What food is good for dogs with skin infections

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 16, 2024

Contributions sourced from

Skin Infections in Dogs

What Are Skin Infections in Dogs?

Skin infections are conditions that are caused by infectious organisms such as bacteria, fungi, or parasites. All areas of skin can be affected, including inside the ears and nose, as well as the hair and nails.

The severity of the disease depends on the type of infection and can vary from very mild to painful and itchy. Some organisms that cause skin infections are transmissible (or contagious), which means the infection can be passed to another mammal through direct contact or the environment. There are also infections that are caused by organisms that normally live on the skin and are not considered contagious.

Types of Skin Infections in Dogs

Bacterial
Fungal
Parasitic
Viral

Symptoms of Skin Infections in Dogs

Redness
Bumps or raised areas of the skin
Itchiness (you may see your dog scratching, licking, and/or chewing the skin)
Scales or flakes
Crusts or scabs
Hair loss (alopecia)
Oozing or discharge (blood, pus, clear)
Skin color changes (darker or lighter)

Causes of Skin Infections in Dogs

There are many causes of skin infections in dogs. Some infections are primary infectionsan infection directly caused by an infectious organism. Other infections are secondary infections and occur because of an underlying disease process that triggers an infection.

Primary Infection

Scabies is an example of a primary parasitic skin infection. Dogs acquire scabies by direct contact with an infected animal. The scabies mite then causes the clinical signs associated with the disease. Ringworm is an example of a primary fungal infection and is acquired due to contact with infected individuals or an infected environment, including soil.

Secondary Infection

A common example of a secondary skin infection is one due to skin allergies. The allergies cause inflammation of the skin, which then provides an environment favorable to organism growth. Bacteria or fungi that normally live on the skin are then able to multiply, leading to a bacterial or fungal skin infection.

How Veterinarians Diagnose Skin Infections in Dogs

There are several basic skin tests that are useful in diagnosing a majority of skin infections. The most common ones are:

Skin scrapes: A dull scalpel blade is used to scrape the top layer of the skin; effective for finding skin parasites like demodex.
Skin cytology: A sample is collected by pressing a microscope slide directly to the skin lesion or via a needle and syringe and then looked at under the microscope for bacteria, fungi, or abnormal skin cells.
Tape preps: Clear tape is used to collect a sample of hair or skin to find bacteria, fungi, or parasites when viewed under the microscope.
Cotton swabs: A cotton swab is used to collect a sample, most often from inside the ear, to diagnose bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections.
Cultures: A sample of skin, hair, or discharge is collected onto a growth plate to look for bacterial or fungal growth over time. This test can also be used to learn which antimicrobial medication is best to treat the infection.

Treatment of Skin Infections in Dogs

The treatment of a skin infection depends on the type of infection, the location of the infection, and the condition of the dog. Bacterial skin infections are treated with oral (by mouth) antibiotics, and/or topical products such as medicated shampoos, conditioners, sprays, and ointments. Common products include:

Fungal infections are treated similarly, with antifungal medications, and parasites are treated with antiparasitic medications.

To help the skin heal and to prevent future infections, other treatments are used to support healthy skin. For example, when treating an ear infection, special ear cleaners are used in addition to the antimicrobial medication. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation is another treatment used to help resolve and prevent infections. Prevention is often the best medicine and regular bathing and grooming can be helpful for not only treating skin infections but also preventing them from occurring in the first place.

For secondary skin infections, it is important to treat the primary cause of the secondary infection. Skin allergies, for example, frequently require medications to reduce inflammation and allergic reactions. Treating a skin infection without treating the allergy will likely lead to another infection. Food allergies require special diets to reduce skin inflammation. If a food allergy is suspected, your vet will work with you to determine an appropriate food trial,to slowly remove certain ingredients and introduce possible allergies to determine the culprit.

Recovery and Management of Skin Infections in Dogs

The time it takes to treat a skin infection depends on the type of infection, the ability to treat primary causes of the infection, and the severity of disease. Sometimes the most difficult part of the treatment is sticking with treatments for as long as needed.

Some skin infections can be difficult to treat because of antimicrobial resistance. Antimicrobial resistance occurs over time, when microbes develop defenses against our medications, making those medications ineffective. In those cases, treatment can take longer and may require further testing.

Infections can resurface, especially if the primary cause of the infection has not been treated or resolved. Dogs with chronic conditions such as allergies or other diseases are more likely to have repeat infections.

Managing skin infections successfully can be complicated, time consuming, and expensive. Following your veterinarians recommendations closely and being patient during the treatment period is important for resolving the infection and preventing recurrence in your pup.

Featured Image: iStock.com/Sergeeva

WRITTEN BY

Dr. Rania Gollakner

Veterinarian

Rania Gollakner received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2010 and a Master of Public Health in 2017. She practiced companion...

The 7 Best Dog Foods for Ear Infections

Most dog owners can easily identify the signs that indicate an ear infection in their dogs.

Scratching, whining, constant head shaking are some of the first symptoms that appear as the telltale signs of the problem.

Dogs are easily susceptible to this problem, especially breeds with floppy ears likeCocker Spanielsand Basset Hounds.Researchshows that almost 20% of dogs develop some kind of ear disease in a lifetime.

You can help your dog by learning about preventative measuresand the right treatment methods to reduce the severity and length of these painful episodes for your beloved canine buddy.

But why do dogs develop ear infections in the first place? Heres the fact:

Theres not one but many reasons why your dog may suffer an infection. And while it is essential to figure out the reason for the problem, its just as necessary to find ways to cure the condition. In addition to a proper diagnosis and medication, experts suggest that giving the right food can also make a big difference to your dogs condition. The right food not only helps to reduce the chances of developing an infection but also improves recovery if your best friend is getting the proper ingredients and a perfect blend of nutrition.

This article will guide you through your dogs ear infections, and the best was to deal with them. It will help you choose the right food for your pet to improve ear infections and help prevent them in the first place. Lets dig in right away!

The Best Dog Foods for Ear Infections

Top Picks	Rating	Top Ingredients
1. Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Salmon & Potato Formula Dry Dog Food(Editors Choice)	4.9	Brown Rice, Oat Groats, Barley, Peas, Potato Protein, Canola Oil
2. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein Adult HP Dry Dog Food	4.7	Brewers Rice, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Chicken Fat, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Natural Flavors
3. Blue Buffalo Freedom Adult Beef Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food	4.7	Deboned Beef, Turkey Meal, Potatoes, Peas, Pea Starch, Potato Starch, Chicken Fat
4. Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Adult Salmon & Lentils Recipe Dry Dog Food	4.5	Salmon, Salmon Meal, Dried Potatoes, Lentils, Chickpeas, Dried Sweet Potato, Canola Oil
5. The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Turkey Recipe Dehydrated Dog Food	4.5	Dehydrated Turkey, Organic Flaxseed, Dehydrated Potatoes, Dehydrated Spinach, Dehydrated Carrots

How to Switch Dog Food Without Getting Your Pup Sick

1. Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Salmon & Potato Formula Dry Dog Food

Top Ingredients: Brown Rice, Oat Groats, Barley, Peas, Potato Protein, Canola Oil

Limited-ingredient diet
Salmon-based meat protein
Includes prebiotics and probiotics
Wheat-free, gluten-free, grain-free
Help nourish healthy skin

This recipe by Wellness Simple is a highly-rated dry dog food loaded with all the essential nutrients without compromising on the quality of ingredients. The limited-ingredient diet contains salmon as the primary source of protein. It includes a variety of other healthy proteins such as duck, oatmeal, lamb, and grain-free turkey to ensure your sensitive dog gets all the right nutrition without increasing the symptoms of ear infections. Highly recommended!

2. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein Adult HP Dry Dog Food

Top Ingredients: Brewers Rice, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Chicken Fat, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Natural Flavors

Veterinary-exclusive dry dog formula withallergies and sensitivities
Supports GI health through prebiotics and fibers
Aids with reducing inflammation
Effectively reduces GI and skin reactions
Made from high-quality, easily-digestibleingredients

Royal Canin is one of the most trusted brands for sensitive dogs, and is one of the best sources of hypoallergenic food options. This recipe includes high-quality and is easy on your dogs digestive system, promoting overall great health. The dry dog food contains only handpicked ingredients to relieve the symptoms of allergies in dogs and makes a recovery easier.

3. Blue Buffalo Freedom Adult Beef Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Top Ingredients: Deboned Beef, Turkey Meal, Potatoes, Peas, Pea Starch, Potato Starch, Chicken Fat

Deboned beef as the primary source of protein
Grain-free, gluten-free
Rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
Free from poultry by-products, corn, soy
Helps maintain a healthy oxidative balance

If youre mindful about feeding allergens to your dog with an ear infection, pick this high-quality dry food blend. This grain-free option works perfectly with allergic and sensitive dogs and offers them the right balance of healthy antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to promote overall wellbeing. This ones a popular choice amongst animal nutritionist for including the perfect ingredients to support your canines immune health.

4. Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Adult Salmon & Lentils Recipe Dry Dog Food

Top Ingredients: Salmon, Salmon Meal, Dried Potatoes, Lentils, Chickpeas, Dried Sweet Potato, Canola Oil

A limited-ingredient diet for sensitive dogs
Salmon-based protein
Boasts minerals, vitamins, and other essential nutrients
Non-GMO ingredients
Grain-free, corn-free, soy-free

Nutro is another highly trusted brand offering only the best and high-quality food for your canine buddies. Thegrain-free recipeincludes only ten ingredients or less, carefully picked with sensitive or allergic dogs in mind. Similar to other top choices in the list, this is a grain-free formula that boasts the best quality ingredients and natural flavors.

5. The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Turkey Recipe Dehydrated Dog Food

Top Ingredients: Dehydrated Turkey, Organic Flaxseed, Dehydrated Potatoes, Dehydrated Spinach, Dehydrated Carrots

Cage-free turkey
Loaded with all essential nutrients
Grain-free diet
Includes a variety of vegetables and fruits
Highly digestible

This interesting dehydrated recipe by The Honest Kitchen is a good option for reducing yeast in dogs, which commonly leads to ear infections. The food works as a preventative measure to protect your dog from a painful ear infection. On top of that, it also offers a great variety of natural nutrients based on cage-free turkey and lots of fruits and vegetables, including carrots, spinach, and cranberries. The recipe is an excellent source of omega and antioxidants as well.

6. Farmina N&D Prime Lamb & Blueberry Medium & Maxi Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

This brand has a reputation for providing the ideal blend of protein, fats, and advanced vitamins and minerals using high-quality ingredients. The grain-free formula by Farmina features 98% of protein from high-quality animal sources including lamb. Suitable for sensitive dogs, the delicious recipe is all about excellent nutrition to help your dog prevent allergies, infections, and other health problems.

Limited carbohydrate recipe
98% protein extracted from high-quality animalsources, including lamb
Low-glycemic formula
Grain-free, gluten-free
Non-GMO recipe

7. Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula Dry Dog Food

This excellent recipe by Natural Balance makes the ideal food option for dogs with meat-protein sensitivities. The formula is carefully crafted with only vegan ingredients to help promote your dogs health and prevent infections. Not only the recipe boasts a great taste that your canine will fall in love with, but it also includes all the essential nutrition that makes it a complete and balanced diet for your dog.

Special vegan diet
Excellent for dogs with meat-proteinsensitivities
Antioxidant-rich formula
Features EPA and DHA for enhanced brain function
No artificial preservatives, colors or flavors

Related:

Guide & Reviews of Dog Foods with Grains
Foods forpicky eaters Buyers Guide
Senior Dog Foods ultimate buyers guide

Best Dog Foods for Ear Infections Buyers Guide

To help you make the right decision about which foods are best for your dog with ear infections, we have compiled some important information to help you make the right choice.

As far as ear infections in dogs are concerned, there are three different types otitis externa (external), otitis interna (internal), and otitis media (middle). Otitis external is the most common type, in which the lining of the cells on top of the outer portion of the ear canal is affected by inflammation. The other two types refer to the infections of the inner and middle layers of the ear canal.

Infections of the middle and inner ear often start as an outer ear infection. These types of infections can be serious and can lead to deafness, vestibular signs, and facial paralysis.

Therefore, its crucial to pay attention to the signs and take immediate action to seek early treatment as soon as the problem arises.

Symptoms of Ear Infection in Dogs

Fortunately, ear infections are treatable if taken care of in time.

There are always symptoms to indicate a problem. However, sometimes it can be as vague as a buildup of wax in the ear canal. But if you notice wax or discharge in the ear along with certain behavioral changes or signs of discomfort, it could be the symptoms of ear infection in dogs.

Here are some of the most common symptoms that you shouldnt overlook:

Scratching the ears more than normal
Excessive head shaking or constant head tilting
Weird odor in or near the ear
Yellow, brown, or bloody discharge from the ear canal
Hair loss around the ear
Loss of balance
Rubbing of the ear on furniture or floor
Scabs on inside or outside of the ear
Redness/swelling
Unusual movement of the eyes
Hearing loss
Walking in circles
Discomfort/pain

If you notice your dog doing any of the above, take a quick peek inside the ear. You can do a quick check-up before taking your dog for a proper evaluation.

Infections can happen rather quickly. So instead of waiting for more signs to appear, take your dog to a vet for an evaluation.

Causes of Ear Infection in Dogs

The shape of a canines ear canal is quite different from that of humans. Its more vertical, which is why it can hold fluid, which is another reason why canines are prone to ear infections.

Typically, the primary causes of ear infection in dogs are bacteria, or yeast, or both. For smaller pups,ear mites could be the culprit.

Here are some causes that may predispose your beloved pooch to ear infection:

Bacterial infection
Ear mites can be identified by constant scratching.
Fleas some dogs can develop an infection due to flea bites. In such a case, also treat the fleas as you treat your dogs ear infections.
Yeast infections this is more common in dogs who have big, floppy ears exposed to lots of moisture.
Allergens allergens such as pollen, dust, mold, and even certain food ingredients can cause your dog to suffer ear infections.
Excess exposure to moisture this creates the ultimate environment for yeast and bacteria growth.
Endocrine disorders this includes thyroid disease
Excessive ear cleaning can too lead to ear infections
Injury to or near the ear
Autoimmune disorders
The buildup of excessive wax

It is recommended that you examine your dogs ears regularly, especially if theyre prone to infections.

Best Ways to Treat Ear Infection in Dogs

Once youve detected the problem, you should take your dog to a vet for proper diagnosis and treatment. The vet will clean the infected ear for further examination and prescribe oral antibiotics or topical medication for direct application. The vet may also suggest pain killers to help reduce the discomfort and ease the inflammation.

Usually, infections are treated with medication. Surgery is only indicated in server cases. In addition to keeping an eye on your dogs ear health, you should also take note of their diet. If your dog is sensitive to certain ingredients, an unsuitable diet could lead to various health problems, including ear infections.

Heres some important information that you should remember when choosing the best dog foods for ear infections.

Quality Ingredients Only Never opt for a food option with low-quality ingredients. Saving a few dollars on low-quality ingredients isnt worth compromising your dogs health. If a food blend has ingredients of superb quality, its much less likely to cause allergic reactions in dogs. Its important to note that allergies can lead to ear infections as well. Make sure you do your research and pick a dog food thats highly regarded, or you can check out the top selection weve shared in this article.
Grain-Free Food Options Prevent allergies in dogs by offering them a high-quality, grain-free diet. The benefits associated with these food options are worth considering.
Hypoallergenic Ingredients These diets derive from ingredients that do not cause allergic reactions.
Additive and Preservative Free An essential factor to consider. These are artificial ingredients that could easily lead to allergic reactions in dogs, especially if you have a highly sensitive breed.

Choosing the right diet can help prevent infections in the future, as well.

Other Natural Ways to Treat Dogs Ear Infection

And if you prefer a more natural approach for treating your dogs ear infection, these tips might come in handy:

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar is the magic ingredient that could help kill bacteria and yeast and help your dog recover from an ear infection. The acetic content of the component can also help remove scale and dirt from the ears. However, be cautious before applying ACV on the ear if it appears too red or swollen. It can cause a lot of pain to your dog. Allow the infected area to dry up and gently apply the ACV with a cotton ball. See a vet if the problem persists.

Mullein and Calendula

The antifungal and antibacterial properties of these plants make them an excellent natural treatment for curing a dogs ear infection.

Add a few leaves of these plants in separate jars with garlic and olive oil. Let calendula sit for four days and mullein for 2-3 weeks. Strain the mixtures and apply gently with a cotton ball to the infected ear.

Oregano Oil

The natural oregano oil can help treat ear infection as it has rich antibacterial properties. Apply the oil directly on the infected ear if its not too red or itchy. You can choose to dilute the oil to avoid pain or irritation when doing it for the first time.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil stands out for several benefits it possesses. The antifungal properties make it an excellent natural treatment for your canines ear infection. Heat two tablespoons of coconut oil in a pan. Add some garlic. Let the oil cool completely before applying the oil on the infected ear using a cotton ball.

Best Dog Foods for Ear Infections FAQ

1. Can certain foods cause ear infection in dogs?

Yes, some diets can cause ear infections due to the wrong type of ingredients. Dog food options that are highly processed or contain a lot of grain-based ingredients, additives, preservatives, and fillers can cause allergic reactions and lead to ear infections in sensitive dogs.

2. Can medication cause my dog to suffer from an ear infection?

Some medications can lead to an unhealthy gut. Medications such as flea treatment, tick treatment, steroids, anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, and deworming drugs may cause infections, including the ear.

3. Whats the best diet to prevent ear infections?

A good diet can help prevent an ear infection as it contributes to a dogs overall health. A high-quality, grain-free, and hypoallergenic diet is ideal for this.

4. Can grain-free diets help prevent ear infections in dogs?

A grain-free blend contains more protein and fewer carbs, which aids digestion and benefits your dogs health in many other ways including reducing infections and allergies, which plays a crucial role in preventing ear infections in dogs.

5. Why does my dog keep getting ear infections?

You should take it very seriously if your dog repeatedly contracts ear infections. There are many reasons for this. The most common reasons are environmental andfood-related allergies. If you fail to keep a check on your dogs ear health or provide the right food, your dog may remain vulnerable to allergies and infections.

Conclusion

Ear infections are not uncommon in canines. However, they canbe highly uncomfortable and unpleasant for your four-legged buddy. While theproblem isnt serious in itself, it can take a nasty turn if left untreated.

Use the information shared in this article in your best interest and learn all about identifying the symptoms of ear infection in dogs. Once detected, consult your veterinarian immediately and start the treatment right away.

Also, play your role as a responsible dog owner and makesure you offer the best and most suitable nutrition to your beloved pooch toprevent allergies and infections, especially if you have a sensitive dog. Ifyour dog belongs to one of those breeds with large, floppy ears, be extracareful with their ear hygiene and care.