How to Treat Your Dog's Ear Infection

Left untreated, a dog's ear infection can cause damage to the ear, canal, affect the dog's hearing and lead to chronic ear infections that are seemingly neverending.

Aside from the cost of the frequent trips to the vet, your dog will be miserable from the itch, irritation and pain from the contant ear infections.

There are some effective ways to treat your dog's ear infection though.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A good quality vet
• Patience

1. 
   Ear Infections are Painful for Dogs

   Look in the ears for signs of swelling, reddness and brown discharge. These signs, along with a distict smell are signs of an ear infection and that the dog needs to see the vet.

2. 
   Are Mites Irritating Your Dog?

   Ask the dog's vet to examine the dog's ear wax to determine if mites are the problem. Mites can cause irritation in the ear and are visible under microscope. If the vet does find mites he can prescibe a treatment plan to get rid of them.

3. 
   Ear Infections Irritate Dogs

   Flush the ear to remove excess wax, particles and yeast from the inner ear. This may take away some of the itch and irritation for your dog and can prep the ear if medication is necessary.

4. 
   Control Your Dog's Itching with Steroids

   Check with your vet to see if steroids are necessary to control the itching and irritation in your dog's ear.

5. 
   Chronic Dog Ear Infections are Treatable

   Oral and injectable antibiotics are aggressive ways to treat chronic ear infections in dogs.

6. 
   Skin Allergies Can Make Your Dog Miserable

   Look for signs of an underlying allergy. Check the skin for spots, reddness or inflamation. A special diet may also reduce skin irritation due to allergies.

Tips & Warnings

• Inspect and clean your dog's ears regularly (and gently) to catch the early signs of infection.
• Always consult a qualified vet before administering any meds to your dog.