How to Treat Ear Infections in a Dog

Many dogs, especially the allergy-prone, can develop ear infections or yeast infections rather easily. These infections are often caused by moisture that gathers in the ear canal and begins to grow bacteria.it is important to care for your dog's ears when they get an infection. In this article, I will explain how to identify an ear infection and how to treat it.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ear cleaning solution
• Ear antibiotic cream
• Paper towels

Treating Ear Infections in Dogs

1. Identify if your dog has an ear infection. Quite often, an ear infection will be indicated early on by your dog shaking her head and scratching at her ears. Infections will often produce an odor, as well. Finally, yeast infections will usually produce a dark, reddish-brown secretion which you will see if you wipe the inside of your dog's ears with a paper towel or swab.

2. Purchase ear solution such as Epi-Otic from your vet or a local pet store. Squirt the solution in your dogs ears and massage your dogs ears gently. This will help work the solution into the ear canal.

3. Allow your dog to shake excess liquid from her ears. Then, use a paper towel to gently wipe the excess solution from the dog's ears. Try to get the ears as dry as possible, but don't worry if you can't get it all as the ear solutions usually have evaporative qualities.

4. Repeat the above steps two times a day for up to a week and then continue to do so weekly.

5. Contact your vet immediately if the infection seems to get worse or if your dog seems to be in pain. They may prescribe an antibiotic ointment for you to place in your dogs ears after you have cleaned them.

Tips & Warnings

• Using soft paper towels or cloths is easier on the delicate skin in your dog's ears.
• Don't ignore pain in your dog. If your pet is hurting, do not try to treat the infection yourself. Get your dog to the vet.