Canine Ear Infection 101
The best way to treat a canine ear infection is by catching it early. Knowing the early symptoms can help you recognize the problem and seek treatment before it develops into something serious. Owners of dog breeds especially prone to infections should be particularly diligent in their inspections.
Infections are divided into outer, middle and inner ear infections. Outer ear infections are usually easy to visually spot. These are also the easiest to treat. A weekly inspection of the dog's ears will be the only thing required to find such problems.
Middle and inner ear infections are both more difficult to spot and more serious. Often the dog will scratch the ear or rub the ear on the ground to seek relief. Sometimes you will notice a discharge coming from the ear. Any time you dog is acting strange and irritated, a good suspect is an ear infection. These types require a trip to the vet to acquire medication. Things such as bacteria, parasites and even allergies can be the cause.
Many types of infections can be prevented by simple hygiene. In the beginning, your dog will not be cooperative, but most dogs learn to eventually tolerate the cleanings quite well. You can obtain a gentle cleaning solution from a vet or a pet store. Apply it to a clean cloth and gently apply it to the inside of the ear. Dirt and wax will loosen and can be removed.
Cleaning your dog's ears does not need to be performed too often. Once a month will usually suffice. If you have certain breeds of dogs, especially those with floppy ears, you may need to clean more often since lack of air flow to the inside of the ear can facilitate infections. Proper grooming can help with this by preventing ingrown hairs from the ears.
If you can't make it to the vet and you suspect your dog has an ear infection, a temporary home solution can help. Both vitamin E and Cod Liver oil can reduce the pain a nd severity of infections. Simply place a few drops in your dog's ear each day. Also, white vinegar can be used to clean the ears.
Don't ignore the signs of ear infections. Left untreated they can turn into something serious and cause your dog unnecessary pain.
Infections are divided into outer, middle and inner ear infections. Outer ear infections are usually easy to visually spot. These are also the easiest to treat. A weekly inspection of the dog's ears will be the only thing required to find such problems.
Middle and inner ear infections are both more difficult to spot and more serious. Often the dog will scratch the ear or rub the ear on the ground to seek relief. Sometimes you will notice a discharge coming from the ear. Any time you dog is acting strange and irritated, a good suspect is an ear infection. These types require a trip to the vet to acquire medication. Things such as bacteria, parasites and even allergies can be the cause.
Many types of infections can be prevented by simple hygiene. In the beginning, your dog will not be cooperative, but most dogs learn to eventually tolerate the cleanings quite well. You can obtain a gentle cleaning solution from a vet or a pet store. Apply it to a clean cloth and gently apply it to the inside of the ear. Dirt and wax will loosen and can be removed.
Cleaning your dog's ears does not need to be performed too often. Once a month will usually suffice. If you have certain breeds of dogs, especially those with floppy ears, you may need to clean more often since lack of air flow to the inside of the ear can facilitate infections. Proper grooming can help with this by preventing ingrown hairs from the ears.
If you can't make it to the vet and you suspect your dog has an ear infection, a temporary home solution can help. Both vitamin E and Cod Liver oil can reduce the pain a nd severity of infections. Simply place a few drops in your dog's ear each day. Also, white vinegar can be used to clean the ears.
Don't ignore the signs of ear infections. Left untreated they can turn into something serious and cause your dog unnecessary pain.
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