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 dog 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 dog 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 dog infection is the first indication of these conditions that a dog parent sees. Since the majority of the underlying causes of dog ear infections will remain a lifelong issue for your dog, you can expect that dog 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 dog 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 dog 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 dog 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 dog 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.

Dog Ear Infection Symptoms

Is your dog scratching at her ears more often than usual? Frequently shaking her head? Chances are that she is suffering from a canine ear infection, especially if a strong odor or discharge emanates from one or both of her ears. The shape of a dog’s ear canal easily traps debris, moisture and parasites. These substances will irritate the ear canal if allowed to remain, paving the way for the development of bacteria or yeast in the irritated area. Dog parents can often detect the presence of these infestations in their dog’s ear by the resulting smell or discharge which, along with excessive scratching, redness or swelling and head tilting and shaking, are telltale signs of a dog ear infection.

Dog Ear Infection Treatments

A diet rich in antioxidants builds your dog’s resistance to the free radical damage that leads to diabetes and diabetes-related ear canal infections. However, if diabetes does develop, insulin therapy and a high fiber diet consisting of complex carbohydrates are recommended to sustain a longer-lasting increase in blood glucose levels after meals.

Be sure to include plenty of grains like rice, oats and corn meal, vegetables like green beans, corn and winter squash, milk and milk products and eggs in your dog’s meals. Proper supplementation also aids the body’s glucose metabolism. Brewer’s yeast, in particular, is extremely effective in managing canine diabetes (and, therefore, canine ear infections). The B complex vitamins in brewer’s yeast aid in carbohydrate metabolism, and the chromium that is also found in brewer’s yeast helps your dog to utilize blood sugar more effectively. Vitamins C and E work in concert to introduce powerful antioxidants to your dog’s system and strengthen her cell membranes to fight free radical damage. Herbs like alfalfa (also an antioxidant), calendula and dandelion leaf (a good source of Vitamins C and E and Vitamin B complex) assist the diabetes-weakened body in digestion and nutrient absorption. Burdock root (another antioxidant that also assists the kidneys in waste elimination) helps to manage blood sugar levels. By keeping your dog’s body in balance and her diabetes under control, there is less likelihood that diabetes-related dog ear infections will develop.

To discourage yeast infections from developing in your dog, experts advise that you avoid over-use of antibiotics and vaccinations, which can weaken the immune system, and put her on a meat-based diet, if you have not already done so. Proper nutrition plays a huge role in preventing the development of any of the conditions that lead to canine ear infections. Antioxidants like the afore-mentioned Vitamins A, C and E that build the body’s resistance to free radicals and other toxins support the skin’s ability to shed toxins from the body. And, as we know, healthy skin resists infection. Vitamin A, or beta-carotene, is a particularly effective free radical combatant that strengthens the skin and mucous membranes and immune system. Vitamin C both stimulates the immune system and functions as an antioxidant on its own and as the protector of other antioxidants like Vitamin E. It stands to reason that you should keep your dog’s immune system functioning properly so that it can successfully resist the substances to which it is most sensitive.

NuVet Plus contains a scientifically researched and developed formula that was 8 years in the making. Carefully designed to the target dangerous elements that can affect your dogs’ health and vitality, NuVet Plus contains FDA approved human grade ingredients to ensure only quality components within its products will have the desired effect for your pet.

Many of NuVet Plus ingredients are essential in the fight against kidney problems. For example; Alfalfa is a rich source of vitamin D, K and E and as an excellent supply of beta-carotene, minerals, fiber as well as the amino acid tryptophan. Its nutritional properties help your dog with poor appetite; can alleviate inflammation and allergic reactions. Assisting the digestive system clear out toxins helps relieve the pressure on the kidneys, keeping them healthy.

Pine Bark has been shown in clinical studies to be 20 times more effective than Vitamin C and 50 times more effective than Vitamin E as an antioxidant.  Pine Bark helps relieve pain and symptoms of osteoarthritis, arthritis, rheumatism, and rheumatic fever.  It has been shown to reduce histamine production, thereby helping the lining of arteries resist mutagen attacks which cause cardiovascular disease.

Pine Bark’s remarkable ability to “seek and destroy” free radicals is a tremendous benefit to the health of our animals.  In addition, unlike virtually all other dietary antioxidants, proanthocyanidids readily cross the blood-brain barrier to protect vital brain and nerve tissue from oxidation.

The use of Green Algae, an abundant source for chlorophyll, is used by the body to strengthen the immune system, heal wounds and boost hemoglobin production as well as purifying the blood. This is an extremely important nutrient for dogs suffering from possible kidney problems or for just making sure they don’t have an issue in the future. NuVet uses 100% chicken liver which, consistent with the high standards required for all ingredients, is paddle-dried so as to retain all the omega fatty acids and vitamins like A, C and B-complex.  Chicken liver is known as great food for fighting anemia and helps build healthy red blood cells.

Conventional treatments for yeast infections include anti-fungal medications that attack only the infection and may trigger their own set of deleterious side effects. It is all well and good to turn to conventional medications like those that treat yeast infections and over the counter pseudoephedrine and antihistamines to treat the congestion and allergic reactions that trigger a dog’s ear infections.

Topical and oral medications soothe the skin and treat the infections themselves, and regular ear cleansing keeps the ears clean and the pH in balance to make the ear environment inhospitable to future flare ups. But what about the underlying causes? If they are not addressed, the infections will most likely reoccur throughout your dog’s life.

Supplementation with NuVet Plus has been shown to greatly help dogs suffering from canine ear infections by strengthening the body against underlying causes. Even your most expensive dog foods can lack the proper nutrition necessary to optimal cell function and longevity. Our scientists formulated NuVet Plus after extensive testing with many different ingredients and combinations of ingredients, including vitamins, brewer’s yeast and herbs like alfalfa, burdock root, calendula and dandelion leaf.

NuVet Plus obtains its Vitamin B complex from chicken liver, which is good for fighting inflammation and boosting immunity. NuVet paddle-dries its chicken liver to better retain Vitamin C complex, Vitamins A and C and important omega fatty acids. The NuVet Plus formula gives your dog’s immune system a synergistic and powerful antioxidant boost to help it fight off the effects of free radicals. When NuVet Plus is added to your dog’s diet, it jumps in to assist her natural defense system.

NuVet Plus’s ingredients provide the nutrients necessary to proper hormonal balance, improve resistance to disease and parasites, and heal tissues from the ravages of infection. The instance of dog ear infections NuVet Plus can be slowed and even prevented altogether through the continuous use of and a proper diet.