If you diagnosed your dog has an ear infection, or you suspect an ear infection, you should contact a veterinarian immediately. This condition demands quick action, so your dog doesn’t have to suffer.
Initially, after examining your dog, the vet will clean your dog’s ears. Usually, they suggest a chemical-based form of treatment. As a dog owner, you need to understand the cause of ear infection to be able to make a first diagnose.
How do you discover an ear infection on your dog?
The most common indication is when your dog is scratching or rubbing his ears. Also when he is shaking or tilting the head is a good indicator.
You can try to smell his ears for infection. If you can detect something foul, then you need to take action. If you take a closer look inside his ears, you might discover redness or swelling or perhaps a reddish brown discharge. You might also discover scabs or crusting inside the ears.
Here is a list of the most common causes of ear infection:
- Allergies are often a cause for inflammation, which can make the bacterias or fungus to grow
- Traumas like head injuries can lead to increased inflammation
Ear mites: Bacterial growth can start from an infection caused by infestation - Foreign object: can produce a wound, leading to inflammation
- Hypothyroidism: This condition causes redness and dry skin, which also can cause increased bacterial growth
- Malassezia: Is a fungus and a yeast infection and is triggered by ear wax
- Tumors: The presence of polyps and tumors might also cause inflammation
Is there a way to prevent dog ear infection?
How do you prevent an infection in your dog’s ears? Well, the best way of prevention is regular checks. Make a visual check of the ears, outside and inside. Use a soft towel to gently wipe them off after a bath or a rainy stroll.
If your dog has an excess of ear wax, try to wipe the outer ear with a soft cotton towel gently. NEVER use Q-tips! Using these will push the wax buildup and debris further down your dog’s ears. Worst case it can rupture the eardrum.
Since one of the reasons for ear infections can come from allergies, it is crucial what food you give your dog. The immune system is helped a lot by choosing the right food quality. Fresh, whole food is best for creating a healthy microbiome which will boost the immune system.
What kind of treatment can you do yourself?
There are some natural but just as valid options to your vet’s chemical-based form of treatment, and even safer.
These natural ways to handle a dog ear infection are effective:
- Cleaning of the ears. The first action you should perform. Excellent and regular brushing will help remove debris or wax buildup. Regular cleaning can help stop the infection from occurring again.
- A natural acid like apple cider is perfect for killing bacterial or fungal growth. The acid in the apple cider can help remove dirt and debris from ears. Never use vinegar if your dog has red, sore ears. That will sting and will annoy your dog: mix vinegar and water 50/50. Use a spray bottle and squirt a little in your dog’s ear or soak a cotton ball and gently clean your dog’s ear flap with the cotton ball.
- Another antibacterial substance is coconut oil which can be rubbed directly onto the spots. It soothes, so it’s good for dogs who’ve scratched so much their ears are raw or scabbed. And it smells good too.
- Ordinary baking soda has a soothing effect due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It can prevent itching by creating a more basic pH. Make a paste of the baking soda by mixing a tablespoon with a little water and make a paste. Place it on the areas that are itchy or reddened. Leave it on for a few hours, then wash it off.
Always consult your veterinarian if in doubt especially if you suspect an infection or scabs which is still harder to treat your selves.
