Get Free Shipping with a Purchase of $30+
Add complete, 24/7 vet care
One time Fuzzy consult
$30
Ear infections are a common condition in dogs. These are relatively minor infections that can be easily treated most of the time. However, ear infections can have serious consequences when left untreated, including deafness, facial paralysis, and balance issues. Here's what pet parents need to know about them.
The most common indications a dog may be suffering from an ear infection are head shaking, scratching their ears, and rubbing their head on people or objects. Other possible signs are issues in the ear canal, including:
Dark discharge
Swelling
Redness
Scabs or crusting
A strange odor
Moisture in the ear canal, typically from water, is the most common cause of ear infections in dogs. Water may accidentally enter the ear canal during bathing, swimming, or outdoor water play. When moisture is trapped in the ear canal, it creates a prime environment for bacterial growth, which can result in an infection.
Other causes of ear infections in dogs include the following:
Too much grain or sugar in the diet may lead to ear infections in dogs. This type of infection typically affects both ears. Pet parents can rule out allergies by feeding a limited ingredient diet and checking for any improvement.
Foreign objects in the ear canal can create small abrasions on the skin of the inside of the ear that lead to infection.
Immune disorders that can lead to ear infections include canine lupus, pemphigus, and vasculitis.
The constant bites from ear mites can cause ear infections. Puppies are more likely to have ear mites than adult dogs.
Furry dogs with lots of hair in their ears, like cocker spaniels, Shih Tzus, and poodles, are more likely to develop ear infections than short-haired breeds. Breeds with long ears, such as Basset hounds and bloodhounds, are also more prone to developing ear infections.
Ear infections not caused by allergies or immune disorders can usually be prevented by proper ear care. Grooming hoods can be used during bathing to minimize the amount of water entering the ear canal. After bathing a dog, pet parents should use products such as Zymox Cleanser to clean the inside of their pet's ears. With long-haired breeds, trimming the hair inside the ears is recommended because it reduces the amount of moisture that can be trapped in the ear canal.
With the tap of a button, pet parents seeking dog health advice can access live chats with veterinary support professionals at YourFuzzy.com, 24 hours per day, seven days a week.