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Canine Ear Problems

"Canine Ear problems have multiple causes such as bacteria, fungus, wax, mites and yeast. Treatment includes medicated drops and possibly antibiotics. If it is a frequent problem check if hair is blocking the ear and try a supplement such as natural herbal drops."




The most common canine ear problems are excessive ear wax build up, ear mites ( Otodectes cynotis ), and ear infections. Infections may be bacterial or fungal, and may be limited to the outer ear (otitis externa) or may also include the middle ear (otitis media). Allergies can also be the cause such as Canine Atopy or yeast infection.

Some dog breeds are more susceptible to ear problems than others. For instance, dogs with hairy inner ear flaps, like schnauzers and miniature poodles, are prone to heavy wax build up and infections.

If the cause is due to a tumor or abnormal cell growth your dog could be suffering from dog neoplasia.

Dog Ear Problems Symptoms

Picture dog ear The inside of a dogs ear should be pink with the possibility of a little black discharge. Canine ear problems symptoms include:

* Heavy wax build up in the ears
* Redness
* Dirty looking ears
* Discharge
* Bad smell or odor from the ears
* Ear scratching
* Excessive head shaking or tilting the head from side to side
* Rubbing ears against other surfaces




Canine Ear Problems Diagnosis

Canine ear problems are usually easy to diagnose. Your vet can often diagnose them simply by looking into your dog’s ears. To make sure of the type of infection, your vet may use a cotton swab to take a sample of the wax or discharge from your dog’s ear and look at it under a microscope.

If the ear problem looks like a pimple or a tick on the ear, review our guide on dog ear blisters.

Canine Ear Problems Treatment


Picture Canine Ear When your dog is healthy, it is generally recommended that you clean his ears weekly. This will help prevent wax build up. Ask your vet for a cleaning solution. Dampen a gauze pad with the solution and wipe the inside of your dog’s ear. Don’t use cotton balls as they can leave behind wisps of cotton inside your dog’s ears. Clean his ears as far as you can reach. Your vet can demonstrate the procedure for you.

If your dog has ear mites, his ears will need to be cleaned with a special dog ear infection medicine medicated solution. Usually only one cleaning is required and your vet will do this when he or she diagnosis your dog with ear mites. If additional cleanings are required, your vet will show you how to do them. If you believe the mites are from the environment surrounding your dog, continue cleaning the area with Benzarid.

If your dog has an ear infection, he will need antibiotics. These will come in the form of pills that you dog will need to take for 10 – 14 days. Clean his ears daily during this time. Your vet may give you a medicated solution to clean his ears with, and may also prescribe medicated ear drops.

For small dogs with an ear infection a regular sock can be used to hold the dogs ears back or for larger dogs you can tape them together to help air flow.

Prevention of Canine Ear Problems

One of the simple things you can do to help with canine ear health is to keep your dog's hair from blocking the opening of the ear. Plucking a few hairs to allow good air flow into the ear with help prevent infection.

If your dog continually gets ear infections, you might want to try supplementing their diet with herbal ear drops to see if it cuts down on the frequency. A good source to try is PetAlive Ear Drops. Look for ingredients such as:

Melaleuca alternifolia: for external inflammation and to treat various skin conditions

Tea Tree Oil: soothes and reduces inflammation in the ear as well as treat any bacterial, fungal or mite infection that is present)

Rosmarinus officinale (Rosemary): topical pain reliever and antiseptic/disinfectant herb. Several of the compounds in rosemary have also been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects.

Calendula officinalis (Marigold): herbal ingredient used to treat skin problems and promote healing of wounds. It is an excellent anti-inflammatory and prevents infection with its anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. Marigold has been shown to assist the regeneration of damaged skin tissue.

Verbascum thapsusis: anti-inflammatory and antiseptic herb. Good for healing of skin when applied topically and has a long history of use for ear conditions and in ear drops.



Sources

Washington State University
Veterinary School

www.thepetcenter.com
www.healthypet.com

Diseases of the Outer Ear
Haar, G. Ter DVM

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