This article tells the story of a dog’s ear infection, its causes, symptoms, and treatment.
Otitis is the medical term for an infection of the ear. Allergies or other issues can cause severe pain which may be accompanied by your dog shaking its head or scratching at its ears.
Dog ear infections can cause our pet’s hearing to become impaired. If left untreated can lead to permanent hearing loss. It is important to seek veterinary help as soon as possible if you think your dog is suffering from an ear infection.
Pet parents should not wait for their pet’s condition to worsen before seeking medical treatment. As this could mean the infection has gotten to a more advanced stage and could cause permanent damage.
Prompt medical treatment is usually the best way forward and may involve antibiotics, antifungal medications, or anti-inflammatory drugs, depending on the severity of the infection.
Cause of Ear infection in dogs
Dog ear infections are caused by a variety of factors, the most common cause are-
- Dog ear infections (otitis externa) are caused by bacteria, yeast, and fungus ear mites.
- Dogs’ ears are a breeding ground for yeast and bacteria because their ear canals are right angle-shaped and the moisture gets trapped.
- If ears are not dried properly after bathing or swimming.
- Allergies to food or environment.
- Excess hair growth can trap moisture.
- Too much ear cleaning or using Q-tips.
- Foreign material
- Tumors and polyps can also lead to ear infections in dogs which can cause excess hair growth in the ears.
When these conditions are combined with moisture, the environment is ideal for bacteria and yeast to thrive. A painful ear infection can occur when these organisms get out of control and cause an infection.
Symptoms of Ear infection
Ear infections are very common in dogs, but can become more severe if not treated immediately. If your dog is exhibiting any signs of ear infection such as
- Head shaking, scratching at, or rubbing the affected ear
- The bad odor associated with discharge from the canal
- Redness inside the ear
- Swelling of the ear canal or pain
- Pain, itchiness, and discharge from the ear canal or margins of the ears
- Crusts or scabs inside the ear or along the ear margin
- Dogs may also shake their heads or tilt them to one side due to discomfort in their ears.
It is assumed that several dogs have seen our pupper as they turn mild irritation into a full-blown infection if left untreated.
Treatment of Ear infection
For the treatment of dog ears infection, you can follow the below steps-
- The first step to treating your dog’s ear infection is to clean your pet’s ears.
- Your primary care veterinarian can prescribe an ear-cleaning solution that should be used with cotton applicators or something similar.
- It is important to take time and speak to your veterinarian about the best cleaning solution and special drying agent for your pet.
- Medication like oral antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, or antifungals may also be prescribed if the infection is severe.
- Regular check-ups at home
- Remover hairs from the ear canal
- Change your dog’s diet as recommended by the vet
- Tips on how to keep water out of their ears can help prevent future infections.
In addition, it is always enjoyable for our furry friends when part of their grooming routine includes having their ears cleaned. So make sure you use what type of applicators your veterinarian suggests and take the time to share those times with them!
Final Words
Ear infections are one of the most common effects of ear problems in dogs. If your dog is rubbing its affected ear, it could mean that it has an ear infection.
Dog’s ear infection symptoms start with redness and/or itching in the ear canal and can progress to skin irritation, pain irritation, inflammation, and an odor. If the infection is left untreated it may become a serious infection. It can go beyond your dog’s ears and cause pain in its paws or drag its bottom across the floor.
So it is very crucial for pet parents to learn about their dog’s behavior. If they find any abnormalities in their pet, take your pet to the vet immediately so as not to cause further situations.
We at Supervet believe our furry friends deserve the very best. Therefore, we offer them organic food and grooming products to keep their furs healthy and shiny.