Chronic ear infections are a persistent and frustrating problem for many Labrador owners. These infections can lead to discomfort, pain, and long-term damage if not properly managed. Labradors are particularly prone to ear issues due to their ear structure, which can trap moisture, debris, and bacteria, creating the perfect environment for infections to thrive. Many pet owners find themselves in a seemingly endless cycle of treating ear infections, only for them to return weeks or months later.
Understanding the underlying causes and taking proactive steps to break this cycle is essential for ensuring long-term ear health. Pittsburgh-based veterinarian with over three decades of industry experience, Cynthia Maro, has seen firsthand how chronic ear infections in Labradors can be prevented and managed with the right approach.
Labradors Seem More Prone to Chronic Ear Infections
All dog breeds are prone to ear infections, which often arise a result of 2 underlying and related problems – Gastrointestinal dysregulation leading to leaky gut and allergy development, AND internal yeast infections which can show up in the ears.
The breed’s susceptibility to allergies and food sensitivities, along with the fact that, up until 2025, Labs were the most popular breed in the US, has made them over-represented as the most prone to ear infections.
Many Labradors suffer from food or environmental allergies that cause inflammation in the ear canal. This inflammation leads to excessive discharge and yeast overgrowth in the ear canal. Even when an infection appears to clear up, if the underlying allergies are not addressed, the problem will often return.
Hormonal imbalances, such as hypothyroidism, are another commonly overlooked cause of chronic ear infections in Labradors. A weakened immune system due to low thyroid function can make a dog more susceptible to infections, including those affecting the ears.
Regular bloodwork and veterinary evaluations can help identify underlying conditions that may be contributing to persistent infections.
Recognizing the Early Signs of Chronic Ear Infections
Early detection is key to preventing minor ear infections from turning into chronic issues. Labrador owners should pay close attention to symptoms such as head shaking, excessive ear scratching, redness, swelling, and a foul odor coming from the ears. A dark or yellowish discharge often accompanies infections, and in severe cases, a dog may whimper or show signs of pain when the ears are touched.
One of the most telling signs of an underlying issue is the recurrence of infections despite treatment. If a Labrador is experiencing ear infections multiple times a year, there is likely an ongoing cause that needs to be addressed. In some cases, the infection may appear to clear up with medication, only to return shortly after the treatment ends. This cycle indicates that the root cause of inflammation is still present, whether it be allergies, moisture retention, or an undiagnosed medical condition.
Breaking the Cycle of Chronic Ear Infections
Successfully stopping the cycle of chronic ear infections requires a combination of prevention, medical treatment, and lifestyle adjustments. One of the most important steps is establishing a consistent home ear care routine. Cleaning a Labrador’s ears regularly can help remove excess wax, debris, and moisture that contribute to infections. However, it is important to use veterinary-approved ear cleaners, as harsh solutions or over-cleaning can lead to irritation, deafness and further complications.
For Labradors that frequently swim, drying the ears thoroughly after water exposure is essential. Using a veterinarian-recommended drying solution can help evaporate excess moisture and prevent bacterial growth. Owners should also be mindful of their dog’s exposure to allergens. Identifying and eliminating potential food allergens, such as wheat, dairy, or chicken, may reduce inflammation and lower the risk of recurring infections. Environmental allergens, such as pollen and dust mites, can also trigger ear inflammation, making it important to monitor seasonal changes in symptoms.
An integrative treatment, called NAET, can help control allergies – this treatment is uses drug-free acupressure to help the immune system become more tolerant of potential allergens..
More conventional allergy treatments are also available to help pets manage the dermatitis and otitis inflammation of the skin and ears.
When infections are persistent despite preventive care, a veterinarian may recommend allergy testing or dietary changes. Prescription-strength anti-inflammatory medications or immunotherapy treatments can help control allergic reactions that contribute to ear infections. In cases where yeast overgrowth is a recurring problem, dietary adjustments that reduce sugar and carbohydrate intake may also be beneficial, as yeast thrives on these nutrients.
Attention to the microbiome, or gut bacteria and yeast that reside there, is also very helpful in controlling allergies and recurrent ear infections.
When to Seek Veterinary Intervention
While routine ear cleaning and at-home care can prevent many infections, chronic cases require professional evaluation. A veterinarian can perform diagnostic tests, such as ear cytology or cultures, to determine the specific type of bacteria or yeast causing the infection. This helps in prescribing the most effective treatment rather than using a trial-and-error approach with different medications.
For Labradors with severe or recurring infections, advanced treatments such as deep ear flushes under sedation may be necessary to clear out bacteria and debris that cannot be reached through standard cleaning. In extreme cases, where chronic infections lead to long-term ear damage and hearing loss, surgical options such as a total ear canal ablation (TECA) may be considered to provide permanent relief.
Dr. Cynthia Maro reports that she has not had to perform a single ear ablation in her patients in over 18 years, and instead, manages those with extreme ear inflammation using a combination of NAET, zone therapy and laser therapy. The pets which have presented with ear canals completely closed from infection have experienced tremendous improvement over 4-6 months with regular integrative care.
Veterinary intervention is especially important if a Labrador exhibits signs of extreme pain, balance issues, or head tilting, as these may indicate that the infection has spread deeper into the middle or inner ear. Untreated infections can lead to permanent scarring, narrowing of the ear canal, deafness, and even neurological complications in severe cases.
Maintaining Long-Term Ear Health
Once the cycle of chronic ear infections has been broken, maintaining long-term ear health requires continued vigilance. Regular veterinary checkups help ensure that any early signs of inflammation or infection are addressed before they become chronic. Establishing a consistent cleaning routine without over-cleaning is essential, as excessive cleaning can disrupt the ear’s natural defenses.
For Labradors with a history of allergies, ongoing management through diet, medication, or environmental adjustments is key to reducing flare-ups. Owners should also pay attention to subtle changes in behavior, such as increased head shaking or scratching, as these may indicate the early stages of an infection.
Another crucial aspect of maintaining ear health is using high-quality nutrition to support a strong immune system. A well-balanced diet with essential fatty acids, attention to the gut and skin microbiome, and anti-inflammatory ingredients can contribute to overall wellness and reduce the risk of recurring infections.
Preventing chronic ear infections in Labradors requires a proactive approach that goes beyond simply treating symptoms. By addressing the underlying causes, implementing preventive care measures, and seeking veterinary support when needed, Labrador owners can ensure that their pets remain comfortable and free from the discomfort of persistent ear infections. The goal is not only to stop the cycle but to create a long-term plan that keeps a Labrador’s ears healthy for life.
Author
Dr. Cynthia Maro – Integrative Veterinarian, Cynthia Maro, DVM, CVA, CAC, VMRT, VNAET