Have you noticed your pooch shaking his head excessively or rubbing his face and ears across the furniture recently? Your dog might have an ear infection. Anyone who has had problems with their ears knows that ear infections are no fun. They are painful, uncomfortable, and, if left untreated, can lead to a loss of hearing.
There are numerous reasons for ear infections in dogs. In this blog post, we’ll look at why dogs get ear infections, why food can cause them, and what to do about it.
Food Can Cause Ear Problems in Dogs
Like humans, food allergies are one of the most common types of allergies in dogs. They can be caused by a reaction to any number of ingredients, including proteins, carbohydrates, fats, preservatives, and dyes. Symptoms of food allergies can vary depending on the severity of the reaction, but they typically include sneezing, itchiness, rashes, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Most food allergies are triggered by a specific type of protein that is found in dog food, such as dairy, beef, or chicken. In addition, some dogs are also reactive to other allergens such as wheat or soy.
If you think your dog may have a food allergy, it’s important to work with your veterinarian to find an appropriate diet. With food allergies, it’s often necessary to trial and error different foods until you find one that your dog can tolerate. Once you’ve found a food that doesn’t trigger an allergic reaction, stick with it!
How Can Food Allergies Cause Ear Infections?
Many dogs allergic to foods seem to show symptoms like itchy, rash on their skin, or gastrointestinal upset. However, allergic reactions can also manifest themselves in the ears.
When a dog is allergic to a particular food, its immune system overreacts to the allergen and produces histamines. These histamines can lead to inflammation and irritation in the ear canal, which can eventually lead to an infection.
In addition, another symptom of allergies is itchy skin, which can also mean the skin around and in the ears. Excessive scratching might lead to injury or secondary skin issues in dogs, so be sure to check those ears frequently.
Other Common Causes of Ear Infections
The three most common causes of ear infections include:
Excessive Moisture, Which Allows for Bacteria Growth
Excessive moisture in the ears can absolutely cause ear infections in dogs. The warm, moist environment is the perfect place for bacteria and yeast to grow. Dogs with long, floppy ears are especially susceptible, as they don’t get the same air circulation that dogs with erect ears do.
And while any dog can get an ear infection, certain breeds are more prone to them. These include Basset Hounds, Cocker Spaniels, Lhasa Apsos, and Poodles. If you have a dog with floppy ears, be sure to check their ears regularly and dry them as needed to help prevent an ear infection.
A Buildup of Wax and Residue
Floppy ears make them more prone to trapping dirt, wax, and other debris. In addition, the growth of hair inside the ear canal can create additional airflow restrictions, so trim the hair around the ears if you have a hairy furball. All these factors can contribute to an overgrowth of bacteria or yeast, which can lead to an infection.
Wax and residue buildup can also make it difficult for the ear to self-cleanse, so your dog will need your help. Be sure to use a vet-approved ear cleaning solution and clean your dog’s ears regularly to prevent the buildup and risk of infection.
Environmental Allergens, Like Household Cleaners
Allergies are caused by an overreaction of the immune system to harmless substances, such as pollen or dust mites. This overreaction can result in symptoms such as itching, sneezing, and runny eyes. In addition, other dogs are prone to allergic reactions to certain types of food or chemicals.
An allergic reaction to food can trigger the body’s inflammatory response, which can cause a buildup of bacteria and yeast that spreads everywhere throughout the body, including the ears.
Suspect an Ear Infection? Consult a Vet
Ear infections are incredibly common in dogs, especially with certain breeds that have long, floppy ears that provide the perfect environment for bacteria and yeast to grow. And since they love to play in the dirt, it’s not uncommon for them to pick up foreign objects that can scratch or irritate their delicate ear canal.
However, the most common cause of ear infections in dogs is allergies. Just like humans, dogs can be allergic to everything from pollen and grass to certain foods. When their bodies encounter these allergens, they produce histamines, which can lead to inflammation and irritation in the ears.
If your dog is scratching his ears or shaking his head frequently, it’s important to take him to the vet as soon as possible. While there are several over-the-counter remedies available, only a professional can properly diagnose and treat an ear infection.
