Canine Ear Infection | Dog Ear Infection

Regardless of the presence of any visible signs-allergies being among the most frequent-there almost always is an underlying cause of canine ear infections. In some instances, dog ear infection and related ear inflammation are the only signs of allergic skin disease. Dog ear infections may also occur in connection with bacterial or yeast infections, hormonal imbalances such as diabetes, hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease, and immune mediated disorders. Hormonal imbalances as the underlying cause of a canine ear infection are more common in dogs than in cats, and experts have found that hyperthyroidism and diabetes increase a dog’s chances of developing skin infections, including dog ear infections. In fact, sometimes a canine infection is the first indication of these conditions that a dog parent sees. Since the majority of the underlying causes of canine ear infections will remain a lifelong issue for your dog, you can expect that canine inner ear infections, ear canal infections and inflammation will recur periodically. Proper management of the underlying cause or causes and treatment of your dog’s ear infections when they occur are the keys to effective management of her ear health. Prompt attention to a canine ear infection will prevent that infection from spreading to her middle or inner ear and causing more serious damage to her hearing.

Let’s take diabetes as an example. Studies have shown that free radicals play a part in the development of this disease. These free radicals weaken and break down cell membranes unless attacked and destroyed by antioxidants. Now let’s take a look at allergies in relation to canine ear infections. Allergies are actually the attempts that a dog’s immune system makes to flush the body of outside irritants, or allergens. Pollen, mold, dust mites and other inhalants are the most common substances that trigger canine allergies, food allergies less so; however, ear mites as a cause of ear infection are less common in dogs than in cats. Itching and inflammation of the skin are two of the most common signs of allergies, others being respiratory signs such as wheezing, sneezing and coughing and nasal or eye discharge and digestive signs like vomiting and diarrhea. Dogs most likely to be susceptible to allergens are those with weakened immune systems, hormonal imbalances, infections or emotional stress.

Poor diet can make your dog susceptible to dog yeast infections (also referred to as dog candida). These infections are kept under control by beneficial bacteria that metabolize the sugars that candida feast on. Too much candida in your dog’s system attacks and destroys beneficial bacteria; candida waste products, toxic in their own right, can bring on fatigue and weaken the immune system, thus opening the door to all manner of issues, including canine ear infections. If left unchecked, candida can develop into a fungus that penetrates the intestinal wall and impairs its ability to absorb vital nutrients. A fungal outbreak can lead to leaky gut syndrome, in which bacteria, toxins and undigested food leak into the bloodstream and cause systemic infections and autoimmune problems like allergies. And, as discussed above, allergies also lead to dog ear infections.