03/25/2024
7 SIGNS YOUR DOG HAS EAR INFECTION
These most common infections that affect our furry family members. Hairy dog’s ears can be the perfect breeding ground for the bacteria, viruses, and yeast that cause ear infections.
Basset Hounds, Labradoodles, Beagles, Shar-Pei, and Cockapoos—are at higher risk for ear infections, any dog can get an ear infection. Infections rarely clear up on their own, so an ear infection usually means a trip to the vet and a prescription for medication to clear it up. Untreated ear infections can become clogged with pus or blood, cause a fever, and even cause your dog to stop eating and get sick.
The most common type of ear infection is known as otitis externa, meaning an infection of the outer ear. Ear infections of the outer ear can be sudden (acute) or chronic (meaning the infection can last a long time—three months or longer—or come back repeatedly after treatment). They can occur in one or both ears.
Dogs with ear infections may have any of the following seven symptoms:
1. Red and inflamed skin around the ear
2. Pawing or itching at the ears
3. A ye**ty odor coming from the ears
4. Pain
5. Head shaking
6. Discharge from the ear
7. Crusty skin or scabs
Ear infections happen when conditions inside the ear are ripe for the overgrowth of microorganisms that are commonly present on the ear and fur, including bacteria, fungi, and yeast. The risk of infection increases when foreign material like grass or dirt gets into the ear, if your dog has ear mites, when moisture becomes trapped in the ear from bathing or swimming, or in dogs with environmental allergies.
If you see your dog showing signs of an ear infection, it’s a good idea to begin treatment as soon as possible. Your vet can help you diagnose the infection by testing the debris with cytology or a culture. A CT scan may be needed for more serious infections.
Common treatments include topical antibiotics, oral antibiotics, antifungals, and steroid medications. If you’re prescribed antibiotics, it’s especially important to give your dog the full course of medication, even if the symptoms resolve. Quitting early can lead to antibiotic resistance and an increased risk of recurrent ear infections.
Ear cleaning solutions are also frequently prescribed to help reduce symptoms and keep your dog’s ears clear.