Ear Infections in Dogs

Dogs are prone to ear infections throughout the year and it is one of the most common health problems in dogs.

Some breeds such as cocker spaniels are more prone to ear infections; hence, depending on your dog breed, you may have to pay extra attention to your pet’s ears.

Just like in humans, ear infections are extremely unpleasant for dogs too and it is important to know the basics about this common yet troublesome problem.

What Causes Ear Infections in Dogs

Ear mites are the most common cause of ear infection in puppies and younger dogs. For adult dogs, yeast and bacteria are the most common reasons.

It may also be possible that your dog has an underlying health condition that makes him more prone to ear infections.

Consult your vet if you notice your dog getting ear infections regularly.

How to know if Your Dog has an Ear Infection

The most common signs include scratching the ears, shaking the head and rubbing.

Try smelling the ears to see if any foul odor is noted. In severer infections, your dog’s head may be tilting.

How are Ear Infections Diagnosed

Only a veterinarian can truly diagnose an ear infection. An otoscope will be used to look into the ear which provides visuals until the ear canal.

In here, the vet will be able to determine the extent of the infection, damages done such as rupturing of the ear drums or irritation of the skin, presence of foreign bodies and other abnormalities.

A swab is usually inserted for analysis in order to determine what exact bacteria or yeast is present so it can be treated accordingly.

How to Treat Ear Infections

Most ear infections can be attended to with topical treatment and cleaning. In some severe instances, oral medication or surgery may be necessary.

If you went to the vet to have your dog’s ears checked, a follow up will usually be requested in one to two weeks to ensure that the infection is gone.

If infections persist, there may be another underlying cause.

How to Do Basic Ear Cleaning

First and foremost, always remember to never stick a swab into the dog’s ear and down the ear canal unless you know exactly what you’re doing.

You may accidentally push debris further down or even cause the eardrum to rupture.

Imagine a rash on your skin and pouring a substance such as alcohol on it. Just as it hurts for humans, dogs also feel pain from these disinfectants.

Hence, always use a mild cleanser, specifically for dog care. To clean the earlobe, you can use a large cotton ball with the cleanser and gently rub the earlobe.

Most commercial pet cleaners have a maximum SD Alcohol content of 40 percent which is not as painful yet powerful enough as basic disinfectant.

Others contain acids such as lactic acid, boric acid, acetic acid.

If you are not exactly sure of how to clean your dog’s ears, it is always best to consult your veterinarian to ensure that you are not doing more damage than good.