eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

Fact Sheet

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Ear Infections in Dogs?

Contributor
By Yvette Marie
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Ear Infections in Dogs?
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Ear Infections in Dogs?
stockvault.net

Ear infections, or otitis externa, are one of your dog's most common complaints. They are brought on by a variety of reasons including a moist environment (long, floppy ears), allergies, or bacterial or yeast infections. The symptoms of an ear infection are easy to recognize; when you do recognize them, take your dog to your veterinarian for immediate treatment. Treatment is easy, fairly inexpensive and it will spare your dog a lot of pain and discomfort.

    Head Shaking

  1. Some head shaking is normal, but if your dog is shaking his head frequently, he could have an ear infection.
  2. Head Cocking

  3. If your dog repeatedly cocks her head to one side, it's most likely that she has an ear infection. By cocking her head, she is probably attempting to remove heavy wax buildup.
  4. Frequent Scratching

  5. As with head shaking, a little ear scratching is normal. However, constant scratching is a sign that your dog has an ear infection or disorder.
  6. Pain and Inflammation

  7. If your dog's ear is inflamed, red and painful to the touch, then there is probably some type of injury present. It is important to have the injury treated immediately, or an infection will develop.
  8. Foul-Smelling Discharge

  9. If your dog's ears are filled with a black, foul-smelling wax, this is a sure sign of an infection. Your veterinarian will flush her ears and prescribe antibiotic ear drops.
  10. Balance Problems

  11. Lack of balance or coordination could indicate a very serious ear infection or even worse, a neurological disorder. If your dog is manifesting these symptoms, take him to your veterinarian immediately.
Who Can Help
Subscribe

Post a Comment

Post a Comment Post this comment to my Facebook Profile

eHow Article: What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Ear Infections in Dogs?

Related Ads

Get Free Pets Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

eHow Pets
eHow_eHow Pets