Ear infections in dogs usually start out mildly, and in the outer ear. Ear infection is very common to dogs with floppy ears or if your dog has long, pendulous ears. Cocker spaniels are the most prone to this condition.
There are three types of ear infection in dogs—outer ear infection, middle ear infection, and inner ear infection. It is easy to detect an outer ear infection in dogs as the symptoms are easily observed. But infections of both the middle ear and inner ear are more severe and you need to see a veterinarian for proper treatment.
Causes of Dog Ear Infection
- Wet ears after swimming or bathing
- Grass seeds and fox tails
- Parasites such as ear mites
- Infections such as bacteria and yeast
- Foreign bodies such as plant awns
- Trauma
- Excessive matting of hair in the external ear
- Food allergies
- Unhealthy environment
- Underlying dermatological (skin) disease.
- Improper dog hygiene
- A history of recurring ear infections.
- Symptoms of dog ear infection
- Dog ear scratching
- Ear rubbing
- headshaking of the head
- Odor or the presence of exudates
- Inflamed ears
- Soreness or visible redness in the ear flap or canal
- Signs of painful or tender ears.
Dog Ear Fungus/ Yeast Infections The most common cause of canine ear problems is caused by microorganisms, particularly yeasts. Malassezia pachydermatis proliferates in the dog's ear canal. If the dog ear infection persists, you will find the ear canal inflamed, a bad odor, and continual release of exudates in the ear canal. If you suspect a yeast infection in your dog’s ears, immediately consult your veterinarian.
Dog ear care
It is important that dog owners provide proper ear care to prevent recurring infections in their pets. Here are a few tips for preventing dog ear scratching and infection:
- Always check your dog's ears after it has been out playing in long grasses. If your dog has a history of ear disease, you must take it to the vet for routine cleaning of the ear canals.
- Carefully pluck all hair that grows in the canal using tweezers or forceps or take your dog to a vet for the same. Clean the canal with ear cleaner to prevent infection. Ear cleaners help in liquefying exudates, drying the ear canal, and changing the pH (acidity) in the canals.
- You must administer a ear cleaning solution immediately after your dog is bathed
- Avoid using cotton tip applicators in the ear canal. This can worsen the infection and the cotton swab could possibly become lodged in the canal.
- Avoid using alcohol to flush out your dog's ears as it is painful if your pet has a cut inside the ear.
- You may use a dog ear wash containing Tea Tree Oil, a natural antiseptic, which also has antibacterial and fungicidal properties to dry the dog’s ear canal and help keep your dog’s ears problem free.
- You must regularly check your dog’s ear as a part of grooming routine.
| 