If your dog is constantly shaking his head, scratching at one or both of his ears, and emits a smell that goes far beyond the normal ‘dog smell’, it’s quite possible that it’s a dog ear infection that they are suffering from.
Prevention of dog ear infection is more
desirable than the treatment, since the treatment for a long standing dog ear
infection can leave your dog deaf. Prevention of dog ear infection is vital,
every day that your dog has an ear infection, the inflammation is causing
permanent damage to the dog’s ear canal and will make future dog
ear infections more frequent and severe. When a dog has an ear
infection, the ear canal becomes scarred and narrowed while the ear wax glands
become larger and more active, thus creating a vicious cycle of dog ear
infection. Each subsequent dog ear infection does more harm to the dog’s ears
and hearing.
Certain dog breeds are more prone to
having ear infections than others, the Shar-pei and Cocker Spaniel are
genetically disposed to having dog ear infections. Genetics is not the only
cause of dog ear infection, any breed of dog can have ear infection, the cause
is the same for dog ear infection as it is for a human: heat and moisture.
Any dog that enjoys time in the water
will be prone to having an ear infection. Allergies are another contributing
factor to dog ear infection.
While the genetic predisposition of
your dog can’t be changed, treatment for allergies and products that will help
keep your dog’s ears dry are available through your veterinarian for prevention
of dog ear infections.
If an ear infection in your dog is left
untreated for a prolonged period of time, the yeast and bacteria causing the
ear infection will spread deeper into the inner ear, causing your dog severe
pain. If the dog ear infection spreads deep behind the eardrum, surgery is the
only treatment option, and that treatment option could leave your dog deaf.
The first sign that your dog has an ear
infection is red ears. By the time your dog is shaking his head incessantly and
emitting a strong ear odor, the dog ear infection has progressed and damaged
the ears. A trip to the veterinarian is in order to seek treatment.
Keeping your dog’s ears clean and dry
is the key to the prevention of dog ear infection. Diligent treatment of any
allergies that your dog may have that can lead to ear infection is also key.
Your veterinarian can recommend products for dog ear cleaning, and a
veterinarian dermatologist can recommend treatment for your dog’s allergies.
