Your dog keeps getting ear infections because of an underlying issue, most commonly allergies, combined with factors like floppy ears, excess moisture from swimming/bathing, or wax buildup that create warm, damp environments where yeast and bacteria thrive, and a vet visit is crucial to find the root cause and prevent recurrence. Common culprits include allergies (food/environmental), ear mites, foreign bodies (like foxtails), hormonal disorders (hypothyroidism, Cushing's), and the L-shaped ear canal design.

What foods can cause ear infections in dogs?

What Foods Cause Ear Infections in Dogs?

• Corn and wheat.
• Soy.
• Dairy.
• Chicken (in some sensitive dogs)
• High-starch carbs that feed yeast (e.g. potatoes, peas)

How do I stop my dog's ears from recurring yeast infections?

Treatment involves thorough ear cleaning, antifungal medications like miconazole or ketoconazole, and addressing underlying causes such as allergies or excessive moisture. Preventative care includes regular ear inspections, drying ears after baths or swimming, and maintaining good hygiene to reduce recurrence.

What makes a dog prone to ear infections?

Causes of dog ear infections

A dog's ear canal is more vertical than a human's, forming an L-shape that can hold fluid easily. This predisposes dogs to ear infections. The dog's ear normally contains microorganisms, but when conditions allow these bacteria and yeast to overgrow, infection occurs.

What can I do for my dog who keeps getting ear infections?

Treating Ear Infections at Home

• Ear Cleaning: Use a veterinarian-approved ear cleaner. ...
• Medications: Apply over-the-counter ear drops if recommended by your vet. ...
• Monitor Progress: Keep an eye on the condition of your dog's ears.

Dog Yeast Ear Infections: Great OTC Home Remedy

What dog breeds are prone to ear infections?

Some of the dog breeds prone to ear infections include basset hounds, bloodhounds, Chinese Shar-peis, cocker spaniels, beagles, Labradoodles, and golden retrievers.

What is the best home remedy for dog ear infection?

Home treatments for dog ear infections

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.

What does a yeast infection look like in dogs' ears?

If your dog has a yeast ear infection you may notice one or more of the following symptoms: Red or brown waxy discharge in the ear. Itching, scratching & pawing at the ear. A cheesy or musty smell coming from the ear.

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.

How do you know if your dog has an ear infection or allergies?

The cause may be an itch or a full-blown infection. Most dogs scratch at an ear occasionally. However, if you notice your dog scratching frequently, crying when they scratch, holding their head tilted sideways, or if they have ear redness or hair loss, then you need to investigate.

What dog breeds are prone to yeast infections?

There are certain breeds thought to be genetically predisposed to developing yeast infections. These breeds include West Highland White Terrier, Basset Hound, Cocker Spaniel, Silky Terrier, Australian Terrier, Maltese Terrier, Chihuahua, Poodle, Shetland Sheepdog, Lhasa Apso, and Dachshund.

What is the brown stuff in my dog's ears?

The Nature of Brown Discharge

Dark Brown, Coffee Ground-like Discharge: This can be a sign of ear mites, which are more common in puppies but can affect dogs of any age. Thick, Sticky Brown Discharge: Often associated with a bacterial infection, this type of discharge is usually accompanied by a potent smell.

What do vets recommend for an ear infection?

Treating ear infections in dogs usually consists of your vet cleaning your dog's ear with a medicated cleanser and prescribing any antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications required. Your veterinarian may also prescribe a topical medication and instruct you on how and when to apply it to your dog's ear at home.

What is a natural antibiotic for dogs?

Oil of oregano is a good alternative to antibiotics and can be used topically or internally. You can also diffuse it. Caution: Never give it to your dog undiluted. Dilute 2 to 3 drops in a teaspoon of almond oil or MCT oil.

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

Pets who have chronic or recurring ear infections are commonly diagnosed with allergies, and allergy testing may be recommended. Routine disinfecting ear washes may also be recommended. The end stage ear — In severe cases, when the ear canal shows proliferation and scarring, surgery may be required.

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.

What can be mistaken for an ear infection in dogs?

While bacterial ear infections are the most common, other potential causes of these conditions in dogs can include:

• Ear mites.
• Trauma.
• Foreign objects lodged in the ear.
• Tumors or polyps.
• Yeast.
• Fungus.

Can dog food cause ear yeast infections?

Ears—Dog ear yeast infections—also referred to as yeast otitis—cause a thick, brown discharge and strong odor in the ear canal. Affected dogs repeatedly scratch their ears to try to relieve the discomfort. They may also shake their heads and develop a head tilt. Ear infections are commonly related to food allergies.

When to worry about dog ear infection?

If your dog's ear infection is more severe you may notice other symptoms such as: Indications of hearing loss. Loss coordination or balance.

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.

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