Dog ear infections are the most common type of ear infection in dogs. An ear infection in dogs is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria or yeast within your dog’s ear canal, which results in inflammation and swelling of the cartilage and tissues surrounding the ear canal itself. There are three different types of dog ear infections, each with their own unique causes and symptoms: otitis externa (outer ear), otitis media (middle ear), and otitis interna (inner ear infection).
How to Spot a Dog Ear Infection Before It’s Too Late
If you think your dog may have an ear infection, it is important to take them to the vet as soon as possible. Ear infections can be painful and if left untreated, can lead to more serious health problems. Here are some signs that your dog may have an ear infection:
* Shaking their head or holding it tilted to one side
* Scratching at their ears
* Whining or crying when you touch their ears
* Red, swollen, or discharge coming from their ears
* Bad odor coming from their ears
If you notice any of these signs, make an appointment with your vet right away.
3 Kinds of Dog Ear Infections
- Otitis externa, or an outer ear infection, is the most common type of ear infection in dogs. It’s caused by an overgrowth of bacteria or yeast within your dog’s ear canal. Symptoms include itching, redness, and discharge.
- Otitis media, or a middle ear infection, is less common than otitis externa but can be more serious. It’s caused by an accumulation of fluid in the middle ear that becomes infected. Symptoms include fever, head shaking, and loss of balance.
- Otitis interna, or an inner ear infection, is the least common but most serious type of ear infection in dogs. It’s caused by a bacterial or viral infection that affects the inner ear structures.
Symptoms you should be looking out for
- Excessive scratching or pawing at the ear
- Head shaking
- Rubbing the ear along the ground or furniture
- Red, inflamed, or painful ear
- Thick, dark discharge from the ear
- Odor coming from the ear
- Loss of balance
Causes
Ear infections in dogs are most commonly caused by an overgrowth of bacteria or yeast within the ear canal. However, they can also be caused by allergies, foreign bodies, or other irritants. The three most common types of ear infections are Otitis Externa (outer ear), Otitis Media (middle ear), and Otitis Interna (inner ear infection).
Symptoms (three sentences): The most common symptom of a dog ear infection is excessive scratching or pawing at the affected ear. Other symptoms may include redness, swelling, discharge, and/or pain. If your dog is displaying any of these symptoms, it’s important to take them to the vet as soon as possible.
What you can do at home
If you suspect your dog has an ear infection, there are a few things you can do at home to help. First, check the area around their ear for any redness, swelling, or discharge. If you see any of these symptoms, gently clean the area with a cotton ball soaked in warm water. You can also try using a dog-specific ear cleaner to remove any wax or debris buildup. If your dog is shaking their head or scratching their ears frequently, this could also be a sign of an ear infection. If you notice any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible.
The only thing that works best
The best way to spot a dog ear infection is to pay attention to your dog’s behavior. If they are scratching their ears more than usual, shaking their head, or tilting it to one side, they may have an ear infection. Other signs include redness or swelling of the ear, discharge from the ear, and bad odor coming from the ear. If you notice any of these signs, take your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
A vet will use an otoscope to look into your dog’s ear canal for problems such as inflammation, redness, growths, and debris. Your vet will then prescribe medication for the infection. Remember that antibiotics should only be used when prescribed by a veterinarian!
Where you should go next
If you think your dog may have an ear infection, it is important to take them to the vet as soon as possible. Ear infections can be painful for your dog and can lead to more serious health problems if left untreated. Here are some signs to look for that may indicate your dog has an ear infection redness in the skin of their inner ear; fluid or pus draining from their ears; tenderness when you touch around their ears; scratching at their ears often or shaking their head; fever (temperature over 101 degrees); sensitivity to light or sounds.
Conclusion
If you think your dog may have an ear infection, it is important to take them to the vet as soon as possible. The earlier you catch the infection, the easier it will be to treat. Left untreated, ear infections can cause serious pain and damage to your dog’s ear canal.
If you suspect your dog has an ear infection, watch for these signs: shaking their head frequently, pawing at their ears, holding their head tilted to one side, redness or swelling in their ears, discharge from their ears, or bad odor coming from their ears. If you see any of these signs, make an appointment with your vet right away.
