Ear Infection

How to check for ear infection in dogs, causes and the best remedies

To a pet owner, a dog scratching its ears is a common thing. However, when there are clear indications of irritation, ear rubbing or scratching in dogs can indicate something far more severe. The most common symptom for ear infection in dogs is a bad smell accompanied by swelling or redness. 

If your dog shows any of the signs above, take it to the vet immediately. Your pet might also have an ear infection and display little or none of the signs mentioned above. As such, we advice all pet owners to have their vet check their dog for ear infection every time they visit the clinic. Here is a list of all the symptoms associated with ear infection in dogs. 

Symptoms of ear infection in dogs

• Bad Odor
• Head Shaking
• ItchinessRedness
• Swelling 
• Smelly discharge
• Whining while pawing the infected ear

Causes of ear infection in dogs

Dogs have a different structure when it comes to their ear canal as opposed to humans. Theirs is L-shaped enabling fluid retention, which opens avenues for ear infection in dogs. Other common causes include viruses, moisture, fungus, yeast, mites, bacteria, allergies, drug reactions, autoimmune diseases, thyroid disorders, wax buildup, and endocrine disorders. Foreign bodies, meningitis, excessive cleaning, and injury can also cause ear infection in dogs. 

How to treat ear infection in dogs

Ear infections can strike at any given moment and are very painful. Unfortunately, there are no remedies for treating ear infections in dogs at home seeing the severity of the condition requires expert analysis. As such, if your dog displays any of the symptoms mentioned above, visit the veterinarian immediately. Be sure to give them all information regarding the infection such as when the symptoms popped up as well as your dog’s history with ear infection. 

Ear infections can strike at any moment, even late at night so pay attention to your dog’s whining and ear scratching. Most of the times, the dog is in severe pain and requires immediate medical attention. 

Can ear infections be prevented?

You can minimize the chances of your dog catching an ear infection by ensuring that their ears are cleaned and dried properly. You can use cotton balls to dry their ears after bathing or swimming. Vets can also help with cleaning your dog’s ear canal, which is more complicated compared to cleaning the dog’s ear flaps. 

Conclusion 

Ear infection in dogs can turn into a serious medical condition very fast if you do not pay attention to your dog. The symptoms above are enough to help you get an idea of what might be bothering your dog. Seeing prevention is better than cure, always ensure your dog’s ears are properly dried up and remember to get your canine friend checked for ear infection every time you visit the vet. 

Sources 

http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-surgery-a-z/ear-infections-dogs-and-total-ear-canal-ablation-teca