Dogs routinely get all kinds of minor health problems that require a simple treatment or simple time to heal. One of the most common ailments that tend to plague dogs is an ear infection. A dog’s ear can be infected for a wide variety of reasons, but luckily most of these infections require simple treatments to effectively end the infection. Continue reading to learn how to treat dog ear infections.
What is an ear infection?
An ear infection can be any number of health problems that leave a dog’s ear full of bacteria, yeast, or another organism type that leads to inflammation and pain. When this buildup of viral or bacterial matter increases, it begins to trap fluid in the ear, causing the eardrum to be pressed against, which usually culminates in the pain that most people feel.
How are they caused?
It might seem interesting that dogs get ear infections so often. This is due to the fact that canines have an ear canal that has a shape that leads to fluid getting trapped in the dog’s ear much more often than a human. When this buildup of fluid occurs, it leads to more bacteria and viruses growing to create the aforementioned blockage and pain. There are some unique risk factors that can make your dog much more likely to have ear infections, including allergies, autoimmune diseases, injury to the ear canal itself, and being around moisture for a period of time. Puppies can even get ear infections from ear mites as well.
Are ear infections serious?
While an ear infection might not seem like more than mild discomfort, it can actually lead to some pretty serious problems. Most ear infections start in the exterior ear canal, which usually causes mild discomfort and pain. If the external infection begins to spread inward, this can lead to an infection of the interior part of the ear canal, which can cause serious health problems. In some cases, deafness and paralysis of the face can even occur. This is why it is so important to have a vet, such as buenavet, check your dog’s ear infection out as soon as possible.
What are the symptoms of ear infections in dogs?
It can be difficult to tell if your dog has an ear infection sometimes, as they may be showing no outward signs of the problem. However, in many cases, the following symptoms may be present: discharge from the ear canal, head shaking and scratching, scabs or cuts in the ear (likely from scratching), swelling or inflammation of the ear canal, a foul odor, and pain. If you see any of these signs, there is a good chance that your dog has an ear infection or an ear-related health problem.
How can an ear infection be treated?
It is very important to know that a dog’s ear infection can lead to very significant problems if the infection is not taken care of as soon as possible. There are many who believe that they can attempt a DIY treatment of their dog’s ear infection. While it may occasionally work, there are some serious consequences if the treatment does not work. If that infection spreads to the interior ear canal, it can lead to deafness and paralysis of the face in certain cases. If you notice any symptoms that seem like they could indicate an ear infection, you should take your dog to the vet as soon as you can.
Which vet should I take my dog to?
Deciding which vet to take your dog to can be a dizzying decision you have to make, as there are so many veterinary options available. If you already have a vet office you take your dog to and you feel that they do quality work, you should take your dog there as soon as possible. If you do not have a vet you take your dog to regularly, try a simple search, such as “local vets near me”, or something similar. This can be a great starting point before you narrow it down further based on location, price, and other factors.
What will the vet do for my dog?
Once you get your dog to the vet, they will make a thorough examination of your dog’s ear. They will be looking for things like discharge, swelling, redness, and other signs of infection. They may begin putting pressure on the infected area to see if your dog feels the pain. They may even have to swab the ear and check it under a microscope for infection. Once this is done, the vet will clean your dog’s ear out with a medicated cleansing rinse. The vet may give you certain medicines or rinses that you may have to apply at home as well. Your dog should be well in no time!