Ear infections are one of the most common health problems seen in dogs and rank among the top reasons for veterinary visits. From itchy, uncomfortable ears and unpleasant odours to recurring infections that seem impossible to resolve, ear problems can be frustrating for both dogs and their owners. While conventional treatments can be effective in managing symptoms, many dogs experience repeated flare-ups because the underlying causes are never fully addressed. In this article, we'll explore why ear infections occur, the often-overlooked connection between gut health, allergies and yeasty ears, and how natural approaches can help support long-term ear health. We'll also look at safe ear-cleaning practices and why maintaining the delicate microbiome within the ear is just as important as keeping ears clean.
What are the Signs your dog has an ear infection
It’s important you’re able to spot the signs of an ear infection so you know if it’s time to see a vet. This is when it’s likely gone passed the point of a simple ear cleaning and you should seek help.
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Regular / Excessive head shaking
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Excessive ear scratching
- Signs of discomfort and pain - If your dog has an ear infection, they may become sensitive around their ears and react by pulling away, whining or showing signs of discomfort when touched. In severe cases, the infection can spread deeper into the ear, causing hearing loss, poor balance, head tilting or circling behaviour.
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Inflamed, red ears - A visual inspection of your dog's ears can provide valuable clues about the underlying issue. Ear mites typically produce a dark, waxy debris that is brown to black in colour, while persistent scratching can result in redness, swelling and irritation of the delicate tissues inside the ear.
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Discharge from the ears
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A yeasty smell from the ears - A strong odour coming from your dog's ears is often a tell-tale sign of a yeast overgrowth. While it may not be the most pleasant task, checking the smell of your dog's ears can provide a useful clue. Yeasty ears are often uncomfortable and itchy, and typically have a characteristic musty or cheese-like smell that owners quickly learn to recognise.
So what are the causes of ear infections in dogs?
A few things that can make dogs more prone to ear discomfort:
Dog Breed - Certain breeds of dogs are prone to ear infections. Dogs with long, floppy ears such as Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, Setters and Golden Retrievers; as well as furry-eared breeds like Miniature Schnauzers and Bishon Frises can be more prone to infections as their ears create a dark, moist, warm environment that encourages the growth of yeast and bacteria.
Swimming. Dogs that swim regularly or use hydrotherapy pools are worth keeping a closer eye on. Gentle dry the ears to ensure the removal of any excess moisture. This simple step can help prevent many ear infections, as stated above, certain bacteria thrive in dark, moist environments.
Ear Mites - Ear mites are another cause of ear irritation in dogs, particularly in breeds with long, floppy ears where the warm, sheltered environment can encourage them to thrive. These tiny parasites can be picked up through contact with other animals or contaminated environments, and dogs with weakened immune systems may be more vulnerable to infestation.
Diet - A dog's diet can play an important role in ear health. Diets high in sugars and refined carbohydrates (grains / kibble) may contribute to yeast overgrowth, as yeast thrives on these food sources. When yeast populations become unbalanced, they can trigger inflammation and irritation within the ear canal, leading to itching, redness, and the characteristic dark discharge often associated with yeast-related ear problems. Food sensitivities and allergies can also contribute to chronic ear irritation, particularly when both ears are affected.
Feeding a species-specific diet will be helpful when it comes to helping to combat ear problems.
So what can help?
As with other skin conditions, a problem with the ears can be indicative of internal issues within the body and it is important to identify the root cause of any problems as opposed to just treating the symptoms.
Although yeast is a normal part of a dog’s microbial ecosystem, disruptions to the gut microbiome can encourage yeast overgrowth, which may contribute to ear irritation, recurrent infections, and ongoing discomfort. So what can be done to help?
- Feed a species-specific diet - ideally raw or minimally processed, avoiding kibble where possible as grains contain natural sugars upon which yeast can feed and multiply. A species-specific diet will help support the immune system. Also ensure that the diet contains fibre, as it acts as a natural prebiotic, providing nourishment for beneficial gut bacteria and helping to maintain a healthy, balanced microbiome that supports digestion and overall gut health.
- Support the gut - the connection between the gut and the ears is often overlooked, but a well-balanced gut microbiome plays an important role in your dog's overall health and can help control yeast levels and support long-term ear health. So look to support your dog's gut health which may include giving a probiotic. Probiotics help support your dog's digestive and immune health by increasing the population of beneficial bacteria in the gut. These friendly bacteria help keep yeast levels under control, crowd out harmful microbes, and create a healthier environment for overall wellbeing. so optimising gut health could be the piece that's missing.
Our full range of probiotics can be viewed HERE
- Address any food intolerances - Itchy ears can also often go hand in hand with underlying sensitivities and digestive imbalances.
- Keep Stress under Control: Chronic stress can disrupt the balance of beneficial gut bacteria, so managing stress levels is an important part of supporting both gut and ear health.
Topical Products for your dog’s ears
Healthy ears shouldnt need to be regularly cleaned. But there will be occassions where a topical product may be helpful. Be careful not to over clean as this can disrupt the delicate environment of the inner ear.
For routine maintenance, small amounts of visible debris can often be gently wiped away using a clean, dry cotton pad. This is usually sufficient for healthy ears that are free from underlying problems. Always clean only the parts of the ear that you can clearly see, and never insert anything deep into the ear canal.
Some dogs with ongoing ear issues may benefit from occasional cleaning to remove excess wax and debris, or from a drying solution designed to help remove moisture after swimming or bathing.
Natures Greatest Secret Colloidal Silver Ear Drops for dogs, have been formulated alongside renowned Homeopathic Vet Tim Couzens of The Holistic Vetertinary Medicine Centre in East Sussex. These Ear Drops have a unique combination of colloidal silver with a blend of botanical extracts including lavender, chamomile and blue yarrow, this gentle formula helps maintain clean and comfortable ears.
PhytoPet Ear Drops these drops are formulated to support the natural comfort and cleanliness of your pet’s ears. Using a blend of carefully selected botanicals, they may help soothe irritation and support ongoing ear hygiene as part of a regular care routine. May help to repel mites & other parasites. Also may help with excessive ear wax.
The Holistic Hound Dog Eared - Keep your dog’s ears naturally fresh, clean, and comfortable with The Holistic Hound Dog Eared, a soothing ear care oil made with gentle botanical ingredients. Formulated to support a healthy ear environment, it helps maintain clean, itch-free ears while naturally deodorising and caring for sensitive skin. Powered by herbs including mullein, calendula, St John’s Wort, garlic, and lavender, this nourishing blend offers natural antimicrobial and soothing properties to support ear hygiene and comfort. It also includes herbs traditionally used to help repel ear mites, making it a simple, natural addition to your dog’s grooming routine.
LUCAA+ Pet Probiotic Ear Care is a gentle, vet-approved ear spray that uses healthy probiotics to naturally balance the ear microbiome and support cleaner, healthier ears for pets. Suitable for dogs, cats, rabbits and more, it helps remove dirt and wax, soothe itching, and inhibit harmful bacteria; all without harsh chemicals, alcohol, or stinging ingredients. Plant-derived, cruelty-free, and easy to use, this natural ear care spray offers a preventative approach to long-term ear hygiene, helping keep sensitive ears fresh, comfortable, and irritation-free.
Natural Dog Company Ear Wipes with plant based natural ingredients are handy wipes which are ideal when you are "on-the-go". Helps to clean dirt, ear wax, and helps avoid bacterial and yeast build up. 50 wipes per tub. Formulated with natural ingredients, including Cinnamon Leaf Oil, Myrrh, and Rosemary, that work together to keep your pup's ears clean, clear, and comfortable. Cinnamon Leaf Oil, the natural antifungal powerhouse, is here to fight off any pesky ear infections caused by yeast and other fungi. Myrrh, renowned for its antimicrobial properties, soothes irritation and redness while also combating bacteria and fungi. And finally Rosemary, the natural antimicrobial agent that helps keep bacterial and fungal growth in check, reducing the risk of infections and maintaining overall ear health.
To wipe away any excess liquid we recommend using the Bogar Micro Cleansing Pad to wipe away any wax and debris around the ear canal and on the ear flap. They can also be used in combination with the ear cleaning drops listed above. These re-usable cloths contain Colloidal Silver known for its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties so can be washed and re-used for 6-8 weeks.
This cloth can also be used together with the Biogance Organissime Clean Ear Lotion with Aloe Vera and Green Tea to deodorise and gently remove stains, wax and debris in between deep cleanings. This is perfect for quick cleans if your dog tends to get mucky rolling around in mud on their daily walks! Apply to an ear cloth or alternatively cotton pads, before gently cleaning and massaging the ear canal.
While cleaning your dog’s ears, take care not to force cloth or cotton pads into the ear canal, as you could cause pain or injury to the ear canal or the ear drum. And if you suspect your dog already has an ear infection, always visit your vet for advice.
See our full range of ear care products here.
