Sugar feeds the yeast that is naturally present in the dog's body, so when a dog consumes too much sugar, yeast overgrowth occurs in the body and around the ear folds or in the canal, causing infection.
And what you feed your dog may be the problem, says Boynton. Some dogs have food allergies or food sensitivities, which can predispose them to ear infections. “Dogs in the United States most often react to beef, dairy products, and wheat,” she says.
In dogs, food allergies most often cause itchy skin and ears. This can lead to secondary infections of the skin and ears. In order to be allergic to a particular protein, a dog must be repeatedly exposed. Most dogs have ingested the protein they are allergic to, for months to years prior to developing an allergy.
Consider the addition of some fresh, lean meat and fresh vegetables to the pet's diet along with a high-quality kibble. Excess moisture can also cause ear discomfort in dogs.
Symptoms of Chicken Allergy in Dogs
Skin and ear infections commonly occur.
Start by closely monitoring your dog for any signs of an allergic reaction. Common symptoms of a chicken allergy can include skin irritations (itchiness, redness, rashes), gastrointestinal issues (vomiting, diarrhea), and respiratory problems (coughing, sneezing).
"The most common food allergens in dogs are proteins..." The most common food allergens in dogs are proteins, especially those from dairy, beef, chicken, chicken eggs, soy, or wheat gluten. Each time a pet eats food containing these substances, the antibodies react with the antigens, and symptoms occur.
Ear infections commonly occur in pets with environmental allergies, and are a key sign of food sensitivities in pets. Endocrine disorders — Endocrine disorders, such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, and Cushing's disease, do more than affect your pet's metabolism—they can also cause skin changes.
The best way to prevent ear infections is to keep your dog's ears dry. Moisture is a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast, which cause ear infections. Dry your dog's ears thoroughly with a towel any time they become wet.
First and foremost, it's important to regularly clean your dog's ears with a gentle ear cleaner. You can also use natural remedies such as apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil to combat infections. However, it's crucial to avoid inserting anything into your dog's ear canal, as this can cause further damage.
Causes Of Dog Ear Infections
Yeast is present in healthy ears, but there are a few factors that can cause it to grow out of control. Any processed kibble diet worsens yeast because carbohydrates create sugars that feed yeast.
Symptoms of Rice Allergies in Dogs
Dry, flaky skin. Hair loss. Bumps/rash. Chronic ear infections.
The probiotics in Greek yogurt also fight yeast infections, which can help dogs with recurring ear or skin infections. Just be sure to avoid flavored or sweetened Greek yogurt, as dogs don't need the added sugar.
Probiotics are also helpful in preventing yeast growth in your dog's ears. Offering your dog a daily probiotic, like Daily Dog, can significantly reduce their risk of ear infections and provide a balanced gut microbiome.
For example, a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water can be used as a natural ear cleaning solution. Another option is to use coconut oil, which has anti-fungal properties. But, it's important to note that if your dog's infection is severe or persistent, a visit to the vet is the best course of action.
Basset Hounds, Chinese Shar Peis and Labradoodles top the list when it comes to the dog breeds most prone to ear infections.
Dark brown or black—This type of earwax is commonly associated with yeast and/or bacterial ear infections. It's a good idea to consult with a veterinarian if earwax is this color. Brown—Light brown earwax is normal and expected. If the wax is accompanied by odor or inflammation, it can be a sign of infection.
They will likely extract a sample from the infected area to look at under a microscope. From there, they can determine whether your dog has an ear yeast infection or bacterial infection – or both! Your vet will prescribe medication to treat the infection.
Novel proteins are meats that dogs aren't often exposed to – such as pork, fish, venison, or duck. It's less likely that dogs are allergic to novel proteins that aren't in their normal diets. That's why you can find novel proteins like lamb, rabbit, or turkey in the best food for dogs with allergies.
Beef, dairy, wheat, and chicken are the most common culprits of food allergies in dogs. The development of food allergies, however, takes time. So the dog may have been eating the offending ingredients for quite a long time before symptoms develop."
If the digestive system doesn't completely break down the proteins, the enterocytes see them as intruders and attack the body. An allergy to poultry is an over-reaction of your dog's immune system to an unwelcome protein, in this case, a poultry protein, that is present in a particular ingredient of their diet.
While chicken allergy can affect any dog breed, some are more susceptible, including Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, and German Shepherds. What are the symptoms of a chicken allergy in dogs? Well, for the most part, it's a lot of itching and scratching, but there's more to the chicken allergy than that.
Salmon is an excellent source of protein, low in fat, rich with omega oils, vitamins, and minerals. Dogs have a highly developed sense of taste and smell and will love the fishy Umami taste of salmon. Few dogs are allergic to fish, which makes it great meat for dogs suffering from food allergies.