The Gut-Ear Connection: Can Dog Food Cause Ear Infections? It might sound surprising, but yes — your dog's diet can directly contribute to chronic ear issues. Why? Because food sensitivities and gut imbalance can lead to systemic inflammation, and one of the most common places that shows up is the ears.

What can I feed my dog to prevent ear infections?

Consider supplementing your dog's diet with antioxidants such as vitamins A and E, Coenzyme Q-10, or any number of the culinary herbs, including rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), and oregano (Origanum vulgare).

What food can trigger an ear infection?

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.

Does grain free dog food help with ear infections?

#2 Eliminate Sugars and Grains from Your Dog's Diet

Approximately 80 percent of dogs with food sensitivities also develop ear inflammation. An excess of grains and sugar in your pup's diet is one of the most common underlying causes of infection and may be linked to an allergy.

Can dogs get ear infections from diet?

One of the major factors contributing to dog ear infections is their nutrition. Up to 80% of dogs with food sensitivities may have an ear infection at some stage of life!

Dog Yeast Ear Infections: Great OTC Home Remedy

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.

How do I tell if my dog is allergic to their dog food?

Symptoms of food allergies in pets include:

1. Itchy skin, which is not seasonal.
2. Repeated skin infections.
3. Smelly skin due to yeast infection.
4. Changes to the skin and coat, including hair loss.
5. Recurring ear infections.
6. Diarrhea or soft stools.
7. Straining to pass stools.
8. Passing stools more often.

How can I stop my dog's ear infection from recurring?

Regular Ear Checks and Cleaning: Learn how to safely clean your dog's ears to remove debris and moisture. Avoid over-cleaning, as this can strip the ear canal of natural oils that protect against infection. Appropriate Ear Cleaning Products: Choose vet-recommended products to maintain ear hygiene.

Why does my vet not recommend grain free dog food?

Vets often discourage grain-free diets due to a potential link with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a serious heart disease, where peas, lentils, and potatoes often replace grains as main ingredients, potentially disrupting nutrient balance and heart function. While grains aren't inherently bad for most dogs, the surge in grain-free foods has coincided with unusual DCM cases in breeds not typically predisposed, prompting FDA investigation and caution from veterinarians who recommend grain-inclusive foods from brands with strong nutritional research, like those meeting WSAVA guidelines.

What is the best dog food for dogs with ear yeast infections?

Zignature Kangaroo Dry Food is a great option for dogs with yeast infections because it uses kangaroo as a novel protein, which reduces the risk of allergic reactions that can contribute to yeast overgrowth.

What draws out an ear infection?

If you're an adult with a middle ear infection, elevating the affected ear makes it easier for the infection to drain out. So, sleep on your other side or tuck a few extra pillows under your head if sleeping on your back.

What is the number one cause of ear infections?

Causes. Bacteria, like Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae (nontypeable), are the two most common bacteria causing middle ear infection. Viruses, like those that cause colds can cause middle ear infection.

What foods heal ear infections?

Nutrients for Healthy Ears

Foods that are rich in these nutrients include citrus fruits, nuts, seeds, and leafy green vegetables. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids are also important for ear health. These healthy fats can help reduce inflammation in the ear and protect against age-related hearing loss.

Is there a natural remedy for a dog's ear infection?

Coconut oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help soothe the ear and reduce inflammation. Hydrogen Peroxide: Use a diluted solution of hydrogen peroxide to clean the ear. Be cautious not to use too strong a concentration, as it can cause irritation.

Can a dog's ear infection heal itself?

No, most dog ear infections do not go away on their own and will likely get worse, leading to severe pain, potential hearing loss, and chronic issues if left untreated; prompt veterinary care is crucial for diagnosis (checking the eardrum) and appropriate treatment with medicated cleansers, antibiotics, or anti-inflammatories. While mild irritation might sometimes resolve, true infections need professional intervention to prevent serious complications like facial paralysis or chronic ear canal changes.

What is the one time treatment for dog ear infection?

Claro® (florfenicol, terbinafine, mometasone furoate) Otic Solution. Claro is the first FDA-approved, veterinarian-administered, single-dose treatment regimen for canine otitis externa. Just one dose per infected ear, administered by you, removes the uncertainty of client compliance.

What are the signs of grain intolerance in dogs?

Dogs with grain allergies react to ingredients like wheat or corn, which their immune system mistakenly treats as harmful. Symptoms often include skin and digestive issues. Itchy skin, ear infections, gas, and soft stools are some of the most common signs of food allergies in dogs.

Why are so many dogs getting ear infections?

Allergies — Hypersensitivity disorders, especially environmental and food allergies, can cause the skin barrier to break down and wax production to increase in the ear, leading to ear infections. Allergies are the most common underlying cause of recurring ear infections in dogs.

What foods give dogs ear infections?

What are some common food allergens that can cause ear infections in dogs? Common culprits include dairy, wheat, soy, beef, chicken, and corn. However, dogs can develop allergies to almost any ingredient.

What dog breed is most prone to ear infections?

Some breeds, particularly those with large, floppy, or hairy ears (e.g., cocker spaniels, miniature poodles, Old English sheepdogs) are more prone to ear infections, but they can occur in any breed.

What dog breed has the most food allergies?

Breeds predisposed to developing allergies include Chinese Shar-Peis, Wirehaired Fox Terriers, Golden Retrievers, Dalmatians, Boxers, Boston Terriers, Labrador Retrievers, Lhasa Apsos, Scottish Terriers, Shih Tzus, and West Highland White Terriers.

Can allergies cause ear infections in dogs?

Ear infections are often a secondary symptom of underlying allergies, especially allergies to dust mites, molds, pollens and animal proteins in dog foods. Ninety-five percent of ear infections in pets are caused by allergies. They can be yeast infections, bacterial infections or a combination of both.

How long does it take for a dog to show signs of a food allergy?

However, some carbohydrate sources as well as vegetables and fruits may be allergens in specific individual pets. Once an allergic pet is exposed to their allergy trigger food, they may take a few days to exhibit allergy symptoms, or may react within hours of ingesting the allergen.

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