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Many dog owners have learned to recognize the telltale signs of an ear infection: whining, scratching, and head shaking are often the first symptoms of the problem.Ear infections are common conditions in dogs, especially those with floppy ears such as聽Basset Hounds听补苍诲听Cocker Spaniels. An estimated 20 percent of dogs have some form of ear disease, which may affect one or both ears. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce the length and severity of these episodes for your dog. There are to help prevent issues from reoccurring.
There are three types of ear infections, known formally as otitis externa, media, and interna. The most common is聽, in which inflammation affects the layer of cells lining the external portion of the ear canal.聽聽refer to infections of the middle and inner ear canal, respectively. These infections often result from the spread of infection from the external ear. Otitis media and interna can be very serious and may result in deafness, facial paralysis, and vestibular signs. That鈥檚 why it鈥檚 important to prevent infections and seek early treatment when problems arise.
Symptoms of Dog Ear Infections
Some dogs show no symptoms of ear infection aside from a buildup of wax and discharge in the ear canal. But ear infections often cause significant discomfort and affected dogs may show signs such as:
What Causes Ear Infections in Dogs?
The canine ear canal is more vertical than that of a human, forming an L-shape that tends to hold in fluid. This makes dogs more prone to ear infections. Ear infections are typically caused by bacteria, yeast, or a combination of both. In puppies, ear mites can also be a source of infection.
Factors that may predispose your dog to ear infections include:
Precise Diagnosis Needed for a Dog鈥檚 Ear Infections
If your dog is showing any of the common signs of ear infections, it鈥檚 important to consult with your veterinarian as soon as possible. Quick treatment is necessary not only for your dog鈥檚 comfort (these conditions can be painful!), but also to prevent the spread of infection to the middle and inner ear. Don鈥檛 try to treat ear infections at home.
Be prepared to provide your vet with a thorough history of the problem. This is especially important for first-time infections, or if you are seeing a new veterinarian. Your vet will want to know the following:
After obtaining your dog鈥檚 history, your veterinarian will perform a physical examination. In severe cases, your vet may also recommend sedating your dog to facilitate examination deep within the ear canal. Your vet will evaluate both ears, and the exam may include:
How are Dog Ear Infections Treated?
Your veterinarian will thoroughly clean your dog鈥檚 ears using a . Your vet may also prescribe your for you to use at home. In severe cases of dog ear infections, your vet may prescribe oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications.
Most uncomplicated ear infections resolve within 1鈥�2 weeks, once appropriate treatment begins. But severe infections or those due to underlying conditions may take months to resolve, or may become chronic problems. In cases of severe chronic disease where other treatments have failed, your veterinarian may recommend surgery such as a Total Ear Canal Ablation (TECA). A TECA surgery removes the ear canal, thus removing the diseased tissue and preventing the recurrence of infection.
It is important to follow your veterinarian鈥檚 instructions closely and return to the veterinary hospital for any recommended recheck appointments. Lapses in your dog鈥檚 treatment may lead to the recurrence of the infection. It is especially important that you finish the full course of your dog鈥檚 medication, even if your dog appears to be getting better. Failure to finish the full course of treatment may lead to additional problems such as resistant infections.
Can You Prevent Ear Infections in Dogs?
As with most diseases, prevention is always best. Excess moisture is a common cause of ear infections, so be sure to thoroughly dry your dog鈥檚 ears after swimming and bathing. Ask your veterinarian if a would be a good option for helping keep your dog鈥檚 ears dry. If your dog is prone to chronic or recurrent ear infections, identifying and managing any underlying causes such as allergies can also help prevent new infections from occurring.
Cleaning your dog鈥檚 ears at home can also help prevent ear infections.聽Jeff Grognet, DVM, a columnist for聽AKC Family Dog, advises the following steps for ear cleaning: 鈥淔irst, fill the canal with a and massage the vertical ear canal from the outside. Wipe out the canal with absorbent gauze. Don鈥檛 use paper towels or cotton because these may leave fibers behind, and those could cause irritation.鈥� Cotton swabs may also be useful for cleaning your dog鈥檚 pinnae (the external ear flaps) but avoid using them in the ear canal, which may inadvertently push debris deeper into the canal. You can also find that are helpful for clearing away dirt and debris from the external ear flaps.
Ear infections are a common and often recurrent problem in many dogs, but, with your veterinarian鈥檚 help, you can keep your dog鈥檚 ears clean and comfortable. If your dog is showing signs of an ear infection, always talk to your vet and seek treatment right away to ensure the problem does not become serious.