Does My Dog Have An Ear Infection?
Some dog breeds are more prone to ear infections, but they're quite common among all dogs.
To determine if your dog has an ear infection, it is important to know how they can happen, and how to spot the signs of an infection.
Reasons and Prevention of Ear Infections
Bacteria, yeast, and fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, which makes breeds with long, floppy ears more susceptible to ear infections. Breeds like Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, Chinese Shar Peis, and Labradoodles are particularly prone to these issues. Their long ears can trap moisture, creating the perfect breeding ground for infections. However, any breed can develop an ear infection.
Preventing ear infections, especially in dogs with a history of them, is straightforward: regular ear cleaning with a solution like this one. You can gently apply a bit of cleanser into your dog's ear and throughout massage the area. This helps to soften any wax, and prevents the buildup of bacteria and yeast.
If left untreated, an ear infection can lead to severe pain, fever, loss of appetite, hearing damage, and even loss of balance for your furry friend. So, it's best to start treatment as soon as possible..
Signs of an Ear Infection
Not sure if your dog is dealing with an ear infection? Look out for several visible skin signs and changes in behavior that could indicate trouble. Here are some clues that your dog might be struggling with an itch they can't scratch.
Skin Signs
Discharge coming from one or both ears
Crusty or scabby skin that flakes off
Odor coming from your dogs’ ears
Sensitive or inflamed skin
Behavior Changes
Head shaking or shaking off entire body
Using paws to scratch ears and might even lick their paws afterwards
Your dog might lean into you, when you start scratching their ears
Signs of pain and fever
Loss of appetite
Disorientation or loss of balance
Watch out for signs of mites as well. Some symptoms might overlap if your dogs’ ears are infested with mites. Find out more about mites here.
Are There Any OTC/Home Remedies I Can Use?
Bad news: Ear infections won’t clear up by itself in most cases. Good news: There are plenty of Over-The-Counter remedies you can get. Not every ear infection might be reason to go and spend hundreds of dollars at your vet. If the infection is mild, you might get away with these medications. I linked some products for your convenience.
Zymox developed an enzymatic treatment for ear infections. The enzymatic is bit more gentle on the skin compared to the antiseptic solution from Oticbliss.
If you prefer wipes over liquid solution, this might be for you. The result is the same, but some might prefer the wipes over the solution.
If your dog’s ear infection doesn’t improve after three days or worsens after application, it is important to visit your veterinary. They can prescribe stronger medications tailored specifically to your dog's needs.
I hope your furry friend feels better soon!
Giggles and Wiggles,
Sarah
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