A dog’s ear infection is a stressful and unpleasant experience for everyone involved. Yeast or bacterial ear infections may be caused by several causes, including allergies and excessive ear hair or moisture.

Here are measures you can take to protect your dog from that annoying itch, that painful scratch, and that frequent condition in the first place.

• Educate yourself on the problems your dog may face.

Ear infections are common in dogs of all breeds, but certain breeds are more prone to them than others. Both cocker spaniels have long, thick hair and wide, floppy ears that hang over their ear canals. When added to the fact that the ear canal is naturally warm and moist, these factors make it the perfect place for yeast and bacteria to grow.

The danger of infection is significant for all “ear-to-ear” dog breeds, but swimmers and those with allergies are especially at risk. The Labrador Retriever likes to spray water, and because it has allergies, it often gets skin and ear infections.

When you have a thorough understanding of your dog’s vulnerability to infection, you can take the necessary precautions to keep him safe.

• Give a balanced diet free of ingredients that may trigger allergic reactions.

Skin and ear problems are common manifestations of food allergies in dogs. When the ducts become inflamed, red, and itchy, the dog scratches excessively and shakes its head. As a result, the body’s natural defences are weakened, opening the door for an infection like a fungal or bacterial growth.

There are several choices for dogs with food sensitivities, and allergy testing may help you find out what causes your dog’s reactions. Always consult with your vet before making any drastic dietary changes to your dog. She may advise you on whether or not to feed your dog a raw diet, a home-cooked diet, whole grains, or a diet with a restricted number of dogs.

• Take preventative measures against parasites by using a treatment on the outside of the body.

In healthy indoor dogs, ear mites are uncommon but may cause infections in the ear canal. The same flea and tick preventatives that work for your dog will typically work just as well against these critters. Get in touch with your vet if your dog has a problem with ear mites so they can provide a treatment plan and preventative measures.

• Regularly inspect your dog’s ears for signs of irritation, such as redness, discharge, and an unpleasant odour.

The ears of a healthy dog should be brilliant pink in colour, completely smooth, and devoid of any signs of irritation or dirt. A small yeast odour may be normal, but if the odour is very strong or sweet, it may be an indication of a yeast infection that needs to be treated. If you are concerned that your pet may have an ear infection, you should take them to the doctor.

• Give your dogs’ ears a good clean

If your dog’s ears are healthy but have dust or other small particles stuck in the folds on the outside, you should clean them with a solution that gently removes the particles and keeps the ears from getting dirty again.

• Always dry ears thoroughly after becoming wet.

As long as he dries his ears well afterwards, a water baby may go for occasional swims. The same is true for when you take a bath. After being in the water, many individuals use cotton balls or gauze to carefully dry the perimeters (earplugs) and then gently open their ear canals. 

• Remove any extra hair from the ear canal.

The outer ear canal hair may collect moisture and debris, making it more likely that an infection would set in. Those with hairy ears, such as spaniels, poodles, and Shih Tzus, are common targets for this practice since many groomers “catch” this hair as part of their routine.

While there is debate among veterinarians regarding whether or not to pluck a dog’s ears, everyone agrees that dogs with a history of ear infections should have their ears regularly cleaned.

• Include some extra necessary fatty acids in your dog’s food.

Because omega-3 fatty acids are good for the skin and make it less inflamed, they may make skin infections less likely. Mild fatty acid supplements might have parts that dogs are allergic to, which could cause skin and ear problems.

Compared to other fish oils, krill oil has the most omega-3s and makes them more available to the body.

The powerful active ingredients in Omega 3-6-9 gum help keep your dogs’ skin and hair healthy. They also help their brain and eyes grow and stay healthy, as well as your joints and immune system. All of this is in a formula that’s great for dogs with dietary sensitivities or allergies since it’s grain-free, soy-free, and gluten-free.