Canine Ear Infection

Like humans, dog too can suffer from ear infection, which can cause pain and inflammation of the ear. Canine ear infection can be termed as one of the most common dog health problems, which can be of three types, otitis externa, otitis media and otitis interna. Otitis externa is the infection of the external ear, while otitis media is the infection of the middle ear. On the other hand, infection of the internal ear is termed as otitis interna. Infections of the middle and inner ear are usually considered as more serious than infection of the external ear.

Canine Ear Infection Causes

Several factors can cause canine ear infection. But, it is more commonly associated with an overgrowth of bacteria, fungus or yeast and mites. Such an overgrowth of microorganisms in the ear can be due to improper hygiene and grooming. Allergies to certain specific foods and fleas can also cause infection of the ear in dogs. Canine ear infection is more commonly observed in the dog breeds, that have floppy ears and excess fur inside the ear, which prevent air circulation in the ears. Similarly, those breeds that love to swim can also get frequent ear infections, as water and other foreign objects can easily get into the ear canal, while swimming. This in turn, can create a moist environment, which can contribute towards bacterial and fungal overgrowth inside the ear. Sometimes, ear infection in dogs can also be caused by the secretion of excess earwax.

Canine Ear Infection Symptoms

Dog ear infection symptoms can be mild or severe, depending on the severity of the infection as well as the part of the ear, that is infected. Generally, middle and inner ear infections present more serious complications, than the infection of the outer ear. A few of the most common symptoms that can be observed in canine ear infection are

• Swelling and inflammation of the ear
• Severe itching, that often compels the dog to scratch or rub the affected ear frequently
• Redness or tenderness of the ear
• A foul-smelling, yellow ear discharge
• Frequent head shaking or head tilting by the affected dog

If the dog exhibits the symptoms like problems in coordination and balancing, then it indicates a severe infection of the middle or inner ear. Outer ear infection usually, does not produce these symptoms.

Canine Ear Infection Treatment

Outer ear infection of the dogs is usually easier to treat than a middle or inner ear infection. The treatment options for canine ear infections would be determined by the underlying causes. Usually, the ear is flushed with an ear wash and then cleaned with a disinfectant to begin with. Physicians generally prescribe antibacterial ear drops to treat an ear infection caused by bacteria. On the other hand, if it is a fungal ear infection, then antifungal ointments are employed for canine ear infection treatment.

Regular cleaning of the ear is also an important part of ear infection treatment, along with the use of appropriate medications. This is especially important for the dogs with floppy ear. Along with regular cleaning, be sure to trim the hair or fur present in the ear. This would improve air circulation to facilitate the healing process. Vinegar or apple cider vinegar is an excellent canine ear infection home remedy. It can be used to clean the infected ear. However, be sure to dilute it, as vinegar is highly acidic. Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar can help to change the pH inside the ear, which can help to contain the growth of bacteria and fungus. Vitamin E oil, garlic oil, tea tree oil and warm compress are some other canine ear infection remedies. Applying warm compress on the affected area for several times a day, can help to provide relief from pain and irritation. Similarly, vitamin E oil can also help to reduce pain and inflammation, caused by canine ear infection. On the other hand, both garlic oil and tea tree oil are known for their antibiotic and antifungal properties.

While cleaning the ears of your dog, do not insert cotton buds deep inside the ear. Instead, use a piece of cloth to take out the dirt and filth, caused by the ear infection. Like regular cleaning, grooming is also an important part of dog care. So, be sure to trim the excess hair of the ear to ensure proper ventilation and to prevent recurrences of canine ear infection. At the same time, keep in mind that any case of canine ear infection should be treated immediately. Otherwise, if the infections spread to the internal ear, it can eventually affect the central nervous system. This can lead to some serious consequences, and even death of the animal. So, never forget to contact a veterinarian at the earliest, on observing the symptoms of canine ear infection.