Don’t Ignore Those Ears!
What Every Dog Owner Needs to Know
If there’s one thing I used to see every single day on the sales floor, it’s dogs with ear issues. It’s unbelievable how common they are and most pet parents don’t realize what’s really going on inside those ears.
The First Signs of Trouble
You’ll usually notice it starts with your dog scratching their ears or shaking their head more than usual. Then you might see brown, smelly wax inside the ear. That brown gunk isn’t normal ear wax. It’s yeast.
My own dogs have zero wax in their ears. None. So if you’re smelling that funky odor or seeing dark buildup, that’s your cue that something’s off internally, not just on the surface.
The Gut–Ear Connection
Here’s the part most people don’t realize: ear infections start in the gut.
Dogs (and humans) naturally have yeast in their bodies, and that’s completely normal. But when the gut flora gets out of balance, that’s when problems begin. With too much yeast and not enough good bacteria, the yeast can start showing up in the ears. I recommend Wholistic Pet Organics for a probiotic supplement.
The Diet Factor
Diet plays a massive role in ear health. Highly processed kibble diets tend to be loaded with starch, which turns into sugar in the body and sugar feeds yeast.
If your dog struggles with chronic ear issues, it’s time to reduce the starch and add more fresh, meat-based food, like Raw Dynamic. This helps balance the gut and starve out the excess yeast.
Adding probiotics and digestive enzymes can also make a big difference in supporting healthy gut bacteria and keeping yeast under control.
Natural Support for Ear Health
One of my favorite natural remedies for ear issues is Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)—the raw, unfiltered kind. It helps create an environment where yeast can’t thrive.
Here’s how I use it topically:
Mix one part Bragg’s ACV with one part rubbing alcohol in a small squirt bottle.
Use a cotton ball to wipe the ear flaps and remove debris.
You can gently squeeze a little of the mixture into the ear canal.
Dip a Q-tip in the solution to carefully remove any remaining buildup.
This can help clean the ears and rebalance the area naturally, without harsh chemicals.
Why You Might Want to Avoid the “Antibiotic Cycle”
When you take your dog to the vet for ear issues, the go-to solution is often antibiotics. While they may clear things up temporarily, they can also kill off the good bacteria that help keep yeast in check.
That’s why so many dogs experience recurring ear infections, because the root cause (gut imbalance) was never addressed. Instead of getting caught in that cycle, focus on supporting gut health from the inside out.
Toni’s Ear Health Recommendations
Bragg’s Raw, Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar – Helps control yeast growth topically.
Probiotic supplement – Wholistic Pet Organics Supports a balanced gut microbiome.
Digestive enzymes – Aid in breaking down food and improving nutrient absorption.
Fresh, meat-based diet – Raw Dynamic: Reduces starch and helps starve out yeast.
Avoid unnecessary antibiotics – Unless absolutely needed, since they disrupt healthy bacteria.
