General Causes

Allergies / Yeast

Food or environmental allergies can cause inflammation in the inner, middle or outer section of the ear, creating an ideal environment for infections.

Bacteria

Primarily from swimming, especially in lakes or rivers that are not free-flowing and which may contain bacteria.

Increased Moisture

Bathing or visits to the groomers can cause an increase of moisture in the ears leading to possible infection

Ear Mites

These tiny parasites can cause intense itching and lead to infections.

Foreign Bodies

Grass seeds, dirt, and other foreign objects can irritate the ear canal, leading to possible infection.

Hormonal Imbalances

Conditions like hypothyroidism can make dogs more prone to general infections, including the ears.

Symptoms

It's important to recognise the signs of an ear infection quickly. Common symptoms include:

• Scratching, pawing or rubbing the ears
• Head shaking or tilting, ear flapping
• Redness and swelling in the ear canal
• Odour or discharge
• Hearing loss or balance issues
  
  

Allergies & Ear Infections

When your dog is exposed to allergens, such as certain foods, pollen, or dust mites, their immune system can overreact, leading to inflammation and itching, (which can be widespread, not just isolated in the ears). This creates a perfect environment for bacteria and yeast to thrive, resulting in an ear infection.

Solutions

Addressing the root cause of your dogs ear infections is essential for long-term management. This may be a diet change if the issue is a yeast infection, eliminating sugars, starch and carbohydrates. If your dog is a breed that tends to suffer from ear infections after bathing or swimming, be extra cautious about ear care following these activities.

Be mindful of any of the symptoms outlined in this blog and be vigilant concerning ear mites or foreign bodies. Ensure that you keep your dogs outer ears clean with damp cotton pads using a little cool, boiled water. Never use cotton buds or use implements to clean your dogs middle or inner ear, as this can lead to further infection.

The Proflax Holistic Approach

Proflax supplements offer a natural and effective way to support your dog's health to alleviate and reduce the occurrence of allergy-related ear infections. We suggest two products that offer a cleansing effect and boost the gut microbiome and immune system. Supporting your dogs liver is vital as it can help to regulate their histamine levels, thereby reducing allergic reactions.

Liver Love

Proflax Liver Love oil is a powerful cleansing supplement designed to support liver function and underpin general health and wellbeing.

It contains 25% concentrated herbal tincture blend consisting of Milk Thistle, Dandelion, Artichoke, Yarrow, Yellow Dock, Schisandra and Liquorice Root.

Combined with 75% cold-pressed flaxseed oil, Liver Love helps to cleanse and support the liver, improving your dogs overall health and resilience against allergens by boosting their immune system and balancing metabolism.

Tummy Tastic

Tummy Tastic is a concentrated digestive support powder that is designed to strengthen the gut and balance the immune system, both of which are vital in the management of allergies.

Your dogs gut houses over 70% of their immune system so a healthy balanced gut is key in regulating the histamine response triggered by allergens.

Feed Liver Love and Tummy Tastic in daily rotation at the full recommended daily amount.