Information on Dog Allergies & Ear Infections
Dog allergies and ear infections seem to go hand-in-hand. In fact, veterinarians will often suspect allergies when a dog has recurrent ear infections. Fortunately, both can be treated with the help of a veterinarian.
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Symptoms
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Dog allergy and ear infection symptoms are often varied, according to the Doctors Foster and Smith website. Dogs with allergies will often chew or lick their feet and have chronic ear infections. In addition, the dog may be especially itchy and have red skin. Because of the itchiness, the dog may rub its face or other body parts on the floor or furniture. You may also notice hair loss and mutilated skin as a result of the allergy. The dog's ears may be red and swollen and have lots of dark discharge. The dog might also shake its head because of the ear infection.
Diagnosis
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A doctor can diagnose an ear infection by examining the ear and collecting a sample of the discharge. The vet will then look under the microscope to determine what is causing the infection, which is typically yeast or bacteria. Allergies are diagnosed by skin and blood tests to determine what the dog is allergic to, according to Dr. Mark Thompson of the Pet Place website.
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Causes
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When a dog has allergies, the wax-producing glands in its ears over-react and produce too much of the substance. Bacteria and yeast can grow in the wax, resulting in an infection, according to Doctors Foster and Smith. Dogs can develop allergies when exposed to certain triggers, including weed pollens, house and dust mites, grass, trees and food.
Treatment
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Before the ear infections can completely resolve, the allergens must first be treated. Veterinarians have a few options to choose from when treating allergies, including the use of antihistamines, fatty acid supplements, steroids and allergy injections. Once the allergies are under control, the ear infections are often cleared up with routine cleanings and medications that eliminate the offensive organism, which is often yeast or bacteria.
Prevention
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Weekly ear cleanings can help with wax buildup, but will not clear up infection, as the allergies must first be prevented. Long-term antihistamine use and fatty-acid supplements can help prevent the allergic response. Avoiding contact with the allergens is also extremely helpful in preventing an allergy flare-up.
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References
- Photo Credit labrador retriever image by fuxart from Fotolia.com
