Dog ear infections are common, so it should come as no surprise. Dog ears are unique in their anatomy when compared to human ears. Dogs have a long ear canal with both horizontal and vertical components. This creates an L or J shape, which traps debris more easily. And this in turn can lead to a dog ear infection.
Here is a guide to help you recognize the symptoms of a dog ear infection so that you can get your dog treated as soon as possible.
Types of dog ear infections
Otitis is divided into three types based on the location of the dog’s ear infection:
- Externa: Inflammation of the ear canal
- Media: inflammation of the middle ear
- Interna: Inflammation of the inner ear
Otitis externa is the most common of these three infections as it affects the part of the ear that is exposed to external factors.
Common causes are listed below.
1) bacteria: A variety of bacteria can contribute to ear infections in dogs or puppies.
2) yeast: Another culprit that contributes to ear infections is yeast. Yeast infection in the ear can also occur due to allergies.
3) Allergies: Allergies are one of the most frustrating and frustrating underlying causes of dog ear infections. Just like humans, our dogs can be allergic to all sorts of things, such as:
- pollen
- Russian
- grass
- dust particles
- other animals
- certain types of food
Important notice: If your companion dog has any type of ear infection. If it is not responding well to treatment, contact your veterinarian. In older dogs, these problems can rarely cause ear infections related to cancer. If so, your nearest vet will want to perform more thorough diagnostic tests.
Dog ear infection symptoms
The most common symptom of an ear infection in a dog is head tremors. Ear infections can be extremely painful. If your dog is exhibiting any physical or behavioral changes, especially in the ears, go to your vet immediately.
A healthy dog’s ear is dry and clean. It is normal for small amounts of yeast and microbes to remain in the outer ear canal. But when debris builds up in the ear, those bacteria and yeasts can grow and cause infection.
- Dirt, Pain, Itching
- Food allergies
- Environmental allergies
- Scratch on the affected ear
- Dark discharge
- Redness and swelling of the ear canal
- Crusting or itching in the ear
- Redness and swelling in the ear canals
- Excessive moisture from bathing or swimming
- Endocrine problems such as hypothyroidism
- Autoimmune diseases such as pemphigus, lupus, or vasculitis
- Polyps (fleshy growth inside the ear canal)
Dog ear infection treatment
Your vet will need to test earwax or do a scan of the dog’s ear in order to choose the appropriate treatment. Here are some tests that your vet may do:
Once your veterinarian knows the details of a dog’s ear infection, therapy will include several elements that may include topical, oral or surgical treatments.
Extant: This medication is in a lanolin base which is slowly released. Often, cleansers can be used in combination with eardrops or ointments. This medicine usually needs to go deep into the ear canal.
Oral: Depending on the severity of the infection, an oral antifungal or steroid, antibiotic, medication may be used to help the ear heal from the “inside out.”
Surgery
Dogs that have chronic severe ear disease may no longer respond to medical treatment. The goal of surgery for these ears is to open the canal or completely remove all diseased tissue.
Once proper treatment is initiated under a veterinarian’s supervision, most complicated canine ear infections heal within 1-2 weeks. But more serious infections or underlying conditions may take a few months to heal. In cases of severe chronic disease where other treatments have failed, the vet may recommend surgery. such as total ear canal ablation (TECA).
Medications prescribed by your veterinarian to treat dog ear infections
1) Ear Drops
Ear drops are often used to treat chronic ear infections in dogs. These drugs are inserted directly into the ear. Many are a combination of corticosteroid, antifungal and antibiotic. Examples of these drugs include:
Automax
Posatex
Mometamax
Obvious
Surolan
Osurnia
2) Antibiotics
Oral antibiotics can be used to treat your dog’s bacterial infection. Although these are readily available in human pharmacies.Antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections include:
Cleocin (clindamycin)
cefpodoxime
Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate)
enrofloxacin
3) Anti-fungal ointments and oral medications
Topical antifungal and oral antifungal medications, ointments or creams can be used to treat canine ear infections. This may include:
miconazole
Ketodan (ketoconazole)
Sporanox (itraconazole)
4) Anti-inflammatory drugs
Products containing over-the-counter NSAIDs such as Aleve (naproxen), Advil (ibuprofen) and acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) should never be given to dogs, as they can cause serious health problems. Examples of NSAIDs that are safe for your dog and available through a veterinary prescription include:
deracoxib
firocoxib
galliprint
carprofen
meloxicam
How to prevent ear infections in puppies and dogs
Ear cleaning and ear maintenance, regular grooming, are important parts of pet care. Regular cleaning of the ear is especially important.
Key points for cleaning dog ears
- Do not use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, as they can kill healthy ear cells.
- Do not put cotton wool in the puppy’s ear, as this could rupture the eardrum.
- It’s okay to use ear wipes or a cotton ball to clean out earflaps and crevices.
Dog ear cleaning techniques
- Apply liquid cleanser to the ear regularly as directed.
- Always close the earflaps and massage the base of the ears.
- Wipe gently with a soft cloth or cotton ball.
- Apply any medication prescribed.
Home remedies to prevent infection
- Keep dog’s ears clean and dry
- Clean your dog’s ears at least 2 times a month
- You Can Buy Dog Ear Wash at the Store
- You can mix half water and half hydrogen peroxide to make an at-home ear cleaning solution.
- Keep the dog away from dust mites or seasonal allergies
Bottom Line: Our pet dogs and puppies depend on us to take care of them. If you notice any unusual activity regarding your dog's ears, make an appointment to see your nearest vet immediately so that your pet can get the help they need to feel better.
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