You know your pooch better than anyone else, but when it comes to signs of an ear infection in dogs, they can be masters in disguise. Fortunately, modern veterinary medicine has come a long way to help identify the signs and treatments for painful ear infections.
The pain of an ear infection in dogs is consistently one of the top ten reasons pet parents seek veterinary intervention. Considering the number of American households that share life with a pet topples 86.9 million, ear infections are a significant expense.
When Ben Franklin wrote, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” he could easily apply those words to ear issues.
As a fellow pet parent, I know how confusing it can be to find the right ear infection products for dogs. A simple Google search on the topic produces nearly 39 million results! No one has the time to sift through it all, trying to find a product to do its job without harmful side effects.
Here are the signs of an ear infection in dogs and how to safely help your dog feel better. Always talk to your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has an ear infection.
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What Causes An Ear Infection in Dogs
Like people, dogs are affected by ear infections for various reasons. By figuring out why your dog gets ear infections, the goal is to lessen their likelihood or eliminate them.
Diet: Dogs are what they eat. Food allergies often manifest as itchy skin and ears and, ultimately, ear infections. If your dog has chronic yeast infections, he may have a food intolerance. If the pH balance of the ear changes, yeast can grow.
Genetics: Certain breeds are prone to ear infections, which means genetics are the cause. Any breed or mixed mutt can get an ear infection, but Basset Hounds, Golden Retrievers, Beagles, Labradoodles, and Cocker Spaniels are some of the five most affected breeds.
Narrow Ear Canals: Unlike humans, dogs have an L-shaped ear canal. Often called stenotic ear canals, some dog ears are not wide enough for proper air circulation.
Not Keeping the Ears Clean: There’s a delicate balance between cleaning and over cleaning your dog’s ears. Always discuss the frequency of cleaning with your veterinarian.
Dr. Lindsay Butzer cleans her Poodle’s ears monthly and has an established routine with her dog.
“Always examine their ears first for an infection,” Dr. Butzer shares.
Foreign Objects: Dogs frequently expose their snouts and come into contact with various things, such as leaves, grass, bugs, and foxtails, depending on their location. A foreign object can cause extreme discomfort and an ear infection if left unattended.
Ear Mites: They are as gross as they sound, and these tiny parasites live inside your dog’s ear canals. They survive on earwax and oils, causing extreme irritation and pain.
Bacterial Overgrowth: Whether caused by an underlying medical condition or poor hygiene, bacteria commonly cause ear infections in dogs.
Moisture: If your dog likes to swim, he may develop moisture in the ear canal, which is the perfect breeding ground for ear infections. Water inside the ears or inadequate drying after bathing can cause infections.
Certain cancers and autoimmune diseases may contribute to ear infections in dogs.
Types of Ear Infections In Dogs
Like people, no two dogs are alike, and the same holds for their ear infections. A Cocker Spaniel might get a yeasty ear infection, while a Pit Bull may get a bacterial infection. It’s always a good idea for your veterinarian to diagnose the type of ear infection.
The word ‘otitis’ is the medical term for an inflammation or infection of the ear. If your veterinarian diagnoses your dog with an ear infection, it will be one of the following types:
Otitis externa: Inflammation of the outer ear canal
Otitis media: Inflammation of the middle ear
Otitis interna: Inflammation of the inner ear
Most ear infections are otitis externa because that is the part of the ear most exposed to the environment and external causes.
Treatment and Signs of an Ear Infection in Dogs
Your dog may exhibit typical signs of an ear infection, including:
- Head scratching or shaking
- Pan
- Rubbing his head on the floor or furniture
- A smelly odor coming from the ears
- Discharge or crusty ear canals
- Debris on the outer ear canals
Your veterinarian can take a culture to determine the cause of infection and put your dog on the right track to healthy ears. Pet parents should only assume their pet has an ear infection and begin treatment after consulting a veterinarian.
My Cocker Spaniel, Dexter, was admitted to the emergency hospital pre-pandemic for zero platelets. He was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, from which he recovered. On discharge, his internal medicine veterinarian indicated he had otitis externa, an external ear infection.
He recommended Zymox ear cleanser for maintenance after a course of Zymox PLUS Otic Enzymatic Solution with 0.5% Hydrocortisone. He advised me this product would take care of Dexter’s ear infection gently and not interfere with his treatment for IMT.
I am happy to report the ear infection cleared up, and my Cockers get their ears cleaned regularly with Zymox.
Your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and advise you what to use and how to treat your dog’s ears at home. Always talk to your pet’s veterinarian before applying any products because they can further damage a ruptured eardrum.
The Importance of Regular Ear Cleaning In Dogs
Regular ear cleaning is a vital practice you can’t afford to ignore. As a Cocker Spaniel mom of 30+ years, keeping ear canals clean help prevent ear infections common to the breed.
A proper cleaning technique is essential, as Dr. Butzer highlights below. You should never:
- Use cotton swabs in your dog’s ear so as not to injure the eardrum
- Use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide in the ears
- Overmedicate or over-clean the ears
- Use an expired or old product
- Ignore the veterinarian’s instructions and treatment plan
- Use a medication or cleanser designed for humans on pets
Praise your dog before, during, and after the cleaning and medication process. You want the experience to be positive, so be sure to follow the routine with a treat, tummy rub, or play session.
FAQs
Yes, dogs with long, floppy ears, like Basset Hounds and Cocker Spaniels, can develop more ear problems. Dogs who swim a lot or live in humid environments are overrepresented in the ear infection category.
Yes, untreated ear infections or those that do not go away can cause irreversible damage, such as balance and coordination issues, severe pain, deafness, and permanent facial paralysis.
Yes, dogs and cats at any age can develop an ear infection.