Why are dogs so prone to ear infections?
The shape of a dog's ear canal is a significant contributing factor behind their increased risk of ear infections. A dog's ear canals are shaped differently than a human's, leaving them susceptible to these conditions. If your four-legged friend loves to swim or has long, floppy ears, they will be even more prone to ear infections since moisture can get trapped in the ear. This can foster an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive.
While ear infections may be more common in our canine companions, there are ways to prevent the issues mentioned above. By taking a few precautions, you can reduce your dog's risk of ear infections. Left untreated, these infections can result in symptoms such as coordination and balance issues, pain, and in severe cases, facial paralysis.
Common Symptoms of Ear Infections
Anyone who has ever had an ear infection is aware they can cause severe pain. If your dog displays any of the following signs of an ear infection, contact your primary veterinarian right away to book an examination for your pooch. By having your dog examined as soon as possible, your vet can start treating your pup sooner, reducing the risk of complications. Fungal and bacterial ear infections in dogs can each present their own symptoms, although these will be similar to those listed below.
The typical signs of an ear infection in dogs include:
- 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
With severe ear infections in dogs, you may also notice the following symptoms:
- Indications of hearing loss
- Loss of coordination or balance
- Unusual eye movements
- Walking in circles
The Causes of Dog Ear Infections
While bacteria is the most common cause of ear infections in dogs, there are other potential culprits. These include:
- Fungus
- Ear mites
- Yeast
- Foreign objects lodged in the ear
- Tumors or polyps
- Trauma
The three parts of the ear that can become infected are:
- Otitis External (outer ear infection) - These infections affect the outer area of the ear.
- Otitis Media (middle ear infection) - Indicate an infection in the dog's middle ear
- Otitis Internal (inner ear infection) - These infections occur in your dog's inner ear.
How to Treat Ear Infections in Dogs
Once the exam is complete and your dog has been diagnosed with an ear infection, the vet will offer a treatment plan including antibiotics. 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.
While the speed at which your dog recovers depends on how quickly treatment began, the symptoms typically begin to clear up in 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.
You should always follow your vet's instructions exactly as given. This will help your dog to recover quickly and lower the risk of secondary conditions. Not finishing prescriptions, or stopping treatment before the infection has completely cleared can lead to a recurring infection that becomes increasingly difficult to treat.
If your dog has been diagnosed and treated for an ear infection, you should schedule a follow-up visit with your vet. While it may look as if the infection has cleared there may still be traces of infection that are difficult for owners to spot. If you do not see treatment through as prescribed it can lead to a reoccurrence of the infection and serious complications that may lead to a veterinary emergency.
Preventing Ear Infections in Dogs
Our Gaithersburg vets believe that prevention is always better than treatment when it comes to ear infections. The key to preventing ear infections is to keep your dog's ears clean and always dry them after they've been in water.
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 every time they get out of 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.