From minor to chronic
problems, ear infections in dogs can be many. Explore symptoms, causes &
remedies of ear infection in a dog.
Ear Infections in Dogs
Having an ear that constantly
buzzes or is painful can be very irritating and also quite upsetting for
your dog. Ear infections in dogs may be minor or chronic, and can be a
product of various factors. Generally, infection of the outer ear canal
by parasitic organisms like bacteria and yeast is common in cases of
canine ear infections. The condition is medically known as Otitis
Externa. Though more common in drop-ear dogs, ear infections might pose
as a health hazard in any breed of dog. If left unattended, infections
in the ears can perforate the ear drums and also travel to the brain and
cause serious damage. In this article we have explicated various issues
related to canine ear infections.
Symptoms
Read these symptoms to understand if your dog is a victim of ear
infection
- Bad odor in ears
- Black or yellow discharge from ears
- Lethargy and irritation
- Scratching or rubbing of head and ears
- Signs of painful or tender ears
- Soreness or visible redness in ear flap or canal
- Vigorously shaking the head or tilting it to one side
Causes
Learn the various causes that might lead to ear infections in dogs
- A dog can easily get allergic to certain food or certain things
they inhale. In this case, the allergic reactions might surface up
as an ear infection.
- Dark and moist environment lead to ear canals being a suitable
place for microorganisms like yeast and bacteria to breed &
multiply. The problem gets aggravated in breeds that have long and
droopy ears.
- Different types of bacteria and yeasts are also major sources of
ear infection. If the ear environment loses its defense mechanism,
they can easily multiply and cause critical damage to the ear.
- Excessive or low secretion of hormones might hamper the
constitution of your pet, by leading to various ear infections.
Thyroid hormones, sex hormones and glucocorticoids play a major role
in such cases.
- Some ear problems are hereditary and congenitally passed to the
offspring from the parent. Diseases like Dermatomyositis,
Primary Seborrhea and some tumors in the ears fall under this
category.
- Sometimes, foreign materials like plant awns or bristles might
find a way to the ear canal of your dog and cause severe itching.
Vigorous scratching to soothe the irritation might affect the ear.
- The ear mite (Otodectes cynotis) can be a cause of air infection
in dogs. Presence of ear mites may cause excessive discomfort and
the resultant scratching might create various problems in the ears.
Remedies
Do away with ear infections in your dogs with these helpful treatments.
- Clip or trim excess hair present near the ears. Long hair
facilitates the growth of various bacteria and ear parasites.
- Don't let debris accumulate in your dog's ears and clean his ears
with a proper ear cleaner once a while.
- In case of yeast infections, a proper antifungal will help you
effectively eliminate the problem.
- Prescribed antibiotics can be taken to get rid of various
bacterial infections in the ear. Make sure to consult your
veterinarian before giving it.
- Various medicines and ear-solutions can be either injected or
topically administered by a veterinarian to curb the problem.
- Various therapies and medical treatments (immunotherapy) are
necessary if the problem is hormone-related or due to certain
allergies.
Remember, having a diseased dog
in the household is not very pleasant. So, it is very important that you
routinely check your dog's ears and keep them clean. Remove earwax and
other accumulated waste two to three times a week if your dog has a
history of ear infections or has floppy ears. Immediately consult a
veterinarian if your pet displays any odd behavior associated with ear
infections.
