Canine Ear Infections
Friday, May 14th, 2010Anyone who’s suffered from an inner ear infection knows just how painful it can be, but people can vocalize their discomfort and see a doctor for treatment, sadly this isn’t the case for dogs. A dog can suffer from an ear infection for a long time in silent agony unless his owner notices something is wrong. This makes it crucial for dog owners to pay attention to their dogs to notice if anything is wrong.
Inner or middle ear infections can develop into life threatening conditions if left untreated. Many ear infections go unnoticed by pet owners and this can result in serious complications in the pet. It is vital to keep on top of your dog’s health to ensure early detection and treatment of any issues that may be developing in your pet.
A dog that is constantly shaking his head is constantly scratching at his ears may be suffering from an ear infection. Some dogs may hold their heads in a tilted position. Some ear infections cause swelling and inflammation of the head while others will produce discharge in the ears. A bad odor coming from the ears is a sure sign that something is wrong with your dog’s ears. If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms you should never delay in taking him to the vet.
Most middle and inner ear infections are caused by an irritant or infection that started on the exterior of the ear and progressed deeper. This makes it very important that you deal with any problems on the outer ear as quickly as possible. Infections can be caused by poor hygiene, ear mites and dirty living conditions. Unlike humans, ear infections in dogs are usually not of a bacterial nature.
Floppy eared dogs are particularly vulnerable to ear infections. Dogs such as cocker spaniels and bloodhounds should be regularly groomed and have their ears checked for any sign of infection. Floppy eared dogs should also have the hairs in their ears clipped to reduce the risk of infection or dirt getting trapped inside the ear.
If you suspect your dog has an ear infection you should take him to the vet immediately. Your vet will perform an otoscopic examination of the dog to determine if there is a problem and may even take an x ray. In some cases, sedation may be required so the vet can thoroughly examine the ear and perform a cleansing flush.
Treatment usually involves the application of an antibiotic or anti-fungal cream or drops. Oral antibiotics may also be prescribed at the discretion of the vet. If ear mites are the culprit, your vet will provide you with medication to get rid of the mites. Pain relieving drops may also be prescribed to make your pet feel more comfortable. Your vet will also advise you to clean your dog’s ears before applying any medication as this is very important.
Neglecting to address ear infections can result in serious health issues and an untreated ear problem may eventually require costly surgery. Keep your pet clean, monitor his ears for any sign that something is wrong and consult with your vet at the first sign of a problem. Grooming your dog regularly and keeping his ears clean and dry should go a long way in preventing ear infections.
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