Dog Ear Infections
Having an ear infection can be quite uncomfortable, not to mention painful. As humans, we can express our pain to others using words or in the case of young children, crying. Dogs can suffer from ear infections the same as humans, but because they are not able to tell us what is wrong they often suffer in silence if their ear infection goes unnoticed. Proper canine ear care and an awareness of common infections can help keep your dog healthy and pain free.
-
What is a Canine Ear Infection?
-
According to HealthyPet.com, the two most common types of ear infections that are seen in dogs are outer (otitis externa) and middle ear infections (otitis media). Outer ear infections are often accompanied by swelling and a dark, waxy discharge that usually has a foul odor. Middle ear infections are more severe and also more difficult to detect. Middle ear infections are also accompanied by discharge and often result when an outer ear infection is left untreated or when a foreign substance manages to penetrate the ear.
Symptoms
-
Head shaking and scratching at one or both ears are tell-tale signs that your dog may be coping with the discomforts of an ear infection. Also, purposefully dragging the ear along the carpet or lying on the ear may also be symptomatic of an ear infection. But, for those canines that are a little more discrete about their ailments, Working Dogs.com reports that dog owners may want to look to the dog's past for clues. Dog's who have a history of reoccurring ear infections, but an absence of symptoms, may need to visit their veterinarian a little more frequently just to make sure that its ears are healthy.
-
Treatment
-
The treatment for ear infections in dogs is dependent on the source of the infection which is best determined by a licensed veterinarian. Bacterial ear infections are treated with antibiotics and daily ear cleanings. Ear infections that are caused by a fungus (usually yeast) can be a bit more challenging than bacterial infections to manage. VetInfo.com explains that an ear infection that is caused by a fungus requires daily ear cleanings and the administration of anti-fungal ointments.
Keeping Your Dog's Ears Clean
-
Prevention is key when it comes to solving your dog's ear problems, and the use of a veterinarian-recommended ear cleaner is a good start. A small amount of cleaner should be squeezed into the ear followed by a gentle massage at the base of the ear opening. PetEducation.com recommends using a cotton ball to wipe away any visible debris from the outer ear following the administration of the ear cleaner. It is also important to note that some dogs have hair that grows inside the ears. This hair must be removed in order to prevent ear infections. Removal of the hair can be accomplished by gently plucking it from the ear with your fingers. If you are uncomfortable with this procedure or unsure whether or not it is necessary a dog groomer or veterinarian will have the answer.
Hematoma
-
When the pain of an ear infection causes a dog to shake his ear excessively there is always the risk of a hematoma forming. In the book "The Dog Handbook" author Dan Rice explains that the violent shaking can cause blood vessels to break. The broken blood vessels become trapped in between the ear cartilage and the skin; forming a pocket of blood. As a result, the floppy part of the ear swells up like a small balloon. A hematoma requires a veterinarian's attention to relieve the swelling.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Stephan Dirck Klaes: sxc.hu
