Stop having Ear Infections. Vet talks about Dog Ear Infections.
Hi everyone!
My name is Dan, and I am a veterinarian. Today I am talking about chronic ear infections in the dog.
Why Does My Dog Keep Getting Ear Infections? | Chronic Ear Infections, Allergies & Treatment
Does your dog constantly struggle with ear infections? Are you tired of treating an ear infection only to have it return a few weeks later? There may be an underlying reason why your dog's ears never seem to get better!
In this video, Dan The Veterinarian discusses chronic ear infections in dogs and explains why allergies are one of the most common underlying causes of recurring ear infections.
Many pet owners believe that ear infections are simply caused by bacteria or yeast. However, these organisms are often secondary problems. The real issue may be inflammation caused by environmental or food allergies. Unless we address those underlying allergies, ear infections may continue to return.
In this video, we discuss:
Why dogs develop chronic ear infections: How allergies cause inflammation in the ear canal, creating an environment where yeast and bacteria can overgrow.
Daily ear management and care: How routine ear cleaning, appropriate ear products, and consistent monitoring can help reduce recurring infections.
Treating the underlying allergies: Why controlling allergic inflammation is often just as important as treating the infection itself.
JAK inhibitors for allergy management: How medications such as Apoquel (oclacitinib) and other Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors can help control allergic itching and inflammation in appropriately selected dogs.
Long-term prevention: Why chronic ear infections often require ongoing management rather than a single course of medication.
The most important takeaway: If your dog suffers from recurring ear infections, simply treating the yeast or bacteria may not be enough. Identifying and managing the underlying cause, particularly allergies, can make a significant difference in your dog's comfort and long-term ear health.
As a veterinarian, I want pet owners to understand that chronic ear infections can often be managed successfully with the right combination of veterinary treatment, routine ear care, and allergy control.
Remember: Not every ear infection is caused by allergies. Ear mites, foreign bodies, hormonal disorders, and other conditions can also contribute. Dogs with recurring infections should have their ears examined by a veterinarian, and medications such as JAK inhibitors should only be used under veterinary supervision.