How Does Dog Get Ear Infection
Dogs are very prone to ear infections. They can be the result of a bacterial infection, yeast infection, or other medical conditions. The most common symptom is excessive scratching of the ears and head shaking. Dogs with ear infections often have an odor coming from their ears.
The best way to prevent ear infections in dogs is to keep them clean and dry by wiping their ears with a cotton ball and rubbing alcohol once a week. If your dog has an ear infection, they should be taken to the vet as soon as possible for treatment.
What can cause a dog to get an ear infection?
Causes of Ear Infections in Dogs While bacterial infections are the most common cause of ear infections in dogs, yeast, ear mites, and fungus can all cause your dog’s ears to become infected and uncomfortable. Other causes of dog ear infections include foreign objects lodged in the ear, trauma, and tumors or polyps.[1]
How do you prevent ear infections in dogs?
The single most effective way to prevent ear infections in dogs is to clean their ears regularly and to clean them well. Fill both ear canals with solution and vigorously massage into the base of the ear (on the head itself below the ear flap.[2]
Is it common for dogs to get ear infections?
Infection of the external ear canal (outer ear infection) is called otitis externa and is one of the most common types of infections seen in dogs.[3]
Can dog ear infections go away on their own?
In most cases, a dog’s ear infection will not go away on its own. What’s worse, if you wait too long to treat the ear infection, it can become much more difficult to get under control. An untreated ear infection can lead to chronic issues, hearing loss, and sometimes the need for expensive surgery.[4]
Should I take dog to vet for ear infection?
Ear infections can be painful for your pup, so getting them to the vet is essential to get them treated right away. The longer the ear infection goes untreated, the worse it can become. Dogs are more predisposed to ear infections than humans due to the shape of their ear canals.[5]
How do I cure my dog’s ear infection naturally?
Dab a cotton ball with hydrogen peroxide and add drops of coconut oil for your dog’s ears; it is an effective cleanser. Apple cider vinegar and equal parts water can be used to clean the ears against infection, but do not use this if the ear tissue is raw.[6]
What foods prevent ear infections in dogs?
Ollie Fresh Lamb Dog Food – Best Overall. Natural Balance Vegetarian Dry Dog Food — Best Value. Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Dry Dog Food — Best for Puppies. Forza10 Nutraceutic Sensitive Ear Plus Dog Food. Hill’s Prescription Sensitivities Dog Food.[7]
What dog breed is most prone to ear infections?
Basset Hounds, Chinese Shar Peis and Labradoodles top the list when it comes to the dog breeds most prone to ear infections.[8]
How long does a dog ear infection last?
With treatment, early-stage ear infections will usually clear up within a week or two. If your dog’s ear infection is more severe or is caused by an underlying health condition, treatment may be more challenging and may take months to resolve.[9]
What do vets do for dog ear infection?
Your veterinarian will take a swab of the ear discharge and look at it under a microscope to see if it’s mites, yeast, or bacteria, and then prescribe the appropriate medication. Treatments include antibiotics, antifungals and anti-mite medications that are usually applied to the skin.[10]
What happens if you leave a dog with an ear infection?
Symptoms of canine ear infections include head shaking, scratching at or rubbing the affected ear, discharge, bad odor, redness inside the ear, swelling of the ear canal, pain, itchiness and crusts or scabs inside the ear or along the ear margin.[11]
How much does it cost to treat a dog ear infection?
The cost of ear infection treatment varies depending on your location and veterinary practice — but otitis externa treatments, which usually include the exam, ear cleaning and medicine, typically cost between $100 and $175.[12]
