All dogs are susceptible to ear infections, but Labrador retrievers can be especially prone to this bothersome ailment due to their floppy ears and the warm, moist environment inside their ears.
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Labs are prone to ear infections.
Symptoms
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Signs that your dog may have an ear infection include:
The dog is repeatedly shaking its head
It is rubbing its head against furniture, carpet or the ground
It is rigorously scratching its ear often
The ear has an unpleasant odor
Types
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The two most common types of ear infections in Labs are otitis externa (infection of the ear canal) and otitis media (infection of the inner ear). According to an article at peteducation.com, 20 percent of dogs have infections of the ear canal.
Causes
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Common causes of ear infections in Labs include allergies, mites, obstructions in the ear and yeast infections.
Treatment
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Take your Lab to the veterinarian if you suspect it has an ear infection. Most infections can be treated by pills or injections.
Prevention
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Groom your dog regularly and look inside its ears for anything unusual. Redness or swelling may be a sign that something is wrong. Also, an extreme buildup of ear wax may be a symptom of an ear infection. Practice good hygiene with your dog and bath it several times a year.
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