Do you suspect your dog has an ear infection? What are the signs you should look for? What should you do if you suspect that your dog has an ear infection? Are there ways you can prevent your dog from getting ear infections in the future?
Unfortunately, ear infections are common in dogs, and some breeds of dogs are more prone to ear infections than others. Dog breeds with long, droopy ears like Beagles, Poodles, and Cocker Spaniels are at higher risk of ear infections, as well as any dog that spends a lot of time swimming since water trapped in the ear canal is a top contributor to ear infections. Here are the leading symptoms of ear infections, what you should do if you suspect your dog has one, and ways to prevent ear infections from happening in the future.
Symptoms of ear infections
-Pain when opening mouth
-Reluctance to chew
-Shaking or tilting head
-Pawing or scratching at affected ear
-Loss of balance
-Swinging movements of head
-Wobbliness
-Deafness
-Vomiting and nausea
-Unequal pupils
-Redness in ears
-Discharge from ears (usually stinky)
-Grey, bulging eardrum
-Facial nerve damage (like an inability to blink)
Curing ear infections
An ear infection usually requires a trip to the vet in order to determine whether the infection is caused by bacteria, yeast, or mites. Treatment will vary based on the type of infection. Severe ear infections may cause neurologic symptoms that might require additional treatment. Recurrent ear infections may require surgical drainage. You should never reuse a previous medication a vet gave you for your dog’s ear infection since different causes require different treatments.
How to prevent future ear infections
Routine ear cleaning with dog-specific ear cleaner or wipes and putting cotton balls in your dog’s ears before they swim or are bathed can help prevent recurring ear infections. There are some supplements on the market that may also help prevent ear infections. According to PetMD:
“If allergies are at the root of your dog’s ear infections, a daily omega-3 fatty supplement can help. These supplements can reduce inflammation, which may lessen the risk of ear infections, says Dr. Michael Lund, veterinary staff manager for ASPCA’s Community Medicine Department in New York. Omega-3 fatty acids, like those found in fish oil supplements, may ‘decrease inflammation associated with skin allergies that often appear in a dog’s ears and feet.’
A malfunctioning immune system can make your dog more prone to infections, so maintaining balance is essential. A probiotic supplement can balance the normal bacterial flora within the intestinal tract and promote an appropriate immune response.”
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