs

What deficiency causes ear problems?

Deficiency of vitamin D can activate bone loss and cause abnormal bone growth in the middle ear. Deficiency of protein impacts auditory capacity. Deficiency of iron and iodine also increases the risk of hearing loss.

What foods cause itchy ears?

Yes, food allergies can cause your ears to itch. For those with hay fever or a pollen allergy, your ears may begin to itch after you eat foods like nuts, soy, wheat, milk, fish and shellfish.

Is there a link between food and dog ear infections?

Yes. Food allergies and sensitivities are a common trigger for ear infections in dogs. When a dog's immune system reacts to certain ingredients in their food, it can lead to inflammation throughout the body, including the ears.

What dog breeds are prone to ear problems?

Breeds Prone to Ear Infections and Signs to Watch For

• Basset Hound.
• Bloodhound.
• Afghan Hound.
• Coon Hound.
• Springer Spaniel.
• Cocker Spaniel.
• Cavalier King Charles (high rate of Glue Ear)
• Daschund.

When to worry about dogs' ears?

Ear problems tend to cause swelling, redness, pain, a bad smell, itchiness, and head shaking. Severe ear problems that affect deep inside the ear can also cause symptoms such as loss of balance, a head tilt, and flickering eye movements. Always contact your vet if you think your dog might have an ear problem.

What naturally kills yeast in dogs' ears?

Apple Cider Vinegar: Mix equal parts water and apple cider vinegar. Apply a small amount to the ear with a cotton ball and massage the base of the ear. Apple cider vinegar has antiseptic properties that can help fight infection.

Do probiotics help dogs with ear problems?

Yeast infections often occur when the natural balance of microorganisms (the microbiome) in the ear is disrupted by factors such as moisture, allergies, or antibiotics that kill off both harmful and beneficial bacteria. Probiotic ear spray helps restore this balance by repopulating the ear with beneficial bacteria.

What will soothe my dog's ears?

Affordable Dog Ear Treatment Options

• Ear drops. Over-the-counter ear drops can aid in treating mild ear infections and ear mites. ...
• Ear cleaning products. Dog ear cleansers are available over-the-counter and help to clean the ear canal and remove wax build-up, debris, odour and discharge. ...
• Prescription ear drops for dogs.

Is chicken bad for dogs' ears?

If your dog seems off, and by off we mean itchy, scratchy, licking obsessively, having regular ear infections, or dealing with tummy troubles — their food might be to blame. As you can see from the headline above, the food culprit is often chicken.

What triggers ear infections in dogs?

Overview. An ear infection is an irritating and painful overgrowth of bacteria or yeast in the ear canal, usually caused by an underlying condition such as ear mites, a skin problem, or excess earwax.

Do vets recommend ear cleaning for all dogs?

For a dog with healthy, normal ears, a routine ear clean is only needed if dirt or debris is noted, as overcleaning the ears can also lead to irritation of the ears. A routine ear cleaning is recommended if the ears get wet, such as after swimming or bathing.

What time of year do dogs get ear infections?

Ear infections in dogs can occur any time of year (especially in the summer months) for a variety of reasons: Moisture: Pups who love to swim or have their ears cleaned too often can retain moisture in their ear canals— a perfect environment for bacteria and yeast to thrive.

How can I tell if my dog is allergic to his food?

You'll know your dog might have a food allergy through persistent itchy skin (redness, scratching, licking paws), recurrent ear/skin infections, digestive issues (diarrhea, gas, vomiting), or changes in energy/coat, but the only way to confirm and identify the culprit is through a vet-supervised elimination diet trial, removing common allergens like beef or chicken and reintroducing them slowly.
 

What would cause a dog to get recurring ear infections?

Common causes include environmental or food allergies, hormonal imbalances such as hypothyroidism, anatomical factors related to the ear canal (especially in breeds with floppy ears), resistant bacteria or yeast, and inadequate treatment of previous infections.

Can food allergies cause itchy ears in dogs?

The most common symptom of food allergies in dogs is itching. Most often, the itching is on the paws, face, ears, belly and under the tail. Secondary infections with bacteria and yeast are also very common in these areas and can worsen the itch from allergies.

What is the root cause of itchy ears?

For some people the problem is so bad that they stick various objects into the ears, causing trauma to the ear canal. The most common causes of itching are a nervous habit, fungal infection or the beginning of an infection. Other causes can be skin diseases such as psoriasis or dermatitis.

---