Ear issues are serious business, especially in canine companions. If left untreated, a simple ear infection can become quite painful and in severe cases, it can lead to mild or severe hearing loss. Dogs who display any of the symptoms of an ear infection, such as odor, discharge or pawing at the ears, should be brought to a veterinarian for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
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Allergies
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Allergies cause the affected canine to itch and scratch at their entire body. Unfortunately, when this itching affects the ears, the dog can inadvertently create open wounds in which bacteria and yeast can enter.
Ear Mites
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Ear mites literally open the gates for bacteria and yeast to enter the ears. Ear mites feed off the host's blood and cause severe itching within the ear. The itching, combined the feeding habits of the mites, allow bacteria and yeast to enter, resulting in an infection.
Ear Shape
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Breeds with floppy ears, such as the cocker spaniel or the bloodhound, are prone to developing ear infections simply due to the shape of their ears. This is because the ears cover the ear canal and air cannot flow through the ear, thus creating the ideal warm and moist environment for bacteria or yeast to thrive.
Ear Wax
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Buildup of ear wax can lead to an ear infection. Ear wax helps to create a warm and moist environment, which is perfect for the growth of bacteria or yeast.
Environment
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Dogs who live in warm, humid environments may also suffer from reoccurring yeast and bacterial ear infections, even if they don't have floppy ears.
Foot Issues
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Dogs use their feet to scratch their ears, so bacteria and fungus that are present on their feet can be easily transmitted to their ears, causing an infection. Also, dogs who are suffering from a nail infection, a paw pad infection, or some other type of foot infection, can spread these infections to their ears.
Foreign Objects
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Dennis W. Thomas, DVM, noted that he had a patient whose dog had somehow gotten spear grass inside his ear. incidents such as this, when a foreign object has somehow entered the ear, can cause an ear infection.
Growths
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Unusual growths, such as a tumor, can lead to an ear infection. These growths can block the ear's ventilation and allow yeast or bacteria populations to overgrow.
Scabies
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Scabies mites cause ear infections on the outside of the ear. These mites are itchy, causing the dog to paw at his ear excessively. This leads to open wounds and inflammation, where bacteria or yeast enter and cause an infection.
Wet Ears
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Ears that are not properly dried after bathing or swimming can also lead to canine ear infections.
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