If your dog is rubbing its ears on the floor, scratching them like it is trying to rip them off or excessively shaking its head, chances are, it has an ear infection. When a dog has an ear infection, a large amount of uncomfortable debris is produced, along with irritation and aching. As a means of relief, your dog will do whatever it feels may help, which may include attacking the side of your couch by rubbing its ear all over it. Fortunately, many ear infections are easy to treat, as long as you are persistent about treating them.
Things You'll Need
- Ear cleaner
- Cotton ball or squares
- Ear ointment or cream
Instructions
Pour dog ear cleaner into the ear canal of your dog until it comes back out, in order to clean its ears. Massage the base of its ears to work the solution around to the deep crevices of the ear canal, and use a cotton ball or square to remove the gunk. Repeat this process until the cotton ball or square comes out clean.
Place a few drops of veterinary-prescribed ear ointment into the canal to help with the infection. It is essential to take your dog to the doctor in order to diagnose what is causing the infection, as different culprits---such as yeast---require different types of medication. After applying the medication, massage the base of the ear to help spread the ointment or drops throughout the canal.
Clean the ears once a day for about a week, or as the doctor recommends. It is essential to remove the gunk from the ear, as it prevents the medication from reaching where it needs to go. Be sure to clean the ears before you apply the medication, as doing so after will remove the ointment or cream.
Administer the medication for the prescribed amount of time. Your dog's ears will likely look less red and will probably feel more comfortable in a day or two. However, this does not mean the infection is resolved---you must continue to apply the medication. If you stop giving the medication, the infection will not resolve, and in fact, will likely get worse.