Dog Ear Infections: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Many dog owners have learned to identify the telltale signs of an ear infection: barking, scratching, and head shaking are often the first signs of this problem.
Ear infections are common conditions in dogs with floppy ears. An estimated 20 % of dogs have some kind of ear disease that may affect one or both ears. Luckily, there are steps you may take to reduce the duration and severity of these episodes for your dog.
There are three forms of ear infections, formally known as otitis externa, media, and interna. The most common is otitis externa, in which the inflammation damages the layer of cells that line the outer portion of the ear canal. Otitis media and interna refer to middle and inner ear canal infections, respectively. These infections are also caused by the transmission of infection from the outer ear. Otitis media and interna can be very dangerous and can result in deafness, facial paralysis and vestibular signs. This is why it is crucial to avoid infections and to seek early care when symptoms occur.
Symptoms of Dog Ear Infection
Some dogs have no signs of ear infection apart from the wax accumulation and discharge in the ear canal. But ear infections also cause severe pain, and the infected dogs can display signs such as:
- Shaking Head
- Scratching in the infected ear
- Discharge in ear
- Unpleasant Smell
- Redness and swelling of inside the ear canal
- Flaking skin or scabs in the ears
What triggers the ear infections of dogs and puppies?
There are many things that can cause ear infections in dogs and puppies. Sometimes, the underlying issue leads to the inability of a typical dog’s ear protective barrier to function properly. Once the ear atmosphere is moist or swollen, it is easy for bacteria or yeast to overgrow and cause infection.
Here are some common reasons for a dog’s ear to get infected:
- Foreign bodies such as grass, foxtails and other minute infectious particles
- Ear Mites
- Moisture from excessive bathing or swimming
- Food Allergy
- Environmental allergy
- Endocrine problems, such as hypothyroidism
- Autoimmune conditions such as pemphigus, lupus, and vasculitis
- Fleshy growths inside the ear canal
- Some forms of cancer
- Trauma in the ear
All these issues will make the ear canal vulnerable to bacterial infection or yeast infection. When a dog is overly in pain, scratching and trembling, an aural hematoma may develop as well. This can be seen in pinna or earflap, where damaged blood vessels leak blood that clots and causes swelling and pain.
Preventing Dog Ear Infections
It is far better to prevent an ear infection rather than to treat them. Adding an ear cleaning remedy to your dog’s grooming and bathing routine can help prevent ear infections. If you have a breed that is more susceptible to ear infections, cleaning may need to be more regular. Another effective preventative is the continuous drying of the inside of your dog’s ear after swimming or bathing. Simply use a towel or cotton ball to rinse your dog’s ear until the moisture has time to fester.
Following are the ideal ear cleansing solutions that you can add to your dog’s grooming and cleaning routine.
Malacetic Otic Ear for Dogs
Malacetic Otic ear is a multipurpose cleanser that offers daily cleaning of the ear as well as relief from aural diseases. Gently cleanses the dog’s ear canals and prevents bacteria and yeast from forming. Clinically proven to help in quick ear treatments, the solution cleans and heals without any allergic reactions.
Cleanaural Ear Cleaner for Dogs
Cleanaural ear cleaner is a soft and efficient ear cleaning option for dogs. It removes earwax, debris and dust from the pet’s ears without causing discomfort. The solution made up of organic solvents with a moderate pH balance is the perfect moisturiser for the dog’s ears and keeps all sorts of ear infections away. Used for regular ear cleaning, the solution ensures aural hygiene in dogs.
CleanEar for Dogs
Cleanear is a remarkable ear cleanser to remove earwax, debris, dirt and bacteria from the ears of dogs. Made up of organic solutions, it is used as a general cleaning agent for routine pet care. It is highly effective in preserving aural hygiene as it promotes greater penetration of antibiotics, miticides and other ear treatments.
Ear infections are a serious and frequently chronic issue in many pets. However, with the help of your vet, you can keep your dog’s ears clean and secure. If your dog shows symptoms of an ear infection, speak to your vet and start the treatment right away to get rid of the problem at the earliest.
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