Many dogs have a keen sense of hearing and sensitive ears to accommodate that sense. Ear infections and injuries can be uncomfortable and painful to dogs, and it is usually not difficult to tell if your dog has an ear problem. It is important to pay close attention to your dog's behavior so that you quickly can identify any ear problems and take steps to alleviate the pain.
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Unpleasant Odor Or Discharge
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You may notice that your dog's ears are stinky. Examine the ears closely to see if this is accompanied by any discharge. Ears that are infected sometimes will secrete large amounts of pungent earwax. If the infection is particularly severe or if the ear drum has ruptured, pus also may be present.
Trouble Balancing
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Just as in humans and many other mammals, the dog's ear plays an important part of its balance. If you notice that your dog is walking strangely or seems to fall over a lot, an ear infection or injury may be the case. Other factors may be at work if your dog is losing balance, so it is important to seek veterinary attention to determine the cause.
Swollen, Red Ears
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Your dog's ears may be particularly tender and appear swollen and inflamed. If you scratch behind your dog's ears and it yelps, there is a good chance there is an infection. Check the inside of your dog's ears for any redness or inflammation. Ticks also like to target dog's ears and can cause symptoms similar to an infection, so check carefully for ticks in its ears.
Ear Rubbing
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Dogs with infected or injured ears constantly will try to rub them as a way of easing their discomfort. They frequently may scratch at their ears or rub them against carpet or grass. This rubbing may be accompanied by yelping or howling if the dog is has extreme pain.
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