Just like human ears, dogs’ ears have three distinct parts – an inner, a middle and an outer ear. As is true with humans, dogs can get ear infections, and it is very important to treat them if you don’t want your dog’s hearing to be permanently damaged.
The most common area to get infected is the outer ear. Infections are caused by moisture trapped in the ear canal. This is common in dogs due to the internal structure of their ears. The canal starts vertically and then drops horizontally which creates a perfect place for moisture to collect.
You should check your dog’s ears frequently for signs of redness and swelling. You will know your pet has an infection if you see excessive fluid in the ear, smell a foul odor or if your dog scratches the ear or shakes its head frequently. You should treat an infection immediately.
It’s never a bad idea to visit your vet for a consult. He or she will probably prescribe a liquid medicament that should be inserted daily into your dog’s ear. For maximum effect, however, make sure that the ear is clean.
To clean the ear, you will need an ear wash solution. Squeeze a few drops of the ear wash in the ear, flip the ear flap back down and then massage the base of the ear. The dog will want to shake its head so be prepared. The solution will loosen the discharge.
Now that the discharge has been loosened, you need to remove it. Using cotton balls, a soft cloth or cotton swabs, carefully remove the discharge from the inside of the ear flap. Your pet will be sensitive, so it is important to be gentle. You may need another person to help hold the dog still.
The next step is to insert the medication. Pay close attention to the dosage recommended by the veterinarian and only administer that amount. Your veterinarian will have determined what type of medication is necessary based on what type of infection your dog is suffering.
This could be either a yeast or bacterial infection. For a bacterial infection, an antibiotic would be prescribed. A yeast infection requires an antifungal treatment. Either type is usually a liquid that is to be placed in the ear unless the infection is severe or involves the middle or inner ear. In that case, you may need to administer a oral medication as well as the ear treatment. If your dog does get an infection, the best thing to do is not panic. Seek the care they need immediately. A certain degree of responsibility on your part is required to ensure a safe recovery for your pet. Follow the directions provided by your veterinarian and your pet will be healthy again in no time.
If you want to find out more about dogs, make sure to check out How To Train Your Dog To Fetch.