In this eye-opening conversation, Joe Flanagan (Ingenious Probiotics) is joined by veterinary surgeon Dr. Richard Doyle (Wylie Vets) to discuss how applying probiotics to your pet’s ears can reduce repeat ear infections and improve overall ear health - naturally.
Dr. Doyle highlights the frustration many pet owners face with recurring ear issues. He challenges the traditional “germ-killing” mindset, pointing out how overuse of antibacterial ear drops often destroys both bad and beneficial bacteria - leaving pets more vulnerable to future infections.
Instead, he explains how topical probiotics like LUCAA+ Pet Ear Care work with the ear’s natural microbiome, helping healthy bacteria outcompete the bad. Joe expands on how this non-pharmaceutical, science-led approach supports long-term health and avoids the repeated 'wipe-out-and-wait' cycle.
They also discuss the wider picture: reducing antibiotic overuse, slowing antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and even cutting the environmental impact of chemical-laden treatments.
This video is essential for any pet owner dealing with ear issues - and for those seeking a safer, more sustainable way to care for their animals.
0:00 - Intro
0:36 - Dr Richard talks about repeat ear infections
06:20 - Richard points out how society has been focusing up to this point on “germ theory” and how vets are bombarded by antimicrobial information by suppliers even during training.
06:40 - Richard goes on to describe the shortsightedness of wiping out the friendly microbiome to get rid of just a few bad elements and reducing the body’s natural defense in the process.
09:30 - Richard explains how switching to probiotics in the ear works to stop the repeat infection cycle.
09:45 - Joe explains how LUCAA+ works without being a pharmaceutical or medical device.
10:45 - Richard describes the problem of AMR (antimicrobial resistance) and the wider negative effect of using antibacterial products.
13:50 - Joe refers to the climate change contribution from the chemicals being used.
15:10 - Richard discusses the responsibility of those who are licensed to prescribe antibacterial products and his preference to reduce their use in favour of probiotics.
19:45 - Richard refers to the use of probiotics instead of anti-bacterials as a paradigm shift that is required and that the thought process needs to change.
Discover LUCAA+ Pet Probiotic Ear Care
This is the second of three videos with Dr Richard Doyle, partner at Wylie Wellness Centre and The Wylie Veterinary Hospital. Watch the other two videos in the series here:
A Vet's View - How Dental Health Impacts Whole Body Wellness