How to Treat Ear Problems in Dogs

Common Dog Ear Problems, Treatment and Solutions

Ear infections, injury, allergies, mites are among the common cause of ear problems in dogs. Unquestionably, many infections can be treated at home without seeing a vet.

However, see your vet if you notice a discharge from your dog’s ear or you observe he is experiencing severe ear pain for more than a few days.

There are plenty of successful diagnostic and treatment options for ear infections.

Clearly, certain symptoms can be signs of a more serious condition. A dog with an ear infection can show numerous symptoms outlined in the article.

To start with, if the dog is in a lot of pain, consider that symptom to be an emergency and seek medical attention immediately.

1. Earwax Blockage

Dog earwax prevents debris from entering the ear. It serves as a protector by cleanings the ear canal.  Nonetheless, the wax is soft but if it hardens it can cause blockage and a clogged ear.

The clogged ear will give your dog an earache or even dizziness. One can use ear cleaning solutions and wipes to clean the dog’s ears at home.

Ear Cleaning Solution

Select a grooming area before starting to clean your dog ears as it can get messy. We all know dogs love shaking their head to dry up and might mess the cleaning area.

How To Clean Your Dog Ears

One can clean a dog’s ear at home using a cotton swab to clean inside the ear. I would recommend a professional to do it as sometimes these cotton swabs can be responsible for the blockages. Obviously, this method of cleaning can push earwax deeper into the ear if done unwell.

With a lot of tutorials online on how to do it with home remedies we still advise on using veterinarian-approved ear-cleaning solutions.

These vet-approved solutions are safe and do not have irritating or harmful ingredients.

Furthermore, if one doesn’t know what to use consult your vet for proper ear cleaning solutions?

2. Infections

Ear infections can be caused by bacteria or viruses. Alongside this, an ear infection can be painful and irritating to your dog.

It is treatable and I would advise one to consult the vet once you notice your dog with the symptoms below.

Symptoms of Ear Infection

• Lack of balance
• Head tilting due to pain
• Ear scratching
• Head shaking
• Oozing of discharge
• Painful ears
• Smelly discharge
• Redness and swelling of the ear
• A hot ear when the infection spreads
• Deafness when severe

Fats treatment means faster recovery, don’t wait till the infection is severe. The ear infection can start on the outer layer of the ear and if not treated will move to the inner ear.

Most infections can be caused by allergies especially skin allergies, mites, parasites, growth or tumors, and excessive wax removal.

Ear infection should be treated immediately when noticed. Consult your vet for proper treatment.

Dogs with ear mites will often shake their heads and scratch at their ears. Young dogs often get mites and they’re very contagious. Fast treatment is recommended to deal with these parasites.

Common Treatment of Ear infection

Canine ear infections are a common ailment for dogs. As well as that, infections are caused by bacteria or yeast. Despite this, some canine ear infections will resolve on their own. It is best to get treatment from a vet.

Depending on what the vet diagnosis is after doing an ear test he may recommend various treatment methods.

Ensure to follow the advice given and give medication to your dog as prescribed.

• Ear Checks

Also, have regular ear check, check your dog ears to see if there is any discharge when grooming him. If there is discharge, and it has a foul smell get your dog treatment.

Depending on your dog breed, check the ear a lot especially if the dog has a lot of furs. Long fur due to warmth and moist can be a breeding ground of bacteria and yeast to overgrow.

For instance, if your dog has long ear flaps, like a Cocker Spaniel, she’ll be more prone to ear infections.

An ear pluck can be a solution to this as it will allow enough air into the ear, but with a consultation with your vet.

• Ear Cleaning

The vet can advise on vet-approved cleaning solutions that do not irritate your dog’s ears.

Avoid using cotton buds or any material that can leave debris inside the dogs’ ear.

The vet will tell you what to use to keep the inside of the dog ear clean as it heals.

• Medications

The dog could be in a lot of pain hence an anti-inflammatory pain relief medicine may be given. Also to clear the infection an antibiotic also will be given.

The antibiotics can be in a form of an eardrop or tablet. Ensure the dog finishes the dose to avoid a reoccurrence of the infection.

The medicated eardrops and pain relief medicine will help the swelling and pain to go down.

• Remove Triggers or Allergens

An ear infection can sometimes be a result of environmental factors, allergens and it is good to treat the underlying conditions.

For environmental factors, try to clear any triggers that can cause skin allergies to your dog. If the cause is due to food intolerance to certain ingredients, change the diet gradually.

If the triggers are ignored even if the infection is treated it can reoccur again.

Importance of Pet Insurance

Treatment can be expensive without pet insurance especially if your dog keeps on getting ear infections or any other medical care.

Have pet insurance for such health needs to prevent any financial constraints.

Subsequently, having the right pet insurance in place may significantly reduce the out-of-pocket expenses for any illness or injury covered by that policy.

Conclusion

Without a doubt, proper treatment for your dog ear infection should eliminate any complications.

Notably, if you let the ear infection go for too long without treatment, it can lead to permanent hearing loss. Not only, can the infection spread to other parts of your dog’s head but also become fatal.

Ear infection not only affect dogs but also cats. Both are treatable and solutions can be fast if sought immediately. It might require the vet to sedate your dog to be able to conduct further ear tests and scans.

Lastly, as a dog owner, if you suspect that your dog has an ear infection, have it checked out by your vet.