How to Treat Any Dog's Ear Infection

Dogs with floppy ears tend to get more infections.

Your dog's ear infection can arise due to the presence of yeast, bacteria, parasites, or allergies, which in turn comes from his food. There are several ways to treat a dog's ear infection. Be sure to visit your veterinarian as your dog may need an injection, antibiotics or a topical ear medication.

Instructions

1. Identify the cause of your dog's ear infection. Lift the ear that your dog has been scratching or shaking consistently. Note what the inside of the ear looks and smells like. A yeast infection will manifest itself by causing the outer and inner ear to be very red and tender to the touch.It will have a heavy, foul smell and may have a thick, black substance. Depending on whether the problem is yeast, bacterial or mites, you will have to make sure you use the right treatment.

2. Clean the ear with Q-tips and cotton balls moistened with warm water. Gently clean out any visible debris inside his ear. Do not go deep inside, the flush will take care of any debris further down into the canal.

3. Flush the ear with a medicated ear flush. Insert the nozzle into the dog's ear and squeeze firmly until brown water runs out of the ear. The dog will shake his head, allowing the flush to reach deep inside his ear. Repeat by firmly flushing the dog's ear several times until the water runs free. You can put lots of towels on the bathroom floor to catch the discharge, or put your dog in the tub. You can also do this outdoors.

4. Feed your dog yogurt if you learn that the problem is indeed yeast. The probiotics will help control the yeast. Furthermore, you will need to change his diet and switch him to a hypo-allergenic dog food. Ask your veterinarian about these specialized foods or try a food made with fish and potatoes, a successful diet for many dogs with allergies.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful when cleaning a canine ear with Q-tips to treat a dog's ear infection. You may make the situation worse by pushing down debris. Consult a veternarian if you do not feel confident performing the task.

• Consult a vet if the situation becomes worse or remains the same for your dog's ear infection after a week or treatment.

References

• Animal Pet Doctor: Treating Ear Infections

Resources

• Ear Infection in Dogs: Home