Ear Infections for Dogs: Diagnosis and Treatment
Ear infections are one of the most common reasons dogs visit the vet. As many as 20 percent of dogs suffer from some form of ear disease.
Symptoms and Signs
Has your dog been pawing at their ears? Perhaps they’ve been shaking their head constantly, or worse, do they have smelly discharge in their ears? Dogs are more prone to ear infections than humans due to the shape of their ear canals. According to Ira Roth, a veterinarian and director of the Community Practice Clinic at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, ear infections can be particularly frustrating to manage because the causes are often unclear.
Thankfully, there are steps you can take to help diagnose and treat your dog’s ear infection.
Types of Ear Infections
According to the American Kennel Club, there are three types of ear infections:
Otitis Externa
The most common type, which affects the external part of the ear canal.
Otitis Media and Otitis Interna
When the infection spreads to the middle and inner ear canals, it is referred to as otitis media or otitis interna. These infections are more serious and may result in deafness or facial paralysis. This makes early diagnosis and treatment crucial.
Dog Ear Infection Symptoms
While some dogs show no symptoms apart from discharge or wax buildup, it is important to look out for signs of discomfort. Affected dogs may display:
- Pain or itchiness
- Crusting or scabs in the ears
- Head shaking
- Scratching at the affected ear
- Dark discharge
- Odor
- Redness and swelling of the ear canal
Causes of Ear Infections
Dogs are prone to ear infections due to the unique shape of their ear canals, which are more vertical than human ear canals and form an L-shape. This structure can trap fluid, creating an environment for infections.
Potential causes include:
- Allergies or Food Sensitivities
- Moisture: Creates a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast
- Wax Buildup
- Foreign Bodies: Debris or objects in the ear canal
- Injury to the Ear Canal
- Excessive Cleaning
- Endocrine Disorders: Such as thyroid disease
- Autoimmune Disorders
Diagnosing Dog Ear Infections
If you suspect your dog has an ear infection, it’s important to visit your vet. Quick treatment is necessary as ear infections can be painful and may spread to the middle or inner ear canal. Avoid attempting to treat ear infections at home, as you may inadvertently push wax or foreign objects further into the ear canal.
Treatment for Ear Infections
To treat an ear infection, your vet will:
- Clean the Ear: Using a medicated cleaner.
- Prescribe Medication: This may include topical medication for home use or, in severe cases, oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatories.
Most ear infections heal within one to two weeks following treatment. For chronic infections, discuss prevention strategies with your vet.
Prevention
Prevention is key to avoiding ear infections. Here are some tips:
- Dry Your Dog’s Ears: Thoroughly after swimming or bathing to prevent excess moisture.
- Clean Their Ears at Home: Use safe cleaning methods and avoid paper towels or cotton, which could leave irritating fibers behind.
Conclusion
Ear infections are a common issue for many dogs, but with preventative care and prompt treatment, you can keep your dog’s ears healthy and comfortable. Be sure to consult a vet if you notice anything abnormal.
Thank you for reading