Your furry companion, your dog, is your best friend. You love them unconditionally and try to fill their life with fun and happiness. Thus you feel heartbroken when your pet gets sick from an ear infection.
An ear infection is one of the common diseases among dogs. Since their ears are fragile, they can get infected easily. A dog can have an ear infection at any age, but it is most common in young dogs and older dogs. From excessive wax to allergies, there could be various reasons for ear infections. You need to identify the underlying cause and solve it to keep your pup healthy.
This article will help you understand the signs of ear infections in dogs, allowing you to take early prevention steps.
Ear Infection in Dogs
Let's learn the signs and causes of ear infection:
Signs of Ear Infection
Ear infections are common in dogs, especially during the summer months. The most common ear infection is caused by an overgrowth of yeast or bacteria that causes inflammation in the ear canal (otitis externa).
If you notice that your dog is scratching or shaking his ear frequently, try opening the ears up. If you see dark brown waxy material inside the ear canal, this may be an indication that your dog has an ear infection or some other problem with their ears.
Ear Infection Causes
Bacteria and Fungi
Bacteria and fungi are the main cause of ear infections in dogs. These microorganisms thrive in warm, moist environments, which are easy to find in a dog's floppy ears. They are especially susceptible to ear infections because they tend to have a buildup of wax and moisture inside their ears.
Dogs with short hair around their ears can also develop infections if moisture gets trapped behind their ears due to weather conditions or other factors, such as exercise and swimming. If water gets trapped in the ear canal during these activities, your dog may develop an ear infection.
Foreign Objects
An ear infection may also happen when any foreign object like grass or soil enters their ears.
Must Read: Top 4 Natural Bug Repellents for Dogs
Allergies
Allergies can lead to inflammation inside the ear canal and cause an accumulation of wax, providing an ideal environment for bacteria and fungi to grow.
Trauma
Trauma, such as biting at your pet's ears or shaking his head too hard, may cause bleeding inside his ears and lead to infection.
Diagnosis for Ear Infection
Your veterinarian will examine your dog's ears and may take a sample of the discharge for testing. If the reason is unclear in the first go, they may collect more samples from different areas of your dog's body before deciding on a treatment plan.
Treatment for Ear Infection
Treatment of ear infections will vary depending on the cause of the problem. The vet may prescribe antibiotics or powder if they find an infection or suspect any allergy as the underlying cause of the problem. They may also prescribe an ear cleaning solution to clean out any debris or wax that may be irritating your pet's ears.
We hope this blog helps you become more aware of dogs’ ear infections. Keep following Bully Billows for more such updates.
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