Ear infections in dogs can be a nasty, reoccurring problem if not treated. Ear infections need medical attention due to the three types of infection: outer, middle and inner. Middle and inner ear infections are more serious---if an outer infection is not treated, a middle or inner infection may follow. Ear infection signs include heavy yellow or brown ear debris, head shaking, redness, swelling and a foul smell. Antibiotics, ointments and drops are prescribed because treatment depends infection cause. The veterinarian should sample the ear canal to identify the cause of the infection and to treat it accurately.
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Ear Cleaning
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Cleaning the dog's ears routinely is the easiest preventative action against ear infections. Once a week is best practice and after any time the dog is in water. Ear cleaner, which can be purchased at the veterinarian office or pet store, is acidic and kills bacteria and removes debris. Dogs that particularly need their ears cleaned more often are breeds known to suffer from ear infections---dogs with floppy ears, such as Basset Hounds and Cocker Spaniels, or dogs with hairy inner ear flaps, such as Poodles and Schnauzers. Water dogs such as Labrador and Golden Retrievers also are at risk.
To clean the ear, soak a cotton ball in the ear cleaner and place in dog's ear for a minute. The ear cleaner will soften debris, making it easier to clean with the cotton ball. Massage each ear so the cleaner is sure to go down the ear canal.
Allergies
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Dogs with allergies commonly suffer from ear infections. Unfortunately, no cure exists for allergies, and the only option is to identify the allergen. For food allergies, trials lasting approximately three months will identify the allergy. Dog food companies now offer food and treats made with ingredients such as venison, sweat potato, white fish and duck. The theory is that if dogs eat foods not in their current diet, the allergy symptoms will decrease, and once an old food is introduced and the allergy symptoms occur, the allergy has been identified. For environmental allergies, dogs must be tested by a veterinarian specialist.
Other Prevention Tips
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Besides cleaning the ears of the dogs regularly and after water activities, Vitamin C will help boost your dog's immune system. Fish oil also helps the skin and is especially effective in dogs with allergies. Fish oil comes in liquid or gel pill formula and can be added to a dog's water or food. Manuka honey cream or oil aids skin conditions and also can help with outer ear infections. However, if symptoms worsen or do not improve, a trip to the veterinarian is necessary. Ear infections only get worse if not treated in a timely matter.
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