The reoccurrence of a dog’s ear infection is not surprising. In the battle for pet health, topical medications and antibiotic treatments are weapons which can help win a battle, but will most likely fail to win the war. They do not address the underlying cause, which is the existence of an environment favorable to the invaders. To win this war, we need to destroy the root of their economy, as it were, to stop creating the environment they find favorable to begin with.

So where does this environment come from? Like nearly everything, it starts with your pet’s daily diet. Most ear infections stem from an imbalance that is occurring in diet and digestion which ultimately weakens the immune system. Our dogs are evolved to subsist on a diet consisting primarily of animal protein. Unfortunately, many of today’s commercial processed pet foods, even those proclaiming to be organic, natural or grain free often contain an excess of carbohydrates and starch, which are not highly digestible by your dog. Breaking down such foods, produces undesirable by-products of digestion that must be dispelled. When, finally, the primary excretory systems become overloaded, the skin and ears can become the body’s only remaining outlet for “house cleaning”.

Yeast infections are very common and thrive in warm, moist environments, and your dog’s ears are no exception. When the smelly odor of yeast is present in the ear, it is an indication that an imbalance is occurring and present not only in the ears but in the bloodstream and digestive system. Often simply upgrading your dog to a higher quality diet, rich in animal protein, is enough to turn the tide. Animal protein is easier to digest and doesn’t pollute the body with waste. By freeing the body from dealing with this waste, the immune system is strengthened and better equipped to handle with any occasional flareup or imbalance on it’s own.

When an improved diet isn’t quite enough to turn the tide, there are several supplements we can use for an extra boost that will help the body’s own infection fighting abilities. Adding a highly concentrated acidophilus supplement to your dog’s diet will aid in building the immune system by balancing the digestive system. Through the use of Ester C and immune boosting herbs, like astragalus, olive leaf and echinacea, ear infections and many skin eruptions can often be eliminated naturally.

Finally, washes which do not disturb the natural chemistry of the ear can be used to reduce the discharge and smell. Herbs like calendula, mullein and rosemary, in a base of vinegar and essential oils, can be a helpful addition to your grooming routine. These washes are also excellent for reducing the symptoms of a current infection, cleaning the ears after swimming or just general maintenance.

I have often quoted a great Ayurvedic proverb, “When diet is wrong medicine is of no use. When diet is correct medicine is of no need.” The routine reoccurrence of your pet’s ear problems shows us that the prescribed medications are only a temporary mask for a more fundamental problem.