What Are The Causes And Treatments For Ear Infections In Dogs?

Otitis in dogs

Around 20% of dogs experience ear infections in their lifetime; it’s an extremely painful condition for dogs.

Dogs of all ages, breeds, sexes, and sizes can get ear infections. But when predisposing factors are present, some dog breeds are more likely to get ear infections.

In this blog post, we cover every aspect of dog ear infection: symptoms, types, causes, prevention, and treatment.

Stay reading to learn the best steps on how to clean the ears of your dog.

Dogs that are more likely to suffer from ear infections

Dogs with floppy ears

Dogs with hairy ears

Dogs that go for swimming

Dogs in artillery workplaces

Dogs kept in unhygienic places

Dogs that participate in dog fight shows or competitions

Inbred dogs

Those fed on an unbalanced diet

What are the different types of ear infections in dogs?

There are three types, depending on the location or part of the ear affected.

Otitis externa: outer ear parts are affected.

Otitis media: The middle parts of the ear are affected.

Otitis interna: internal parts of the ear are affected.

How do I know if my dog has an ear infection?

Signs of ear infections in dogs.

The signs shown by a dog with infected ears vary based on the primary cause, the severity of the condition, and associated predisposing factors. These include;

Abnormal discharge from the ear canal, e.g., pus, black fluids, blood, etc.

Constant scratching of the ear

Swollen ear

Foul odor

Reddening of the infected ear parts

Painful on touch

Head tilting

Moving in circles

Scabs in or on the ear

Staggering movement

Constant head shaking

The tissues surrounding the ear canal swell, which narrows the canal.

Isolation

screaming and crying due to the pain.

The ear is hot to the touch.

Loss of hearing

Causes of ear infections in dogs

Bacterial infection commonly isolated bacteria are Staphylococcus spp.

Fungal infection

Traumatic injuries

Parasitic infestations (mites)

Poor ear-cleaning techniques

Ear cancers

Presence of foreign material (S), e.g., grass awn

Paying in sand or a dusty place

Growth of excessive hair in the ear canal that traps dirt, bacteria, and wax.

Genetic disorders

Hormonal imbalances

Autoimmune diseases

Side effects from some of the medications taken by dogs, e.g., aminoglycosides

Nutritional imbalances

Excessive wind blowing into dogs’ ears ( commonly seen in dogs that move with their parents in cars, they put their heads outside the car through the windows.

How to clean a dog’s ears, step by step

Steps for cleaning dog’s ears the right way. These include:

The equipment needed are; a clean white cloth, lukewarm water, a mild antiseptic solution, cotton, a muzzle, a pair of scissors, and shaving powder.

Put a muzzle on the dog to avoid injuries; they tend to bite when a painful part of the infected ear is touched.

Properly restrain the dog in the most comfortable position for both the dog and the operator.

Remove the dirt and hair in the ear canal using a pair of scissors or shaving powder. (Apply shaving powder and gently pull out the hair in the ear canal.

Soak cotton in lukewarm water and wipe out all the debris in and around the ear.

Soak a clean white towel in mild disinfectant and gently clean around, behind, and in the ear canal. (For the ear canal, smoothly screw a small piece of towel into the canal; if it finds resistance, please stop screwing.) (Repeat the process until the towel comes out clean.).

Do not pour water or disinfectant into the ear canal. (in case of retention, it acts as a source of infection when mixed with debris.

How can I treat the infected ear(s) of my dog?

First, find the primary cause of the infection you are going to treat to come up with the best treatment plan. The commonly prescribed drugs or management practices include:

Eye drops

Antibiotics

Antifungals

Antiparasitic drugs, mostly those that kill mites

Antiinflammatory drugs

Ear flushing

For chronic, cancer, foreign material, and surgical-related cases, visit a veterinary doctor for management and guidance}

NB: Routinely monitor the state of your dog’s ears to avoid the buildup of debris and enable early diagnosis for any starting abnormality. Remember, for ear infections, if caught early, recovery is spontaneous.