Dog Ear Infection - Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention
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All ear infections, regardless of the cause, may have the same symptoms. Some symptoms to watch for at home that might mean your dog has an ear infection are:
Continous Shaking of the Head
Scratching at the head or ears
Constant rubbing of the head and ears on the floor or ground
A distinct redness or irritation in the ear canal
Discharge coming from the ears
Brown or yellowish discharge in the ears
Foul smell emanating from the ear
Pan when ears are petted or touched
Visiting the Veterinarian - Dog Ear Infection Diagnosis
When you first notice symptoms of an ear infection, it is important to take your dog to see your veterinarian. You should be careful about putting anything into your dogs ears before a veterinary examination. If your dog has a ruptured eardrum, putting anything in its ears could lead to more severe symptoms including a head tilt, walking in circles, or other neurologic symptoms.
If your dog has frequent ear infections or ones that seem resistant to treatment, it is crucial that the underlying cause be discovered. The easiest way to do this is through a physical examination. Things such as floppy pinnae, excess hair in the ears and a small ear canal can all be viewed with a physical examination. In addition, things such as tumors and foreign objects can also be seen.
In order to rule out an allergy to food, the veterinarian will put your dog on a hypoallergenic food for a period of about eight weeks. During this time you will monitor your dog and keep a journal of any receding symptoms, increasing symptoms or no change in symptoms at all.
Blood tests and skin tests are used to rule out Atopy or seasonal or inhalant allergies. These are performed just as they are in humans and can provide specifically what your dog is allergic to.
Hypothyroidism and other endocrine diseases affecting the skin are usually diagnosed through a series of one or more blood tests which test the function of a particular endocrine organ. Usually dogs with endocrine disorders will have other symptoms besides ear infections that will lead the veterinarian to suspect another problem.
Treatment of Ear Infections
Addressing the underlying reason is an important part of treating ear infections. For dogs with food allergies, it is important to avoid those foods that they are allergic to. Dogs with atopy will probably be on a combination of medications to control their symptoms for the rest of their lives. This usually consists of a combination of corticosteroids, antihistamines, omega-3 fatty acid supplements and cyclosporine.
In addition, topical treatments, antibiotics, antifungals, shampoos and rinses may also be required. However, each dogs case is different and will depend on the severity of their allergy.
Most ear infections are treated with a combination of topical medication that you put in your dogs ear and oral medication. While treating an ear infection, it is important to clean a dogs ears once or twice weekly to prevent build-up of medication and debris in the ear. The ear must be dried well after cleaning. Ear infections are usually treated for at least two weeks but may need to be treated for longer. If an ear infection will not clear up, a culture should be done as well.
How to Prevent Ear Infections
Treat all underlying diseases
Dry your dogs ears thoroughly after bathing
Dry your dogs ears completely after swimming
Do not use water or cleaner inside your dogs ears unless absolutely necessary and always make sure to dry them thoroughly
Always remember: Keeping dogs ears dry is the key element to prevention and treatment of ear infections.
Continous Shaking of the Head
Scratching at the head or ears
Constant rubbing of the head and ears on the floor or ground
A distinct redness or irritation in the ear canal
Discharge coming from the ears
Brown or yellowish discharge in the ears
Foul smell emanating from the ear
Pan when ears are petted or touched
Visiting the Veterinarian - Dog Ear Infection Diagnosis
When you first notice symptoms of an ear infection, it is important to take your dog to see your veterinarian. You should be careful about putting anything into your dogs ears before a veterinary examination. If your dog has a ruptured eardrum, putting anything in its ears could lead to more severe symptoms including a head tilt, walking in circles, or other neurologic symptoms.
If your dog has frequent ear infections or ones that seem resistant to treatment, it is crucial that the underlying cause be discovered. The easiest way to do this is through a physical examination. Things such as floppy pinnae, excess hair in the ears and a small ear canal can all be viewed with a physical examination. In addition, things such as tumors and foreign objects can also be seen.
In order to rule out an allergy to food, the veterinarian will put your dog on a hypoallergenic food for a period of about eight weeks. During this time you will monitor your dog and keep a journal of any receding symptoms, increasing symptoms or no change in symptoms at all.
Blood tests and skin tests are used to rule out Atopy or seasonal or inhalant allergies. These are performed just as they are in humans and can provide specifically what your dog is allergic to.
Hypothyroidism and other endocrine diseases affecting the skin are usually diagnosed through a series of one or more blood tests which test the function of a particular endocrine organ. Usually dogs with endocrine disorders will have other symptoms besides ear infections that will lead the veterinarian to suspect another problem.
Treatment of Ear Infections
Addressing the underlying reason is an important part of treating ear infections. For dogs with food allergies, it is important to avoid those foods that they are allergic to. Dogs with atopy will probably be on a combination of medications to control their symptoms for the rest of their lives. This usually consists of a combination of corticosteroids, antihistamines, omega-3 fatty acid supplements and cyclosporine.
In addition, topical treatments, antibiotics, antifungals, shampoos and rinses may also be required. However, each dogs case is different and will depend on the severity of their allergy.
Most ear infections are treated with a combination of topical medication that you put in your dogs ear and oral medication. While treating an ear infection, it is important to clean a dogs ears once or twice weekly to prevent build-up of medication and debris in the ear. The ear must be dried well after cleaning. Ear infections are usually treated for at least two weeks but may need to be treated for longer. If an ear infection will not clear up, a culture should be done as well.
How to Prevent Ear Infections
Treat all underlying diseases
Dry your dogs ears thoroughly after bathing
Dry your dogs ears completely after swimming
Do not use water or cleaner inside your dogs ears unless absolutely necessary and always make sure to dry them thoroughly
Always remember: Keeping dogs ears dry is the key element to prevention and treatment of ear infections.
About the Author:
Heather Fox is an established writer and veterinarian who loves to share her knowledge. You can find her class about Dog Ear Infections Causes and other lessons like Dog Kennel Cough Causes on Clivir - the Free learning Community Site.
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