Health
Canine ear infection: What is it and how is it treated?
Can you recognise the symptoms of ear infection in your dog? Find out by reading this article.
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Does my dog have an ear infection?
If your dog shakes his head or rubs his ears on the ground, or simply appears irritable and unhappy, a common condition called otitis externa may be to blame. Otitis externa is an inflammation of the ear that can be quite painful for your four-legged friend.
HOW DID MY DOG DEVELOP AN EAR INFECTION?
Anatomically, some dogs are more predisposed to developing this type of problem, especially certain breeds. Dogs’ ear canals are L-shaped, which makes it difficult for secretions to escape. Otitis externa affects the external auditory canal, but it can develop into otitis externa , which is inflammation of the middle ear. When this happens, fluid accumulates behind the eardrum, causing pressure and pain. Breeds such as Cocker Spaniels and German Shepherds are particularly prone to developing otitis externa, as are Shar-Peis, which have small ear canals, and Basset Hounds, which have long ears.
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON CAUSES OF EAR ILLNESS?
In puppies, Otitis externa is often caused by ear mites. These tiny parasites are extremely common and cause excruciating itching, often accompanied by a thick brown discharge.
In adult dogs, however, ear infections are caused by various factors, most often allergic or hypersensitive to environmental or, more commonly, food allergens. This occurs in nearly 90% of cases. A rash often appears somewhere on the body at the same time the dog’s ears are affected.
Ear infections can also be caused by foreign bodies, especially those of plant origin, such as grass seeds, which have somehow penetrated the dog’s ear canal, causing inflammation and the possible accumulation of secretions, especially pus, which worsen the situation.
There are other possible causes of ear infections in dogs. These include:
- Improper ear cleaning (e.g., use of inappropriate tools)
- Frequent bathing
- Insect bites
- Hormonal problems
- Underlying skin disorders
- Environmental or food allergies
HOW CAN I TELL IF MY DOG HAS AN EAR INFECTION?
Your dog can’t tell you what’s bothering him. It’s up to you to carefully observe any signs of ear infection. These may include:
- Constant shaking or tilting of the head
- Rubbing your head and ears on the ground (to soothe the itching!)
- Frequent scratching of the head or ears with the paw
- Redness of the auricles
- Bad smell in the ears
- Possible presence of discharge from the ears
- Aggressive behavior, especially if they are touched on the head
If your dog has an ear infection due to an allergy, other parts of the body are likely to be inflamed or itchy, or have a rash. These rashes are most commonly found on the paws, inside the legs, or on the dog’s face.
When the cause of ear infection is a foreign body, symptoms begin quite suddenly. You may see your four-legged friend shaking his head violently, as if trying to free himself from something lodged in his ear. Furthermore, usually only one ear is affected.
Parasitic infections, on the other hand, are usually chronic. They develop slowly, and symptoms increase over time. And some ear infections, such as bacterial or yeast infections, are associated with a distinctive odor.
EARLY TREATMENT IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE
If you suspect your dog is suffering from ear infection, regardless of the type or cause, it’s advisable to consult your veterinarian immediately. If an acute infection persists for a long period of time, it can become chronic. This can severely impact the glands in the ear canal, predisposing the dog to a secondary infection or persistent hearing problems.
HOW IS EAR INFECTION TREATED?
Effective treatment for otitis externa aims to both relieve the inflammation that causes your dog’s discomfort and eliminate the underlying cause. Your veterinarian will also consider any predisposing factors. Most dogs, regardless of the specific cause of their otitis externa, are treated with anti-inflammatory therapy to reduce pain and itching.
Your veterinarian may perform an allergy test to identify the trigger for the ear infection and, if an infection is suspected, may perform a swab test to confirm it. Your veterinarian will prescribe appropriate treatments based on the results of the tests, whether allergy medications or antibiotics for the infection.
If a foreign body is present in the ear canal, the veterinarian will gently remove it and treat the ear infection as necessary.
Cleaning the ears before any type of evaluation or topical therapy is usually essential, and your veterinarian will most likely perform a thorough cleaning. Furthermore, cleaning the ears will also help remove any crusting or biofilm that could be covering bacterial colonies and preventing effective treatment.
Following treatment for otitis externa, a follow-up veterinary visit is often necessary. This is important to determine whether the treatment has been effective and to verify that the primary cause of the infection is no longer present.
HOW CAN I PREVENT EAR INFLAMMATION IN MY DOG?
The best prevention for ear infections is early diagnosis. Regular veterinary checkups, including an ear canal examination, can help detect mild and early cases of ear infections. While there are few clinically effective preventative measures, there are some things you can do to reduce the likelihood of your dog getting sick. These include:
- Avoid getting water into the ear canal while bathing.
- If your dog has thick, dense hair inside his ears, have them trimmed periodically by your vet or groomer.
- If your dog is prone to ear infections, discuss with your veterinarian whether further testing is needed to determine the underlying cause.
- Be sure to take your dog to the veterinarian for all follow-up appointments and follow any instructions regarding medications and topical applications.
If your dog has ear inflammation, it’s extremely important to do everything possible to prevent further complications. Problems such as chronic ear infections, hearing loss, otitis externa, and ear diseases can potentially be avoided by observing the animal’s signs and following the veterinarian’s instructions.
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