Have you ever spent a sleepless night listening to your dog shaking his head and scratching his ears because he’s suffering from yet another ear infection? Surely there must be something you can do to help prevent your dog’s recurring ear infections, right? Luckily, there are some things you can do to help your dog, such as cleaning his ears out regularly with a cleaner or wipe designed specifically for dogs and putting cotton in his ears before baths or swimming. But did you know that there is a nutrient that may be lacking in your dog’s food that may help prevent your dog’s recurrent ear infections?
Omega-3 has been shown to help reduce inflammation and allergies, which are both common causes of recurrent ear infections in dogs. Commercial pet food tends to be much higher in omega-6, which can actually increase the inflammatory response when it isn’t balanced out by enough omega-3. According to Rachel Baker, DVM:
“It is thought that approximately twenty percent of dogs suffering from itchy skin due to allergies can be adequately controlled by supplementation with the omega-3 fatty acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) alone with no other treatments necessary.
In dogs with allergies to environmental allergens in which omega-3 fatty acid supplementation alone is unable to control the itching, scratching, and chewing, omega-3 fatty acids can be used in combination with other treatments such as antihistamines or steroids. Omega-3 fatty acids appear to have an additive or synergistic effect in decreasing clinical signs of atopic dermatitis when used in combination with antihistamines or steroids.”
You may be thinking that your dog’s ear infections aren’t related to allergies. That may or may not be true, but even if your dog doesn’t suffer from allergies, omega-3 can help prevent recurrent ear infections. According to Fish Oil Facts:
“Chronic and persistent ear infections are another telltale sign of omega-3 deficiency.”
Many dogs do suffer from undiagnosed allergies, whether they are environmental or food-related. Allergies are a surprisingly common underlying problem behind the symptom of recurring ear infections. Dr. Michael Lund, veterinary staff manager for ASPCA’s Community Medicine Department in New York, told PetMD that:
Omega-3 fatty acids may “decrease inflammation associated with skin allergies that often appear in a dog’s ears and feet.”
You’ve probably heard of fish oil supplements for people. It turns out they’re just as important for our dogs; perhaps even more so since they don’t have the opportunity to seek out food sources that would naturally supply omega-3, instead being stuck with whatever you feed them. Krill a is superior source of Omega fatty acids thanks to its lower position on the food chain – it contains less mercury than fish higher on the food chain.
Are you ready to add an Omega-3 to your dog’s diet? Why not try Project Paws® Omega 3-6-9 Select Chews?
Project Paws® Omega 3-6-9 Select Chews were formulated by veterinarians to provide an unparalleled boost to your dog’s health in the most natural, sustainable way possible in a supplement. The chews contain essential omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids, including EPA, DHA, and GLA – it’s one of the only supplements offering GLA!
These important nutrients help not just prevent ear infections, but they also support skin and coat health, joint health, heart health, immune system health, cellular health, and brain and eye development and maintenance.
These chews work quickly to support a soft, silky coat, minimize normal shedding, and maintain the skin’s normal moisture content. Within 3-6 weeks you should notice an improvement, although some see results sooner.
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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional.
(H/T: PetMD, Fish Oil Facts, Rachel Baker, DVM, Cesar’s Way)
via Whisker Therapy