If your dog has ever had an ear infection, you know how uncomfortable it can be. Head shaking, scratching, redness, and that unmistakable smell. It is distressing for them and exhausting for you.
For many dogs, ear infections are not a one-off problem. They come back again and again, even after ear drops, cleaning, and multiple vet visits.
So what’s really going on?
There are two main reasons dogs develop recurring ear infections:
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Underlying allergies (food or environmental)
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Breed-specific anatomy (floppy ears or narrow canals)
Let’s explore both.
Allergies: The Hidden Cause Behind Many Ear Infections
Allergies are one of the most common causes of chronic or recurring ear infections in dogs.
When a dog’s immune system reacts to an allergen such as a food protein, pollen, dust mite, or mould spore, it triggers inflammation throughout the body. That includes the delicate skin inside the ear canal. Inflamed ears become warm, itchy, and moist, the perfect conditions for yeast and bacteria to multiply.
This results in otitis externa, a painful outer-ear infection that often signals an underlying allergic condition.
Studies show that up to 75 percent of recurring ear infections in dogs are allergy-related, most often due to atopic dermatitis (Olivry et al., 2010; Miller et al., 2013). Food allergies can also manifest as chronic ear problems rather than digestive issues.
Signs the infection may be allergy-related:
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Year-round flare-ups (possible food allergy)
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Seasonal itching (likely environmental allergy)
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Both ears affected
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Red or inflamed paws, belly, or face
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Frequent recurrence after treatment
If your dog’s ear infections are recurring or accompanied by itching elsewhere, allergies should be high on the list of possibilities.
Breed-Specific Ear Infections: When Anatomy Works Against Them
Some dogs are simply built in a way that makes ear infections more likely, even when allergies are not present. Breeds with floppy ears, hairy canals, or narrow ear openings have reduced airflow and moisture drainage, creating a breeding ground for yeast and bacteria.
Breeds prone to ear infections include:
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Cocker Spaniels
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Labradors and Golden Retrievers
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French Bulldogs
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West Highland White Terriers (Westies)
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Basset Hounds
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Beagles
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Poodles
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Shar Peis
Why it happens:
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Floppy ears restrict airflow, trapping heat and moisture.
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Hairy ear canals catch debris and wax, especially in Poodles.
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Narrow canals, common in Bulldogs and Shar Peis, make cleaning and drainage difficult.
These anatomical traits can make even minor inflammation turn into a persistent infection.
What You Can Do to Help
Whether your dog’s ear issues stem from allergies or anatomy, there are several simple ways to reduce flare-ups and discomfort.
1. Keep ears clean and dry
Use a vet-approved ear cleaner once or twice a week, especially after swimming or baths. Gently dry the outer ear to remove moisture. Some of our customers tie their dogs ears in a hair tie for a short period each day!
2. Feed a low allergen, hypoallergenic diet
If food allergies are suspected, switch to a novel or low allergen protein source. Insect protein dog food is ideal for this, as it is naturally hypoallergenic and gentle on digestion. It provides complete nutrition without common allergens like beef, chicken, or lamb.
Choosing an Australian made dog food with insect protein also reduces your dog’s environmental footprint, making it a sustainable dog food choice that supports local production and animal health.
3. Consult your veterinarian early
If ear infections recur or never fully resolve, talk to your vet about allergy testing. Identifying triggers such as pollen, dust mites, or food proteins can help guide both dietary and environmental management.
4. Watch for early signs
Frequent head shaking, scratching, or a sour ear odour are early warnings. Catching infections early often means simpler treatment and less discomfort for your dog.
For many dogs, transitioning to a novel, low allergen protein diet such as insect protein can help reduce inflammation and break the cycle of food-related ear problems.
Why Hypoallergenic and Sustainable Dog Food Matters
When you feed a low allergen or hypoallergenic dog food that supports gut and skin health, you are also supporting long-term ear health. Allergies are systemic so reducing the overall allergic load through diet can make a real difference.
Sustainable insect protein dog food provides a complete, digestible protein source while using up to 80 times less water and producing significantly fewer greenhouse gases than traditional meat-based diets. It is a positive choice for dogs, owners, and the planet.
Final Thought
Not every ear infection is just an ear problem. For many dogs, the real cause lies in their immune system’s response to allergens ie, in their food or in their environment.
By combining regular ear care with a gentle, hypoallergenic, Australian made dog food built on insect protein, you can help reduce inflammation, strengthen your dog’s resilience, and keep those ears clean and comfortable.
Healthy ears start with what’s in the bowl.
References
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Miller, W.H., Griffin, C.E., & Campbell, K.L. (2013). Muller & Kirk’s Small Animal Dermatology (7th ed.). Elsevier.
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Verlinden, A. et al. (2006). Food allergy in dogs and cats: a review. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 46(3), 259–273.
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Olivry, T. et al. (2010). Towards a comprehensive understanding of canine atopic dermatitis. Veterinary Dermatology, 21(2), 123–132.
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American Kennel Club. (n.d.). Dog Allergies: Symptoms and Treatment. Retrieved from https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-allergies-symptoms-treatment/