Because ear problems in dogs can be the result of a whole host of things, from allergies to parasites to infection, it is important not only to treat the immediate situation but also to look at your dog's diet and grooming to prevent future problems. Things like changing your dog's food and keeping hair out of your dog's ear canal can make a dramatic difference in preventing ear problems.
Things You'll Need
- Cleaning solution
- Gauze pad
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Ear drops
Instructions
Treating Immediate Problems
Check your dog for any of these signs of ear problems:
Ear odor
Constant shaking of his head or pawing at or scratching his ears
Discharge from the ear
Buildup in the ear
Redness or swelling of the ear flap or canal
Bring your dog to the vet if he shows any of signs of ear problems. Your vet will inspect the ears and diagnose the cause. The most common causes are allergies, parasites, infection, foreign bodies lodged in the ears, trauma or hormonal abnormalities.
Follow your vet's treatment regime. Depending on the diagnosis, you might have to give your dog antibiotics or antihistamines or medication to treat a yeast infection. No matter what the cause of the problem is, you will also have to clean your dog's ears. Ask your vet for a cleaning solution if he does not prescribe a specific one.
Preventing Future Problems
Clean your dog's ears weekly. Use a gauze pad and a cleaning solution provided by your vet to wipe the inside of the dog's ears. Do not use a cotton swab to clean inside the ear canal as you can cause serious trauma. Also make sure not to use cotton balls as they can leave bits of cotton behind and be counterproductive.
Pluck or trim any hair blocking the ear canal. Proper air flow helps to prevent infection.
Feed your dog a healthy diet. Food without colorants, preservatives and other artificial additives is less likely to cause skin irritations and allergies.
Give your dog herbal ear drops. Ingredients like melaleuca alternifolia, tea tree oil, rosemary, marigold and verbascum thapsusis have a variety of healthful effects, from inflammation reduction to anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.