Here at home, Max, my loyal Labrador and everyday companion, has always been a healthy, energetic, and very social dog.
But there was a period that really started to worry me — he kept getting infections.
First, it was an ear infection. I treated it properly with the vet’s guidance. Then came a skin infection. Then a urinary tract infection. And so it went, one after another.
That’s when the alarm went off: when an infection is no longer an isolated case and starts repeating itself, it’s time to dig deeper.
If your dog, like Max, has been getting infections frequently, this article is for you.
What are recurring bacterial infections?
They are infections that happen repeatedly over a short period, even after proper treatment.
They can affect different parts of the body: skin, ears, urinary tract, eyes, gums, intestines…
What’s most concerning is that we often treat the symptoms, but don’t address the underlying cause — and that’s where the real risk lies.
In Max’s case…
When the third infection showed up in under five months, I took him for a follow-up vet appointment — and this time we went beyond basic tests.
We found out Max had a weakened immune system, which was making it easier for bacteria to thrive.
He also had a mild food allergy that was damaging his skin barrier, making skin infections more likely.
With a clearer diagnosis, we created a treatment plan that included a proper diet, supplements, and more frequent monitoring.
When should you be concerned?
Some signs suggest your dog’s infections need deeper investigation:
- If they happen more than twice a year, in the same or different areas
- If the symptoms return right after finishing treatment
- If they come along with other signs, like loss of appetite, lethargy, fever, or weight loss
- If there’s resistance to common antibiotics, suggesting tougher bacteria are involved
What causes recurring infections?
There are many possible causes, which is why proper veterinary follow-up is so important. Some common ones include:
- Weakened immune system
- Allergies (food or environmental)
- Poor hygiene or constant skin moisture
- Parasites (fleas, ticks)
- Chronic conditions (like diabetes)
- Overuse of antibiotics, which disrupts the dog’s natural bacterial balance
How was Max treated?
Once we identified the real cause, Max’s treatment shifted from simply “treating symptoms” to a more holistic approach.
We adjusted his food, cutting out ingredients that triggered his allergies.
We added natural supplements to support immunity, including omega-3, probiotics, and vitamins.
We also adopted a better hygiene routine for his ears and skin folds, using products made for sensitive dogs.
And the result? He’s been over a year now without a single infection.
Staying alert is an act of love
The truth is, infections can happen. But if they become frequent, it’s a sign your dog’s body is asking for help.
It’s not enough to just hand over antibiotics and hope for the best.
You have to understand why it’s happening.
And with the right care, yes — you can reverse the situation and give your dog a much better quality of life.
That’s what happened with Max, and it can happen with yours too.
Because love means showing up every day — even when the problem seems small.