When your pet is in discomfort, you may want to look for symptoms of an ear infection in dogs. This type of illness can be painful. If left unchecked, such infections can migrate to the inner ear, making them far more difficult to treat successfully.
Our expert veterinarian in North Richland Hills, TX, can provide an accurate diagnosis when you notice ear discharge and head shaking in your pet. Learn more about the signs of this type of illness and what you can do about it.
Recognizing Signs of Problems With the Ears
Part of being a successful dog care parent is noticing when your pet is not feeling well or is exhibiting odd behavior. When you pay attention and spot the symptoms of an ear infection in dogs, you’ll be able to start treatment earlier. Some of the signs of this kind of problem include:
- Itching and scratching
- Redness and swelling
- Unpleasant odor
- Head shaking
- Visible discharge
- Crusting or scabs
- Lethargy
- Irritable behavior
Some canines show only one of these signs when they have this problem, while others may have several of them. If you ever suspect your dog has an ear infection, our veterinarians can do an exam and give you a definitive answer.
Common Types of Canine Infections in the Ears
Our vets typically see three classifications of this illness, including:
- Otitis externa
- Otitis media
- Otitis interna
The most common illness is otitis externa, which affects the external area of the canal. When our vets see this issue, it’s the easiest of the three types to treat successfully.
As the infection spreads to the middle and inner canal areas, or media and interna, it becomes more challenging to treat. Early medical intervention for this problem is always the best option.
Consequences When Infections in the Ears Go Untreated
When the symptoms of an ear infection in dogs do not receive proper treatment, the problem can worsen. In addition to spreading to the middle and inner canal, your pet may suffer long-term complications, including:
- Balance problems
- Head tilting
- Reduction of hearing
- Permanent narrowing of the ear canal
- Scarring and calcification in the canal
If the problem continues to worsen, dogs could go deaf from an infection. They may suffer from facial paralysis, including drooping lips or an inability to blink. Some dogs end up with tumors.
Common Causes of These Infections
Several conditions lead to frequent infections in the ears of your dogs.
Shape of the Canal
Ear canals in canines have an L-shape, which allows moisture to collect in them. This shape makes canines more susceptible to problems with infections in the canals than humans. The moisture retained in this area allows bacteria and yeast to thrive.Â
Mites in Puppies
Puppies often suffer from mites in the ears. Because the puppies are close to other puppies and share bedding and toys, it’s easier to spread the mites throughout the entire litter.
Allergic Reactions
Pets that have allergic skin reactions or food sensitivities are more likely to suffer from infections.
Injuries and Wax Buildup
Infections are common for canines who suffer injuries to the ears, have foreign bodies inserted, or have excessive wax buildup. It’s important to allow our expert veterinarians to remove foreign bodies and wax to reduce the chance of these problems.
How Our Vets Diagnose and Treat Ear Infections
When our vets see symptoms of an ear infection in dogs, we will begin treatments immediately. We know that early medical intervention is key to alleviating the animal’s discomfort. It also prevents the problem from spreading and potentially causing long-term health problems.
When you bring your pet into the vet’s office because of potential infections in the ears, our team will ask many questions, including:
- Length of symptoms
- Signs of allergies
- Types of food and snacks eaten
- Any cleaning products you use
- Activities like swimming
- History of infection
- At-home treatments you’ve tried
Our examination of the ears could be uncomfortable for dogs, and the presence of an infection can make the discomfort worse.
However, we need to be able to visually inspect the canal, noting any swelling or redness, to determine the best course of treatment. In some circumstances, we might need to lightly sedate the animal to make the process a little more comfortable.
In severe cases, we might need to swab the area and take samples for further examination. Our vets might also recommend X-rays.
Are Infections in the Ears Preventable?
Because symptoms of an ear infection in dogs can be so painful for the animal, preventing them is the best option.Â
The most important factor is reducing the amount of moisture that reaches the canal. After a swimming or bathing session, be sure to dry the animal’s ears thoroughly. Powder is available from our vets to aid in drying the interior of the ears for dogs who have frequent issues.
Cleaning the ears is another effective preventative measure. Ask our vets about safe cleaning products and how to apply them properly.
Do not use cotton swabs or similar items inside the canal. These items will compress wax or push items more deeply into the canal, potentially making the problem worse. Cleaning wipes are often the better option.Â
If your pet suffers from allergies, providing treatment may also reduce the frequency of problems with an infection.
Penny Paws Animal Clinic Gives Your Beloved Pet the Highest Level of Care
It’s important for a pet owner to understand the symptoms of an ear infection in dogs. By spotting the early signs of this problem, our expert vets can treat the illness quickly, making your pets comfortable again.Â
At Penny Paws Animal Clinic, we also can help with routine dog grooming, general checkups, and all other aspects of animal care. We are the local experts you can trust for the comprehensive care of all your pets. For an appointment in North Richland Hills, TX, call our expert team at (817) 284-7297 or contact one of our other Texas locations.