Ear Infections and Dog Collars: Is There a Connection?

Reading time: about 7 min

Until spring 2024, none of my dogs had ever had an ear infection. Not one. Then Oscar’s ears suddenly became red and he started shaking his head. We visited the veterinarian, and ear drops brought the problem under control in about a week. I did not consider an oral antibiotic necessary, and fortunately local treatment was enough at the time. Around six months later, however, the problem returned.

That is when I came across an article by integrative veterinarian Dr Peter Dobias, who associated pressure on the neck from collars or retractable leads with ear and eye problems, among other concerns. It was a completely new idea to me. On walks, I started attaching Oscar’s lead to a harness rather than his collar. Within approximately one to two weeks, his ears were almost completely clear again. It made a strong impression on me. The important question is what this association actually tells us, and what it does not.

Ear infections usually have several contributing factors

Otitis externa is inflammation of the external ear canal. Typical signs include redness, itching, head shaking, unpleasant odour, discharge and sometimes pain. There are various possible causes: allergic skin disease, foreign bodies, moisture, ear anatomy, certain hormonal problems and, more rarely, other illnesses. Overgrowth of bacteria or yeast can make the inflammation worse and may be a consequence of a recurrent problem rather than its original trigger.

That is why “there was yeast in the ear” is not a complete explanation for chronic or recurring ear infections. Yeast is an important finding that may require targeted treatment, but we must also ask why conditions within the ear allow yeast or bacteria to overgrow again. Assessment may involve otoscopy, ear cytology and, in recurrent cases, a broader examination of allergies and other predisposing factors. Ear inflammation is not one single disease with one universal solution.

What does Dr Dobias claim about collars?

In his integrative interpretation, Dr Dobias emphasises that pulling on the neck may affect soft tissues, blood circulation, lymphatic flow and nerves in that area. He describes clinical observations in which ear, eye or other complaints seemed to improve after collars were discontinued. His approach also discusses energy flow and spinal alignment.

I would not simply exclude these viewpoints, because an integrative veterinarian’s observations may suggest new research questions. But the boundary must be clear: claims that collar pressure causes ear infections, hypothyroidism, paw licking or even cancer in dogs have not been reliably established by controlled studies in dogs. Anatomical sensitivity of the neck is one thing; proving the cause of a particular ear infection is another.

Dobias generally recommends avoiding sudden jerks to the neck and using a properly fitted harness. I agree there is no reason to expose a dog to unnecessary neck pressure, even if the possible link with ear infections remains unproven.

What do studies actually show about neck pressure?

A 2006 study in dogs found increased intraocular pressure when pressure was applied using a collar, but not with a harness. This is an interesting finding about eye physiology; the study did not examine ear infections or show that collars cause them. A 2020 study measured the effects of different collars on a simulated canine neck and found that even moderate pulling forces could exert substantial pressure. Because the study used a neck model, it cannot by itself establish the likelihood of specific diseases in living dogs.

We therefore have reason to be cautious about excessive neck pressure, but not grounds to describe collars as a proven cause of chronic ear infections. This distinction matters. Otherwise, an owner might wait for a harness change to work while their dog urgently needs an ear examination and treatment.

What can we conclude from Oscar’s improvement?

I have watched my dogs closely throughout their lives and know them well. With Oscar, I saw a clear sequence: I changed where the lead was attached and within roughly one or two weeks his ears looked much better. For me, that was reason enough to prefer a harness thereafter. It was a low-burden, sensible practical change that seemed to suit him.

But timing alone cannot tell us what resolved the inflammation. Natural recovery, a delayed effect of earlier treatment, changes in allergens or environment and other factors are all possible. I do not want to minimise my own experience, but neither do I want to promise anyone that replacing a collar with a harness will cure or prevent an ear infection.

I have also wondered whether past collar use could have contributed in some way to Faddy’s spondylosis. On current evidence I cannot present that as a causal relationship. It is nonetheless a question I have asked myself, and another reason I pay more attention to strain on the neck.

When is trying a harness sensible, and how should you choose one?

For a dog that lunges or pulls strongly on walks, reducing pressure on the neck is sensible regardless of ear health. I would choose a well-fitting harness that does not compress the throat, rub the armpits or noticeably restrict shoulder movement. I pay particular attention to shoulder mobility, because unfortunately many harnesses exert pressure across the shoulder. A front and back attachment point may be useful in some cases, but two attachment rings do not automatically make a poorly fitted harness good.

Changing to a harness does not replace teaching calm lead walking. Even in a harness, a sudden jerk may cause discomfort or injury. Retractable leads can cause abrupt stops, which is why I prefer an ordinary lead of controllable length in all situations. A retractable lead does not give especially good control of the dog.

Dr Dobias recommends combining a harness with a long lead, and taking the harness off when the dog is allowed to run freely.

If the ear is already inflamed, do not wait

Ear infections can be very painful. If a dog repeatedly shakes their head, resents having the ear touched, or develops an odour or discharge, a veterinarian should examine the ear. Seek help especially promptly if the dog tilts their head, loses balance, has a very swollen ear or is in severe pain. Homemade vinegar, oil or other mixtures can make matters worse inside an inflamed ear canal, particularly if the eardrum’s integrity is unknown.

When infections recur, I think it is right to ask whether we are treating only the consequence or also looking for the underlying cause. Targeted treatment of yeast or bacteria and investigation of the original trigger are not mutually exclusive. Sometimes topical antifungal or antibacterial drops are needed, sometimes additional anti-inflammatory treatment, and sometimes management of allergies or another illness. Treatment depends on examination findings, not blanket opposition to antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medicines.

The possible relationship between collars and ear infections still interests me because Oscar’s experience changed my habits. If a small practical adjustment makes a dog more comfortable, why not consider it? But when an ear is ill, no intriguing theory should prevent us from looking for the real cause.

Sources

Peter Dobias, DVM. Dog throat injuries from leash and collar pressure; integrative clinical perspective: https://peterdobias.com/blogs/blog/dog-throat-injury-from-leash

Pauli AM et al. Effects of the application of neck pressure by a collar or harness on intraocular pressure in dogs. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, 2006: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16611932/

Carter A et al. Canine collars: an investigation of collar type and the forces applied to a simulated neck model. Veterinary Record, 2020: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32303668/

Merck Veterinary Manual. Otitis Externa in Animals: https://www.merckvetmanual.com/ear-disorders/otitis-externa/otitis-externa-in-animals