Dog Ear Infections – Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Ever seen your dog scratching its ears like mad? Chances are, you’re dealing with a dog ear infection. I am also a dog owner and I make sure that my dog’s ears remain completely healthy and free from any kind of infection. And if God forbid an ear infection does occur, I ensure that my dog receives the best ear care. In today’s guide, I will tell you what dog ear infections are, how many types there are, and how you can keep your dog’s ears healthy.

What Are Dog Ear Infections?

Dog ear infections are nasty little buggers that can make your furry mate miserable. Think of it like this: your dog’s ear is like a funky tunnel. You’ve got the ear flap on the outside, then the ear canal, followed by the eardrum. Behind that, there’s the middle ear and inner ear.

Now, when stuff goes wrong in this tunnel, you get different types of infections:

1. Otitis externa: This is the most common one. It’s like the bouncer at the club – right at the entrance.
2. Otitis media: This fella’s made it past the bouncer and is causing trouble in the VIP area (middle ear).
3. Otitis interna: This is the worst gatecrasher, reaching the inner ear.

These infections are very common in dogs. It’s like they’re giving out free treats at the vet’s office. Some dogs get them once in a blue moon (acute), while others seem to have a season pass (chronic). These infections can mess with your dog’s health, causing pain, hearing loss, and even balance issues. It’s like your dog’s stuck on a never-ending merry-go-round. Not fun at all.

Yeast vs. Bacterial Dogs Ear Infections

Now, not all ear infections are created equal. The two main troublemakers are yeast and bacteria. Yeast infections usually smell like a brewery gone wrong. The discharge tends to be dark and gunky. Bacterial infections, on the other hand, often have a more yellow or greenish discharge.

What causes these different types? 

Well, yeast loves warm, moist environments. So dogs with floppy ears or those who swim a lot are prime candidates. Bacterial infections can happen for similar reasons, but they’re also more likely if there’s a cut or scratch in the ear.

How do vets tell the difference? 

They take a sample of the gunk from your dog’s ear and look at it under a microscope. Yeast looks like little balloons, while bacteria are more like tiny rods or spheres. It’s like a gross version of ‘Guess Who?’.

Also Read: Living with Luxating Patella in Dogs

What Causes Ear Infections in Dogs?

Dog ear infections can have various causes, but the most common ones are:

1. Allergies: Your dog might be allergic to something in their food or environment. It’s like they’ve got hay fever but in their ears.

2. Moisture: Dogs who love swimming or frequent baths are prime targets. Their ears become a water park for bacteria.

3. Foreign bodies: Have you ever seen your dog roll in the grass? Well, sometimes bits of that grass decide to hitch a ride in their ears.

4. Ear mites: These tiny critters are like uninvited guests at a party, causing all sorts of chaos.

5. Hormonal imbalances: Sometimes, it’s an inside job. Thyroid issues can make your dog more prone to infections.

6. Autoimmune diseases: In some cases, your dog’s body might be fighting itself, making infections more likely.

Now, some dogs are more likely to get ear infections than others. The top 5 breeds with the highest rates are:

• Basset Hounds (those ears, though!)
• Chinese Shar-Pei
• Labradoodles
• Beagles
• Cockapoos

Dog Ear Infection Symptoms

How do you know if your dog’s got an ear infection? Here’s what to look out for:

Early signs:

• Scratching at the ears
• Shaking the head more than usual
• Redness inside the ear
• A bit of a funky smell coming from the ears

Advanced symptoms:

• Thick, dark discharge from the ear
• Swelling of the ear flap
• Pain when you touch around the ear area
• Balance issues or tilting of the head

You might also notice some changes in your dog’s behaviour. They might become irritable or less playful. It’s like they’ve woken up on the wrong side of the bed… every single day.

In some cases, you might see an aural hematoma. That’s a fancy way of saying the ear flap swells up like a balloon. It happens when blood vessels in the ear burst from all the shaking and scratching.

All of this can impact your dog’s quality of life. Imagine having a constant earache – you’d be pretty miserable too, right?

How Veterinarians Diagnose Dog Ear Infections

When you take your dog to the vet for a suspected ear infection, here’s what usually goes down:

1. First, they’ll ask you about your dog’s symptoms and history. It’s like being interrogated but in a nice way.
2. Then, they’ll look at your dog’s ears with an otoscope. This lets them see deep into the ear canal. They check for redness, swelling, and discharge and ensure the eardrum is intact.
3. Next up is usually cytology. They’ll take a sample of the gunk in your dog’s ear and look at it under a microscope. This helps them determine if it’s yeast, bacteria, or both causing the trouble.
4. Sometimes, they might do a culture and sensitivity test. This is like giving the infection its own little petri dish hotel and seeing what grows. It helps determine exactly what bug is causing the problem and what medications will kick its butt.
5. In some cases, especially if it’s a recurring problem, they might do blood tests to check for underlying issues like thyroid problems.
6. They might even recommend imaging like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs for stubborn cases. This is to check for any deeper issues in the ear.

Treatment Options for Dog Ear Infections

Alright, so we’ve figured out what’s wrong. Now, how do we fix it? There are a few ways to tackle dog ear infections:

Topical Treatments

This is usually the first line of defence. You’ll likely get an ear cleaner and some ear drops. Ear cleaners come in medicated and non-medicated versions. They help clean out all the gunk and create a better environment for healing. Ear medications usually contain antibiotics (for bacterial infections), antifungals (for yeast), or steroids (to reduce inflammation). Sometimes, it’s a combo of these.

You’ll need to apply these daily, sometimes twice a day. It’s like giving your dog’s ears a spa treatment, except they probably won’t thank you for it.

Oral Medications

Sometimes, topical treatments aren’t enough, and your vet might prescribe oral meds. Antibiotics are for those tough bacterial infections that need an extra kick. Antifungals are used when the yeast party in your dog’s ear is getting out of hand. These are usually given when the infection is severe or has spread beyond the ear canal.

Surgical Interventions

In chronic cases where nothing else seems to work, surgery might be the answer. TECA (Total Ear Canal Ablation)  is like the nuclear option. They remove the entire ear canal. VBO (Ventral Bulla Osteotomy) is often done alongside TECA, this procedure drains the middle ear.

These surgeries are a last resort but can provide relief for dogs with severe chronic ear issues. Treatment usually lasts for 1-2 weeks, but follow-up care is crucial. Your vet will want to check those ears again to make sure the infection’s gone.

Home Care and Management

Taking care of your dog’s ears at home is a big part of the treatment. Here’s how to do it:

Cleaning Technique:

1. Squirt some ear cleaner into your dog’s ear canal.
2. Massage the base of the ear for about 30 seconds. You’ll hear a squelching sound – that’s good!
3. Let your dog shake its head. This helps bring all the gunk to the surface.
4. Wipe away the debris with a cotton ball or soft cloth.

Do this before applying any medications. It’s like prepping a canvas before painting.

For medications, follow your vet’s instructions in the letter. Usually, you’ll drop the meds into the ear and massage again to distribute them. Keep an eye on your dog’s progress. If things aren’t improving after a few days, or if they’re getting worse, it’s time to ring the vet again.

For dogs prone to ear infections, you might need to clean their ears regularly, even when there’s no infection. It’s like brushing their teeth – prevention is key. Diet can play a role too. Some dogs with food allergies might benefit from a change in diet. It’s not a magic fix, but it can help in some cases.

How to Prevent Dog Ear Infections

Prevention is better than cure, right? Here’s how to keep those ear infections at bay:

1. Regular cleaning: Especially after swimming or bathing. It’s like drying between your toes after a shower.
2. Address underlying causes: If allergies are the culprit, work with your vet to manage them.
3. Regular check-ups: Let your vet take a peek in those ears during routine visits.
4. Proper grooming: For dogs with floppy ears or lots of hair in their ears, keeping things trimmed can help air circulation.
5. Manage the environment: Try to keep your dog’s ears dry. Maybe invest in a doggy swim cap? (Kidding, but wouldn’t that be a sight?)
6. Breed-specific strategies: If you’ve got a breed prone to ear infections, be extra vigilant. It’s like having a sports car – high maintenance, but worth it.

Also Read: Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV) in Dogs

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dog ear infections heal on their own?

Not usually. They tend to get worse without treatment.

Are dog ear infections contagious?

Most aren’t, but if ear mites are the cause, those little buggers can spread.

Can ear infections spread to a dog’s brain?

It’s rare, but possible with severe inner ear infections. Don’t mess about it – get it treated.

How often should I clean my dog’s ears?

It depends on the dog. Some need weekly cleaning, others monthly. Ask your vet what’s best for your pup.