Recognizing And Treating Dog Ear Infections

Just like humans, dogs also get ear infections, a condition known as Otitis.  There are a number of different reasons why dogs get ear infections and certain gun dog breeds are more prone to ear infections than others.  Labrador Retrievers and Springer Spaniels are two breeds of gun dogs that often develop this condition.  This is because these dogs usually have a lot more hair in and around their ear canal that can promote the growth of yeast or bacteria that may result in an infection.  In addition, Retrievers can pick up ear infections by coming into contact with bacteria found in water.  Any dog, however, can develop ear infections which is why you need to know the symptoms of ear infections in dogs and how this condition is treated. 

 

Symptoms of Dog Ear Infections

 

Ear infections are painful for your dog and can, in some severe cases, lead to deafness.  Some of the symptoms that you should look for are both clinical as well as behavioral.  Signs and symptoms of dog ear infections include:

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  Discharge from the ears that may be yellow or green in color and foul smelling
  
  


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  Excessive scratching their ears or pawing at them
  
  


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  Shaking their heads excessively
  
  

The above are early signs of a dog ear infection.  If untreated, the infection will usually move from the outer ear to the inner ear.  Signs and symptoms of inner ear infections in your dog include:

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  Disorientation
  
  


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  Falling or uneasy gait
  
  


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  Decreased ability to hear
  
  


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  Unusual eye movements
  
  

It is important that you take your dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible if you suspect that he is suffering from ear infections as this is not only uncomfortable for your dog, but can be more difficult to treat as the infection progresses. 

 

How Dog Ear Infections Are Diagnosed

 

The vet will examine the ears of your dog with a special scope to see the infection.  Often, the vet will have a scope with a camera end that can reflect what is inside the ear on a computerized screen.  The inside of the ear will be very red and may have puss present.  Your vet will want to rule out the presence of ear mites in the examination.  In most cases, the clinical presentation will be enough for your vet to make a diagnosis and advise proper treatment. 

 

Treating Dog Ear Infections

 

In most case, the vet will prescribe medication, usually ear drops, that are placed in his ears and then the ears massaged.  Your vet will most likely clean out his ears at the office and then give you drops to use at home.  In some cases, the vet will need to flush the ears out, which usually requires the dog to be sedated.  In most cases, the condition will clear up quickly with this treatment. 

 

If your dog continues to suffer from repeated ear infections, your vet might want to do a blood test to see if there are any underlying causes, such as parasites.  In most cases, however, the condition will be cleared up quickly, however the sooner you act, the better for your dog. 

 

There are many homeopathic remedies on the market today that are used to treat dog ear infections, however, it is not recommended that you try to treat your dog for this condition in this manner as some ear infections that are caused by parasites or bacteria require medical care.  You can help prevent dog ear infections by using an ear wash that is recommended by your vet and keeping his ears clean. 

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