Ear infections in dogs are frequent and almost all canines will have this painful ailment at some point in their lives. Scratching and rubbing at the ear(s), as well as head shaking, are common symptoms. You may also detect an unusual odor coming from the ear, as well as redness or swelling.
The majority of adult ear infections are caused by bacteria and yeast; however, ear mites are a prevalent culprit in puppies. Your veterinarian will collect a sample from the infected ear(s) and examine it under a microscope to determine if germs are present.
Dogs are prominent for hiding their pain. And your precious pup may suffer from an ear infection for several weeks before you realize it. Excessive moisture, breed predisposition, food allergies and foreign objects are some of the reasons for ear infections in dogs. Thus, it is important to consult with your veterinarian to discover the cause of your pet’s ear infection.
Most ear infections can be avoided or reduced by regularly monitoring your pet’s ears. We have some useful information on dog ear infections, including treatment, causes and prevention. Read on!
Dog Ear Infection Treatment:
The ear will be painful as a result of the ear infection; therefore you should clean it with a gentle cleanser such as PAW GENTLE EAR CLEANER AND ILIUM EAR DROP for effective treatment. Filling the ear canal with a cleaning solution, placing an appropriate-sized cotton ball in the ear canal entrance and gently massaging the ear at the base is an excellent approach to clean the ear. The cotton ball serves a number of purposes. It works as a cover to allow fluid to flow back and forth in the canal, absorbs the surplus solution and holds onto debris as it rises, letting you know what is going on below in the ear canal. You can clean the ear multiple times as long as your dog tolerates it and the cotton ball comes out quite clean.
Pet Product Options for Ear Cleaner and Ear Infection Prevention:
EPI-OTIC EAR AND SKIN CLEANSER FOR DOGS/CATS
Epi-Otic is a modern dog and cat skin and ear cleaner. The antibacterial solution can be used to treat and prevent a variety of infections. Due to the superior technology, it is not only utilized as an ear cleanser, but also as a skin cleanser.
ARISTOPET EAR CANKER DROPS FOR DOGS/CATS
In dogs and cats, it’s an effective treatment for ear mites and ear canker. The innovative formulation contains antifungal, anticoccidiocidal and antiparasitic qualities that aid in the treatment of ear canker and ear mites in dogs and cats.
The ear drops, which have been specially formulated with antiseptic compounds, offer cleansing, drying and antiseptic properties. This non-irritant treatment keeps ears clean, dry and fresh.
Dermcare Otoflush is a neutral buffered ear treatment that helps dogs to keep their ears clean. It aids in the reduction of microbial infections and the prevention of ear infections. It is beneficial to use before to ear treatment to increase penetration of prescribed ear remedies.
When Cleaning Dog’s Ear, There Are A Few Things to Keep In Mind:
- Q-Tip swabs should not be used because they can drive debris deeper into the ear canal, potentially rupturing the eardrum.
- Use rubbing alcohol or other irritant-free treatments on irritated skin (Think of the skin inside the ear of a dog with an ear infection as a rash).
- Allow around 10 minutes for the ear canal to dry after it has been cleaned. Then, as directed by your veterinarian, administer the treatment(s) (ointment or drops).
- The duration of treatment is determined by the patient, the severity of the infection and any ear changes (i.e., thickening of the tissue in the ear).
Oral treatments are sometimes required (antibiotics, anti-yeast, anti-inflammatory). Rechecks with your veterinarian will be scheduled to ensure that the treatments are functioning for the infection to get cleared.
Ear Infection in Dogs: Causes and Prevention
The first step in preventing an ear infection is to figure out what’s causing it. Bathing, grooming, or swimming can cause the ear canal to become moist. The dampness in the ear canal encourages the growth of bacteria. In many circumstances, prevention can be as simple as cleansing the ear as indicated previously to eliminate moisture and prevent infection.
However, in many cases, an underlying reason may be difficult to pinpoint. Dogs with allergies to pollens (grasses, trees and weeds), dust mites, molds, or food (beef, chicken, fish, soy and so on) are more likely to develop ear infections. This is because allergies induce microscopic inflammation in the skin, allowing bacterial and yeast organisms that typically inhabit the skin to overgrow.
Ear Infections in Dogs Require A Precise Diagnosis:
It’s important to see your veterinarian as soon as possible if your dog is exhibiting any of the usual symptoms of ear infections. Not only is prompt treatment vital for your dog’s comfort (these conditions can be excruciating!), but it also prevents infection from spreading to the middle and inner ear.
Prepare to provide your veterinarian a detailed history of your pet’s health condition. This is especially important if you have a new veterinarian or if you are dealing with a first-time infection. The following information will be required by your veterinarian:
- Duration of symptoms like pain, swelling, discharge and odor
- If your dog is on any other treatment or has any allergies
- What you’ve been feeding your dog
- When it comes to cleaning your dog’s ears, how often do you do it and what products do you use
- Dog’s ears hair has been cut or plucked
- Recent activities such as baths, grooming and swimming
- If your dog has had ear infections before, when did they happen and how did you treat them
Following the collection of your dog’s medical history, your veterinarian will conduct a physical examination. In severe cases, your doctor may also prescribe sedating your dog to allow for a deeper examination of the ear canal. Your veterinarian will examine both ears and the exam may include the following:
- Examine the skin for symptoms of redness, swelling and discharge
- An otoscope is used to evaluate the ear canal and eardrum
- Palpation of the ear to determine the amount of pain
- Microscopic study of materials obtained by ear swabbing
- Samples from the ear are cultured
- Biopsies or X-rays may be required in severe or chronic instances
Ear infections are a frequent and often recurring condition in many dogs, but you can keep your dog’s ears clean and comfortable with the help of your veterinarian. If your dog exhibits symptoms of an ear infection, seek treatment as soon as possible to avoid a more serious problem.
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