We treat a lot of dogs with ear infections here at our Rabun County veterinary clinic. Fortunately, most dog ear infections are easy to treat if diagnosed early. Today our vets share some signs that your pup might have an ear infection and what you should do.
Canine Ears
Dogs tend to be more susceptible to ear infections than people due in large part to the shape of their ear canals. If your dog spends a lot of time in the water or has long floppy ears they will be even more prone to ear infections since moisture can become trapped in the ear and create an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive.
By taking extra care of your pup's ears, you can help to prevent an ear infection, and if your pup does get an infection, by seeing a vet early, it's likely that it can be cleared up quickly and easily. Ear infections in dogs can progress quickly and cause symptoms such as balance and coordination problems, pain, and, in severe cases, facial paralysis.
Common Causes of Ear Infections in Dogs
Bacterial ear infections in dogs are the most common however, yeast, fungus, and ear mites can all cause your pup's ears to become infected and painful. Dog ear infections can also occur due to foreign objects lodged in the ear, trauma, and tumors or polyps.
There are three types of ear infections that can occur in dogs depending upon where the infection has occurred;
- Outer ear infections or otitis externa in dogs
- Middle ear infection or otitis media in dogs
- Inner ear infection or otitis interna in dogs
Signs That Your Dog Might Have an Ear Infection
Ear infections can be extremely uncomfortable, if not painful, for your dog. If your dog exhibits any of the following symptoms of an ear infection, contact your veterinarian immediately to schedule an examination. Early treatment of ear infections can help to prevent the development of more severe symptoms and reduce the likelihood of complications.
If your dog is suffering from an ear infection it may exhibit one or more of the following symptoms:
- Pawing or rubbing at the ear
- Brown, yellow or bloody discharge
- Odor in the ear
- Redness inside of the ear
- Head shaking
- Tilting head
- Crusts or scabs just inside the ear
- Swelling of the ear
If your dog's ear infection is more severe you may notice other symptoms such as:
- Indications of hearing loss
- Loss of coordination or balance
- Unusual eye movements
- Walking in circles
How Ear Infections in Dogs Are Treated
If your dog has an ear infection, your veterinarian will clean it with a medicated cleanser and prescribe any antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications that are necessary to treat your pet's ear infection. Your veterinarian may also prescribe a topical medication and instruct you on how and when to apply it to your dog's ear at home.
When treated in the early stages, an uncomplicated ear infection will typically clear up within just a week or two. If your dog's ear infection is more severe or is caused by an underlying health condition, treatment may be more challenging and may take months to resolve. In many cases, more severe cases result in chronic ear infections in dogs or repeated ear infections over the course of the pet's lifetime.
Following your vet's instructions carefully will be essential to clear up your dog's ear infection as quickly as possible. Not finishing prescriptions, or stopping treatment before the infection has completely cleared can lead to recurring, chronic, or more severe ear infections in dogs that may become increasingly difficult to treat.
Follow-up appointments with your vet are highly recommended for dog ear infections. While it may look as if the infection has cleared there can still be traces of infection that are difficult for owners to spot.
Preventing Ear Infections in Your Dog
When it comes to ear infections, our veterinarians at Rabun Animal Hospital in Rabun County believe that prevention is always better than treatment. It is critical to keep your canine companion's ears clean and dry in order to help prevent an ear infection.
Speak to your primary care veterinarian about the best cleaning solution to use for your dog's ears, take the time to gently clean your dog's ears every week, and always dry your dog's ears whenever they come out of the water.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.