Dogs
Canine ear infections are one of the most common dog health problems that usually manifests as redness and swelling of the ear with ear discharge and strong odor. Generally, ear infections are of three type, otitis externa, otitis media and otitis interna. Otitis externa refers to infection of the outer portion or external ear, which is usually easier to cure. Otitis media, on the other hand, refers to infection of the middle ear, while infection of the internal ear is known as otitis interna. An infection of the internal ear can sometimes spread to the central nervous system and lead to some serious conditions that can even cause death.
Ear Infection in Dogs
Causes
It can be caused by several factors including ear mites. These mites are so common that they can easily cause an infection of the external ear. An excessive growth of bacteria and fungus in the ear is another cause behind this condition. In addition to these, dog allergies like food allergies, flea allergies and allergies caused by inhalation of certain substances can also lead to ear infection.
Sometimes, this condition is simply caused by an excessive secretion of earwax, while at other times, grasses or bristles can enter the ear canal and cause infection. It has been observed that the breeds of dogs that love to swim are more prone to this problem, as water can easily enter the ear canal while swimming. The resultant moist environment created inside the ear produces a favorable environment for bacterial and fungal growth. Dogs with floppy ears and excess fur on the inner part of the ears are also more likely to suffer from it.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms are redness, inflammation and black or yellow ear discharge. Presence of a strong odor in the ear is another symptom. It causes itching, which forces the dogs to scratch or rub their heads and ears. Sometimes, they vigorously shake their heads or simply tilt it to one side to get rid of the discomfort produced by ear infection.
Treatment
The treatment begins with flushing the ear with a wash, followed by cleaning with a disinfectant. For bacterial infection, along with regular cleaning, antibacterial drops are prescribed by veterinarians. On the other hand, for fungal ear infection, antifungal ointments and drops are prescribed with proper cleaning. If sufficient care is taken, then the infection is not very difficult to treat and prevent.
The most important part of treatment is proper ear cleaning, for which you have to take out the dirt produced by infection. Do not use cotton for extracting the dirt, instead use a dry piece of cloth. For cleaning the infected ear you can use vinegar. You can also make a solution by mixing equal parts of vinegar, alcohol, and clean water to clean the infected ear. Alcohol would be helpful in removing the excess moisture from the ear, while vinegar can change the pH balance of the ear, thereby inhibiting the growth of bacteria or fungus.
White vinegar or acetic acid can also be used for cleaning pet's ears. Garlic or apple cider vinegar are some other commonly used products to treat this condition. Both garlic and apple cider vinegar can prevent the growth of yeast and bacteria. Vitamin C supplements along with healthy dog food can help your dog to get some relief from the inflammation caused by the infection.
For preventing its recurrence, it is better to take some precautionary measures like regular ear cleaning, especially for dogs that swim a lot and also those with excessive fur or hair inside the ear. Regular trimming of the excess hair can be beneficial in preventing the growth of bacteria and fungus, as it will ensure proper ventilation of the ears. Using a few drops of almond oil or olive oil can help to get rid of excessive ear mites.
In addition to proper dog care and precautionary measures, it is also important to follow the advice and suggestions of a veterinarian.
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Dogs
Dog Ear Infection Treatment
Canine ear infections are one of the most common dog health problems that usually manifests as redness and swelling of the ear with ear discharge and strong odor. Generally, ear infections are of three type, otitis externa, otitis media and otitis interna. Otitis externa refers to infection of the outer portion or external ear, which is usually easier to cure. Otitis media, on the other hand, refers to infection of the middle ear, while infection of the internal ear is known as otitis interna. An infection of the internal ear can sometimes spread to the central nervous system and lead to some serious conditions that can even cause death.
Ear Infection in Dogs
Causes
It can be caused by several factors including ear mites. These mites are so common that they can easily cause an infection of the external ear. An excessive growth of bacteria and fungus in the ear is another cause behind this condition. In addition to these, dog allergies like food allergies, flea allergies and allergies caused by inhalation of certain substances can also lead to ear infection.
Sometimes, this condition is simply caused by an excessive secretion of earwax, while at other times, grasses or bristles can enter the ear canal and cause infection. It has been observed that the breeds of dogs that love to swim are more prone to this problem, as water can easily enter the ear canal while swimming. The resultant moist environment created inside the ear produces a favorable environment for bacterial and fungal growth. Dogs with floppy ears and excess fur on the inner part of the ears are also more likely to suffer from it.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms are redness, inflammation and black or yellow ear discharge. Presence of a strong odor in the ear is another symptom. It causes itching, which forces the dogs to scratch or rub their heads and ears. Sometimes, they vigorously shake their heads or simply tilt it to one side to get rid of the discomfort produced by ear infection.
Treatment
The treatment begins with flushing the ear with a wash, followed by cleaning with a disinfectant. For bacterial infection, along with regular cleaning, antibacterial drops are prescribed by veterinarians. On the other hand, for fungal ear infection, antifungal ointments and drops are prescribed with proper cleaning. If sufficient care is taken, then the infection is not very difficult to treat and prevent.
The most important part of treatment is proper ear cleaning, for which you have to take out the dirt produced by infection. Do not use cotton for extracting the dirt, instead use a dry piece of cloth. For cleaning the infected ear you can use vinegar. You can also make a solution by mixing equal parts of vinegar, alcohol, and clean water to clean the infected ear. Alcohol would be helpful in removing the excess moisture from the ear, while vinegar can change the pH balance of the ear, thereby inhibiting the growth of bacteria or fungus.
White vinegar or acetic acid can also be used for cleaning pet's ears. Garlic or apple cider vinegar are some other commonly used products to treat this condition. Both garlic and apple cider vinegar can prevent the growth of yeast and bacteria. Vitamin C supplements along with healthy dog food can help your dog to get some relief from the inflammation caused by the infection.
For preventing its recurrence, it is better to take some precautionary measures like regular ear cleaning, especially for dogs that swim a lot and also those with excessive fur or hair inside the ear. Regular trimming of the excess hair can be beneficial in preventing the growth of bacteria and fungus, as it will ensure proper ventilation of the ears. Using a few drops of almond oil or olive oil can help to get rid of excessive ear mites.
In addition to proper dog care and precautionary measures, it is also important to follow the advice and suggestions of a veterinarian.
- Cleaning Dog's Ears
Cleaning a dog's ears can seem a daunting and sensitive task if you don't know how. Maybe even a little yucky for some. But we shall not be concentrating on solving that aspect here today. What we shall be doing instead, is talking about...
- Dog Ear Problems
The dog ear is divided into three parts as the pinna, the middle ear and the inner ear. The outer ear or flap forms the pinna. The pinna helps capture sound waves. The middle ear processes the sound waves captured by the pinna. It consist of the...
- Dog Yeast Infection Treatment
Like humans, the intestine of the dogs is also a host of both beneficial and harmful microorganisms. Yeast is such a type of harmful unicellular microorganism that commonly resides in the mucous membrane of the digestive tract. A healthy immune system,...
- Dog Ear Infection Home Remedy
A dog ear infection can be easily spotted if your dog shakes his head more than often, scratches behind the ear and gets agitated without any apparent reason. The dog ear infections are caused due to many reasons that include bacterial infections,...
- Black Earwax In Dogs
Canine ear problems are common, especially in dogs with long and droopy ears. While a small amount of earwax and discharge in large amounts is common in dogs, it may be an indication of some underlying cause. In some cases, the dog may also exhibit...