Chronic ear infections in dogs can be caused by a variety of reasons, the most common being allergies. However, they can also be caused by foreign material such as grass or dirt, parasitic causes such as ear mites, and ear canal masses and polyps.
The single most effective way to prevent ear infections in dogs is to clean their ears regularly and to clean them well. Fill both ear canals with solution and vigorously massage into the base of the ear (on the head itself below the ear flap.
Dogs can also have an infection in one or both ears.
Proteins that we know can cross react are (chicken, duck, turkey), (beef, milk, lamb) and (chicken, fish). The most common food allergens in dogs are beef, chicken, lamb and wheat.
Head Tilt and Shaking
They may also shake their head frequently in an attempt to loosen the pressure in the ear that is causing their pain. Head tilt and head shaking may also be signs of neurological problems in dogs. If this is the only symptom you notice, you should take your dog to the vet for a full checkup.
There can be many reasons your dog continues to get recurrent ear infections. The most common cause is allergies, which are usually caused by food or environmental allergies. But we'll focus on those later. Endocrine (hormonal) disease can also be a trigger for recurrent otitis.
They may use a medicated ear cleaner or apply a topical medication. In more severe cases, the vet may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications or oral antibiotics for your pet. Your vet will likely prescribe a topical medication to your dog.
If your dog has an ear issue, your veterinarian may suggest a change in your dog's food. In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend a therapeutic hypoallergenic dog food to help limit exposure to potential allergens. Such dog foods may include Hill's® Prescription Diet® brand dog foods.
Symptoms of Chicken Allergy in Dogs
Symptoms could include red or itchy skin (especially on the paws, abdomen, groin, face, and ears), rashes, fur loss, or hives. Skin and ear infections commonly occur.
Signs That Your Dog May Have A Yeast Ear Infection
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.
The top five worst affected breeds include Basset Hound, Chinese Shar Pei, Labradoodle, Beagle and Golden Retriever. Poodle and spaniel types of dogs overall were at greater risk of ear infection. Dogs with long and hanging ear flaps had a much higher risk of ear infection compared with dogs with pointy ears.
Dogs can experience three types of ear infections, known otitis externa, media, and internet. The most common is otitis externa, or an outer ear infection, which happens when there is inflammation in the outer ear canal. Otitis media and interna refer to infections of the middle and inner ear canal, respectively.
They include amoxicillin, cephalexin, and metronidazole. The choice of antibiotic depends on the cause of the infection and the severity of the symptoms. Your veterinarian will examine your dog's ears and take a culture to determine the best course of treatment.
Probiotics are also helpful in preventing yeast growth in your dog's ears. Offering your dog a daily probiotic, like Daily Dog, can significantly reduce their risk of ear infections and provide a balanced gut microbiome.
The provider may prescribe antibiotics if the infection is caused by bacteria. These medicines may need to be taken for a long time. They can be given by mouth or into a vein (intravenously). If there is a hole in the eardrum, antibiotic ear drops are used.
In most cases, a dog's ear infection will not go away on its own. What's worse, if you wait too long to treat the ear infection, it can become much more difficult to get under control. An untreated ear infection can lead to chronic issues, hearing loss, and sometimes the need for expensive surgery.
The link between ear infections and food allergies may be caused by excess mucus found in the nasal and ear membranes when food allergies are present. When a child is allergic to a certain food — common allergens include milk, eggs, and corn — the child may show signs of an allergic reaction in a mild way.
Preventing allergies is important because rubbing and scratching at itchy skin can cause infections. This is why many vets suggest trying a grain-free dog food for ear infections, as wheat is a common allergen and could trigger both skin and ear infections.
Wet a soft cloth with warm water. Use that warm and damp soft cloth to wipe down the outer part just inside your pup's ears. Drop warm liquid coconut oil into your dog's ears every two to three hours during the day and before bedtime. Coconut oil will help to kill bacteria causing an infection.
Probiotic yogurts are not only safe for humans, but they are safe for dogs as well. This is beneficial because it means that a healthy gut is promoted. If that was not enough, the probiotics found in yogurts can help your dog to fight yeast infections, which can result in ear and skin problems.
The probiotics in Greek yogurt also fight yeast infections, which can help dogs with recurring ear or skin infections. Just be sure to avoid flavored or sweetened Greek yogurt, as dogs don't need the added sugar.
However, some home remedies such as cleaning the ears with a gentle, vet-approved solution, and using natural remedies like tea tree oil can provide relief for milder infections.
With treatment in the early stages, an uncomplicated ear infection will typically clear up within just a week or two. If your dog's ear infection is more severe or is caused by an underlying health condition, treatment may be more challenging and may take months to resolve.
Apple cider vinegar helps by acting as a cleanser and an anti-fungal and antibacterial agent. Dabbing this into your dog's ears sparingly can help to clean out the inside of their ears and treat the infection.