Dogs with long, floppy ears are more prone to ear infections than other breeds. The beagle, for example, has ears that hang close to his head and do not allow for good air circulation. An ear infection in a dog can be quite bothersome to your pet and should be treated quickly to prevent permanent hearing damage or complete hearing loss. Of course, seeing your dogs veterinarian is the best course of action. If you suspect that your beagle has an ear infection, there are some things you can do at home.
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Causes
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Before you can diagnosis or treat an ear infection, it is important to know what might be causing it. The most common cause is allergies. Since you cannot cure an allergy, your beagle will likely encounter multiple flare-ups and they should be treated right away. Allergic reactions can cause your beagle's ear canal to produce excess ear wax that leads to the infection. As mentioned before, floppy ears act as a breeding ground for bacteria. The lack of circulation acts like an incubator. Another common culprit is water from swimming or bathing. The water that becomes trapped also helps the bacteria to produce. As well as trapping water and limiting circulation, your beagle's floppy ears make a wonderful home for ear mites. Left untreated, they can cause complete hearing loss in your dog.
Prevention
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The first course of defense against ear infections is prevention. Keeping your beagle's ears dry is essential. After swimming or giving him a bath, make sure you completely dry the inside of the ear. You also want to keep them clean. Trim away any additional hair and use an acidic cleaning and drying solution that you can pick up at your veterinarian's office or local pet store. Boosting your dog's immune system helps as well. Your dog should get plenty of exercise and eat a well balanced dog food. You should also speak to your veterinarian for other ways to prevent ear infections specific to your beagle.
Cures
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If your dog does get an ear infection, it is best to see a veterinarian. Your vet may prescribe an antibiotic or recommend an ear cleanser. Try home remedies: Mix a solution of half vinegar and half water. Pour the mixture into your beagle's ear and rub the base of the ear. Use a cotton ball or clean cloth to wipe away any excess liquid or debris. If your beagle is a swimmer, you can treat the ear infection with a pre-made solution to be proactive. Mix a cup of water with two cups of vinegar and a tablespoon of rubbing alcohol. You can also use this solution after every swim to help prevent future ear infections.
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