Ear infections in dogs are common. Is your dog scratching or pawing at his ears? Well, he may have a common ailment that all dogs suffer from at some point or another in their lives. This painful condition is an EAR INFECTION. As pet sitters, we can recognize the signs and symptoms of ear infections and would like to pass along our knowledge to you so that you can promptly seek care for your dog. As with any other ailment, prognosis and treatment are more favorable when caught in the early stages of infection.
Possible Symptoms of Ear Infections in Your Dog
- Head shaking
- Scratching and/or rubbing ears
- Rubbing ears on people, furniture or other surfaces
- Redness
- Swelling
- Odor
- Brown or yellow discharge
- Hair loss
- Scabbing
- Hearing loss in or around the ear
- Loss of balance
Understanding the cause of your dog’s ear infection(s) can help you be proactive and prevent more infections. Ear infections are often the result of bacteria and yeast. Bacteria and yeast can come from a foreign object in the ear, tumors, ear mites, hair, water in the ear canal from swimming or bathing, seasonal allergies, allergies from food, ear wax, and hypothyroidism. Floppy eared dogs (poodles, golden retrievers) and dogs that grow hair in their inner ear (schnauzers) are more likely to get ear infections as well.
At the first sign of an ear infection, seek prompt veterinary care for your dog. Your veterinarian will examine your dog’s ear drum and ear canal. In addition, he may order blood tests to see if allergies or anything else are the culprit for the ear infection. He may also sample any discharge from your dog’s ear and take a look under a microscope to more accurately identify if bacteria, yeast or parasites exist.
Treatment may be as simple as a professional cleaning and an at home regime of cleaning and medication. The medication your veterinarian prescribes may include antibiotics, topical treatments such as an ointment or drops, or all of the above. In more serious cases surgery may be necessary.
As your trusted pet sitter, we not only come in and walk and exercise your pet. We can also help keep your pet on schedule with his out-patient health care regime. Please call us to learn more. We’re always here to help.
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