Dog Ear Infections – Causes, Symptoms, Cure And Prevention

Has your dog been whining a lot lately? Have you noticed that your dog is shaking its head or scratching and rubbing its ears more than it usually does? Well, these are all signs that your dog may have an ear infection.

What Are the Causes Of Ear Infection In Dogs?

Dogs that are avid swimmers, floppy-eared dogs, senior dogs, dogs with allergies, and pups who have been vaccinated recently are at a high risk of catching an ear infection. In most cases, the infection occurs in the outer ear canal and is termed as otitis externa. Dogs have vertical ear canals, unlike humans that have horizontal ear canals, which tend to collect more debris than humans and are, therefore, more likely to catch ear infections. The ear canals in dogs are somewhat L-shaped that can retain fluid. Ear infections are caused by yeast, bacteria, or both. Ear mites may be a result of ear infections in puppies. There are numerous factors that come into play to cause an ear infection in dogs. Let’s have a look at them briefly.

• The retained water or moisture creates an ideal environment in a dog’s ear for the growth of yeast and bacteria
• 50% of the dogs that have skin allergies and 80% of the dogs that have food sensitivities can develop ear infections
• Hormone-related disorders like thyroid disease in dogs serve as a major cause of ear infections in dogs
• A buildup of ear wax
• Autoimmune disorders
• Accumulation of foreign bodies
• Excessive cleaning of the ears
• Any injury to the dog’s ear canal

Symptoms of Ear Infection In Dogs

Now, how can you tell that your dog’s edgy and irritable because of an ear infection? Well, some obvious symptoms can tell you that it’s an ear infection that has made your dog so unlike itself – restless. However, there is a possibility that there are absolutely no noticeable symptoms at all, except discharge and buildup of wax in the ear canal. Symptoms or no symptoms, one thing is given – your dog will show clear signs of discomfort.

Some of the most obvious symptoms of an ear infection in dogs are listed down below:

• Excessive shaking of the head
• Constant scratching on the ears
• Prominent odor
• Dark-colored discharge
• Pain
• Itchiness
• Swelling and redness of the ear canal
• Scabs or crusting in the ears

If you notice any of the above-listed symptoms, you know what you’ve got to do – rush your dog to the vet!

How Are Ear Infections In Dogs Treated?

Ear infections in dogs require proper treatment. If not treated on time, the infection may worsen and lead to complications, thereby affecting your dog’s health. Whether it’s just a suspicion or you’re sure that your dog is suffering from an ear infection, you need to visit a vet for the right course of treatment.

Your dog’s vet will begin the treatment by cleaning its ears. Medicated ear cleansers cleanse the ear canals, which is more like washing the dirt and debris out. The cleansing is followed by the application of a topical medication that is applied multiple times a day at home. If the infection has already worsened, the veteran might prescribe oral anti-inflammatory medicines and antibiotics.

If there are no underlying complications, the ear infection usually gets treated in 1 to 2 weeks after the treatment begins. However, severe infections may take much longer to get healed – weeks to months even. In some cases, the infection may develop into other chronic problems.

A mild ear infection can be treated by antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, but severe infections require more impulsive treatment, such as surgery (Total Ear Canal Ablation – TECA). The ear canal is altogether removed through this surgery, thereby preventing the infection from recurring.

How Can Ear Infections In Dogs Be Prevented?

Just because your dog hasn’t had an ear infection so far doesn’t mean it can never have it. Dogs are fond of swimming, and water is one of the major causes of ear infection. The risk is always there. To ensure that your dog doesn’t have to go through discomfort and pain, you should follow certain preventive measures.

• Use cotton buds in your dog’s ears. It’ll prevent any moisture from seeping into the ear canal. Doggie hoods are available in the market and prevent the water from entering into the ears while your dog bathes.
• After every swim and bath, dry your dog’s ears thoroughly using cotton balls.
• Do not attempt any home remedies if you suspect an ear infection. If you wish to clean the ears, you should do so only when you’re certain there’s no underlying infection.
• You can prepare an ear cleansing solution at home by mixing equal quantities of water and apple cider vinegar. Never push the liquid into the dog’s ear directly. Always pour or squirt some liquid over the outer ear, followed by a gentle massage to allow the liquid to move deeper into the ear.
• Remove the debris from your dog’s ear very gently.
• If the cleansing solution is flowing out of the ear, use cotton to clean the ear inside out. Avoid using any fabric that may leave any fibers behind. Don’t poke the cotton into your dog’s ear. Be as gentle as you possibly can.
• Get the hair around your dog’s ears trimmed regularly by a professional.
• Make it a habit to smell your dog’s ear. If there’s an infection, it’ll be followed by a foul odor.

Prevention is better than cure. Instead of waiting for your dog to get an ear infection, make it a habit to clean your dog’s ear every few days and keep a check on its behavior. If they appear any bit restless, get it checked right away. Better be safe than sorry, right?