Yes, allergies are one of the most common (and most overlooked) underlying causes of ear infections in dogs. When a dog's immune system overreacts to an allergen, whether environmental (like pollen or dust mites), food-based, or flea-related, it triggers inflammation inside the ear canal that disrupts the skin barrier and creates warm, moist conditions where bacteria and yeast can overgrow.

Dogs with environmental allergies often see ear infections flare seasonally. Either way, the ear infection is usually a symptom, not the root problem - which is why treating only the infection without addressing the underlying allergy is why so many dogs don't get long-term relief.