Have you ever noticed your dog scratching their ears or shaking their head more than usual? It could be a sign of an ear infection – one of the top three reasons for a vet visit in Australia.
Whether your dog has long, floppy ears or short, perky ones, no pup is immune to this common issue, and the discomfort can be tough to watch.
But did you know that your dog’s diet might hold the key to healthier ears?
Many chronic ear infections are linked to food sensitivities, and a simple dietary shift could be a game changer.
In this guide, we’ll explore the causes, symptoms, and treatments of ear infections, and how real, nourishing food can play a pivotal role in preventing them.
Types of dog ear infections
Ear infections can occur in one of three places:
Otitis externa: an infection or inflammation of the ear canal (the external part of the ear). This is where most infections occur.
Otitis media: an infection or inflammation of the middle ear, usually due to an injury to the eardrum.
Otitis interna: an infection or inflammation of the inner ear beyond the ear drum.
Otitis media and interna can occur if the infection from the ear canal (otitis externa) spreads. If left untreated it can lead to more serious consequences like deafness and neurological problems, like balance.
Early veterinary assessment and treatment is recommended if you suspect your dog has an ear infection.
8 signs and symptoms of ear infections in dogs
Your dog’s ears should be clean and odourless with healthy-looking skin. If your pup has an ear infection, they may show some of these signs and symptoms:
Scratching at ears or rubbing ears on the floor
Shaking or tilting their head
Dark brown or yellow discharge that smells
Redness, scaly or crusty skin, or scabs
Swelling or sensitivity around the ear
Whining or whimpering in discomfort
Loss of balance
Hearing loss
If your dog has any of these symptoms, visit your vet.
)
What causes ear infections?
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.
Other causes of ear irritation, inflammation, and infection include:
Mites (more likely in puppies than adult dogs)
Build-up of ear wax
Heat and trapped moisture
Dirt and debris
Foreign bodies, like a grass seed
Hypothyroidism
An unknown growth, like a polyp
Yeast vs bacterial ear infections
Bacteria and yeast are normal inhabitants of the skin and in the ear, but when conditions are right, they can overgrow and cause an infection. Dogs have a much deeper ear canal than humans, and they can be warm and moist, making them ideal places for bacteria and yeast to grow.
Bacteria and yeast ear infections are difficult to distinguish based on symptoms alone, and they can occur at the same time, so it's always best to be assessed by a veterinarian who can distinguish between the microorganisms under the microscope.
How to treat and prevent ear infections
If your dog is prone to recurring ear infections (chronic), keep on top of their ear hygiene as part of your regular health check routine.
Home remedies and health checks
You can clean your dog’s ears at home using damp gauze, a sterile cloth, or specific ear-cleaning wipes. Avoid using paper towels or cotton wool, as they can leave fibres behind, and never use cotton tips as they can extend too deeply and may cause an injury. Try not to clean your dog’s ears too much, as it strips the skin of natural oils and can cause irritation, making matters worse.
The L-shape of your pup’s ear canal can trap moisture. After bathing or swimming, encourage them to shake excess water from their coat and ears, then give them a thorough towel dry.
How real food can help
If food sensitivities are the culprit, removing the trigger ingredient could change everything. Speak to your vet about an elimination diet to identify the problematic food.
A hypoallergenic diet may also be beneficial. Lyka’s Hypoallergenic Pro is a fresh therapeutic diet formulated to promote healthy skin. Made without common allergens and enhanced with zinc and omega-3 to aid skin repair and renewal. Speak to your vet about whether Hypoallergenic Pro is a suitable option for your pup.
Even if your dog doesn’t have a food allergy or intolerance, a real food diet may still help. Look for a diet that includes skin-enriching ingredients like vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, and beta-carotene (from vegetables like carrots), like Lyka.
Allergies trigger an immune response, and your dog’s immune system is mostly modulated by their gut microbiome. A balanced microbiome can support a healthy immune response against invading allergens and pathogens.
🐕🦺 Read more: What is hypoallergenic dog food? A vet expert’s guide→
When should you visit the vet?
Ear infections can be uncomfortable and painful, and they can worsen if left unchecked. It’s always better to veer on the side of caution and speak to your vet about your concerns.
How are dog ear infections diagnosed and treated?
Your vet will examine your pup’s ears and remove any foreign bodies or wax build-up. To help determine the best course of treatment, your vet may take a swab and examine it under a microscope.
If your dog has chronic ear infections, they may send the sample to a pathology lab for further testing to help identify any underlying issues. If otitis externa is diagnosed, it can be treated relatively easily.
Veterinary treatment may include:
Flushing and cleaning the ear to remove any debris or discharge
Topical antibiotic or antifungal treatment
Anti-inflammatory medication to reduce any swelling
Further testing to establish the underlying health condition triggering the ear infections, like hypothyroidism or allergies
Dogs with chronic ear infections tend to scratch and shake their head repeatedly, which can lead to an aural haematoma: blood vessels in the ear break, causing a painful swelling that may require surgery.
Lyka: the fresh way to healthy ears and happier dogs
Understanding the signs, symptoms, and causes of ear infections is the first step towards improving your dog’s health and wellbeing. While cleaning routines and vet visits are vital, switching to a real food diet could make all the difference to your pup.
Designed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists, Lyka meals contain skin-loving ingredients like omega-3, vitamin E, and anti-inflammatories like turmeric and ginger. Our meals are formulated to be free from common allergens, and we’re transparent about the ingredients in every meal – essential for pups with food sensitivities.
Ready to see the difference real food can make for your dog? Start your journey to healthier ears and happier days with Lyka.
From chronic ear infections to healthy ears, learn how Lyka’s real food meals helped Gus the Staffy.
