Ear infections are one of the most common health problems in dogs — and one of the most uncomfortable. If your dog has been shaking their head, scratching at their ears, or seems to be in pain, an ear infection could be the cause.
We spoke with Dr. Laura Brown, owner of Green Tree Animal Hospital in Libertyville, IL on our Bark & Wag 15 Minute Vet Talk podcast about everything dog owners need to know about ear infections. Here is what she shared.
How Common Are Ear Infections in Dogs?
Ear infections are incredibly common — an estimated 20 percent of dogs have some form of ear disease, which may affect one or both ears. Dogs are more prone to ear infections than humans because the canine ear canal is more vertical, forming an L-shape that tends to hold in fluid and create the perfect environment for bacteria and yeast to grow.
Signs Your Dog Has an Ear Infection
Watch for these symptoms:
• Scratching at the affected ear
• Dark discharge from the ear
• Unpleasant odor coming from the ear
• Redness and swelling of the ear canal
• Pain when the ear is touched
• Itchiness around the ear
• Crusting or scabs in or around the ears
Some dogs show no obvious symptoms other than a buildup of wax and discharge in the ear canal, so regular ear checks are important.
What Causes Ear Infections in Dogs?
Ear infections are typically caused by bacteria, yeast, or a combination of both. In puppies, ear mites can also be a source of infection. Factors that may make your dog more prone to ear infections include:
• Moisture — creates a prime environment for bacteria and yeast growth
• Allergies — responsible for ear disease in about 50 percent of dogs with allergic skin disease
• Food sensitivities — linked to ear infections in about 80 percent of affected dogs
• Endocrine disorders such as thyroid disease
• Foreign bodies in the ear
• Injury to the ear canal
Dogs with floppy ears — such as Basset Hounds, Cocker Spaniels and Golden Retrievers — are especially prone to ear infections because their ear shape traps moisture and reduces airflow.
If your dog is showing any signs of an ear infection see your veterinarian as soon as possible. Do not try to treat ear infections at home. Quick treatment is important not only for your dog's comfort but also to prevent the infection from spreading deeper into the middle and inner ear, which can cause serious complications including deafness and facial paralysis.
How Are Ear Infections Treated?
Your veterinarian will thoroughly clean your dog's ears with a medicated ear cleanser and may prescribe ear drops for you to use at home. In more severe cases oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed.
Most uncomplicated ear infections resolve within one to two weeks with appropriate treatment. It is very important to finish the full course of medication even if your dog appears to be getting better — stopping early can lead to resistant infections.
How to Prevent Ear Infections
Prevention is always better than treatment. Here are the best ways to reduce your dog's risk:
• Dry your dog's ears thoroughly after swimming or bathing — excess moisture is the most common cause of ear infections
• Clean your dog's ears regularly at home using a vet-recommended ear cleaning solution
• Identify and manage any underlying allergies or food sensitivities
• Check your dog's ears weekly for signs of redness, odor or discharge
• Ask your vet if an ear drying powder would be helpful for your dog
When cleaning at home, fill the canal with an ear cleaning solution, massage the vertical canal from the outside, then wipe out with absorbent gauze. Avoid cotton swabs inside the ear canal as they can push debris deeper.
Listen to the Full Episode
Hear directly from Dr. Laura Brown in the full Bark & Wag 15 Minute Vet Talk episode below!
https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/29122418
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