Pet parents often complain about frequent occurrence of ear infections in their pets. Pets are susceptible to ear problems, as they cannot control entry or exit of any foreign bodies into their ears. Their ears are susceptible to water, mites, bacteria, yeast, tumors and growing hair. All these are the causes of one or another type if ear infections in dogs. In addition, pet’s ears get affected by allergies, thyroid imbalance and earwax deposition.
Apart from the external factors, the shape of dog’s ear canals is also responsible for aggravating the chances of dog ear infections. The L shape of canine ear canal makes it difficult for water to come out of it easily. In addition to this, pets with floppy ears are also prone to ear infections. Breeds like Cocker Spaniels, Golden Retrievers and Poodles have floppy ears and thus get infected very easily.
Symptoms of dog ear infections:
- Excessive ear scratching
- Inflammation and swelling of the ears
- Foul smelly discharge
- Scabby skin near the ear flap
- Fur loss around the ear area
- Irritating behavior
- Imbalanced gait
- Frequent head shaking
- Circular walking
- Mild deafness
How to diagnose ear infections in dogs?
A veterinarian can detect aural infections by making a good observation of pet’s ear canal and eardrums. To do this comfortably, he may use sedation or give full anesthesia to the pet. Examining the discharge will help him detect the cause of infection – be it bacteria, yeast or any other parasites. Blood or allergy tests are conducted to get into the underlying cause of the problem.
What is the best way of dog ear treatment?
- Dog ear infections need to be treated professionally in case of acute conditions. Once that is done, pet parents must maintain routine aural hygiene to prevent any chances of further infections.
- Go for topical treatment or oral medicines as per the guidance of your vet. In extreme cases, the vet may suggest ear flushing or surgery as well.
How to prevent ear infections in dogs?
- Keep a habit of cleaning your pet’s ears on a regular basis. Use a gentle, non-irritating cleanser and cotton ball for cleaning up your pet’s ears. Maintain good aural hygiene.
- Dry your pet’s ears after bathing, swimming and water games. You can use ear-drying solution if the pet is prone to infections of this kind.
- Keep a habit of tweezing your pet’s hair if it is around the opening of the ear canal. Make sure you do not hurt the delicate inner skin of the pet’s ears.
In a nut shell, ear infections in dogs are common. They can be prevented by maintaining good aural hygiene. The dog ear treatment for such infections involves topical ointments, oral medicines, professional cleaning of earwax and surgeries in extreme cases. Please note that ear canal is very delicate and so, you need to be gentle while cleaning earwax yourself. That’s it! Little bit of gentle care and your pet will be free of infections.