Ear Infection in Dogs

People who have suffered ear infections will surely know how discomforting and painful it is. Fortunately, human beings can talk and express their problems easily to receive treatment immediately. However, have you ever thought how dogs will be feeling when they have ear infections? Just like human beings, they have to suffer intense pain, however, because they are not able to express this, many times owners are not able to identify that the dog is suffering from a ear infection. Nevertheless, there are several ways in which you can find out if your pet dog is suffering from any ear infections. Being aware of the causes and symptoms of ear infection in dogs will ensure that your pet gets instant medical attention, because if the ear infection goes unnoticed, it may lead to severe medical conditions, sometimes leading the infection to spread even to the brain.

Ear Infections in Dogs

Ear infections in dogs can be divided into three forms: outer ear infection, middle ear infection, and the inner ear infection. Among the three, the most common is the outer ear infection, which is actually caused when the outer ear canal gets inflamed, and is also called as 'otitis externa'. This type of ear infection in dogs is actually easier to diagnose and deal with. On the other hand, middle and inner ear infection in dogs can go unnoticed leading to serious conditions which may be difficult to cure.

Though ear infections can appear in all types of dog breeds, canines that have flopped or droopy ears are more prone to this disease. Floppy eared canine breeds like Cocker Spaniel, Bloodhound, Beagles, etc., are at a high risk of getting ear infections, because there is very less air circulation in their ears which can cause fungal as well as bacterial infections. Read more on dog ear problems.

Causes of Ear Infections in Dogs

• One of the reasons for ear infection in dogs is the presence of foreign bodies or particles. Sometimes, some particles enter the dog's ears and get stuck in there, leading to a ear infection. Ear infection can also be caused due to the presence of parasites like mites, especially otodectes cynotis in the ear. As these dog ear mites cause itching in the ears, the dog may indulge in scratching, causing damage to the ears. Though ear infections through mites can affect dogs of all ages, young puppies are more sensitive to it.
• Some dogs are allergic to certain types of foods which too can be the cause of ear infections. Apart from this, yeast and bacteria are also said to be causes of ear infections in dogs. They may not trigger the infections in the ears, rather, they play the secondary forces which aggravates the condition of the ear. The dog's ears are moist and dark, which become the perfect environment for bacteria and yeast to thrive, leading to bacterial and yeast ear infection in dogs. Read more on dog allergies.
• Ear infections in dogs can also be hereditary. This is commonly seen in breeds like Shetland Sheepdogs, West Highland White Terriers, Shar Peis, etc. Other than this, if the dog is suffering from some other dog health problem, like hormonal imbalance, thyroid, immunity problems, etc., it is at a high risk of developing ear infection.

Ear Infection in Dogs Symptoms

Though your pet dog cannot tell you about the pain and discomfort it is feeling, there are other ways in which you can recognize its problem. Here are some common symptoms that your dog is likely to experience when it is suffering from ear infection.

• Yellow or black waxy discharge
• Vigorous head shaking
• Foul smell
• Constantly rubbing and scratching the ears
• Tender or sore ears
• Redness or inflammation in the ears
• Change in behavior due to pain and discomfort

How to Treat Ear Infection in Dogs

If your pet canine is showing any of these symptoms of ear infections, it is necessary to take it to the vet immediately. The vet will conduct proper tests to recognize the root cause of the problem. Only when the exact cause is found, the vet can recommend appropriate treatment of ear infection in dogs. The doctor will prescribe certain antibiotics and anti-microbial drops to cure the infection. If ear infections are caused due to the presence of certain fungus or parasites, medications will be given to get rid of them. If the infection is mild or severe, surgery may be required for complete cure from the ear infection. Read more on dog ear infection treatment.

There are also certain home remedies for ear infection in dogs that are effective way of treatment. However, this should not be substituted with the vet's treatment, rather, you can try this along with what the vet suggests. The infected ear has to be cleaned regularly with dog ear cleaning solution by using cotton balls. A drop of cod liver oil or vitamin E oil is also said to be a good way of treating ear infections in dogs. To lessen the irritation and redness in the ear, you can use the warm compress on that area. Giving the dog 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar mixed with 8 ounces of water, two times every week.

You will like to learn more on:

• Dog Illnesses
• Dog Health
• Dog Care

Though you cannot completely stop your dog from getting affected by ear infections, you can definitely take some important precautions. It is important to clean your pet's ears and clip the extra hair around the ears to avoid ear infections. Also, your dog's ears should be regularly checked, and if you see any symptoms of ear infection in dogs, the vet should be consulted as soon as possible to avoid dangerous complications later.