Canine otitis media is one of the most common symptoms in dogs, with inflammation of the outside and external auditory canal, a middle ear infection will deeply affect the structure of the ear. This condition for a long time will put the pet’s life at risk. Today Pety will provide you with the necessary information about dogs with ear infections and how to care for and prevent ear infections in dogs.
What is an ear infection in dogs?
Otitis media is an inflammation of the ear canal (most commonly the router) in dogs. Pain is a typical symptom, which can be further complicated by affecting multiple internal structures of the ear.
Otitis media and otitis media are common ear problems in cats and dogs. The most common cause is an infection. If your pet has had ear mites for a long time, or has a tumor in the ear, or has a foreign object in the ear (grass seeds, insects …) can create an environment for bacteria to grow.
Causes of dog ear infections
Dogs have ear infections due to many reasons, most of which are due to hygiene problems, so parasites can penetrate and infect. The first cause can be mentioned is due to the parasitic animals in the ear such as ear mites, fleas, and ticks, they burrow causing discomfort, and scratching animals easily cause ear infections, and ear infections.
External influences such as dirt, and ear hair that grows closed but is not trimmed also causes inflammation in the ear. Plus, not cleaning the ears for a long time causes bacteria to grow or foreign bodies to hurt the ears.
Another cause can be mentioned as the process of bathing, the owner does not dry thoroughly, causing soapy water in the dog’s ears to become infected for a long time.
Because the environment contains pathogens, the process of contact with other sick animals spreads the bacteria and the dog will get sick.
Symptoms of an ear infection in a dog
Symptoms that cause an ear infection in a dog can include:
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Dogs with ear infections often experience itching, discomfort, and non-stop scratching in the ears and head.
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In the ears appear fluid, yellow pus, wet patches with a fishy odor that is uncomfortable for both owners and pets.
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In some milder cases, in the ears, the earlobes are red and swollen, making them painful.
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The case of dogs with purulent ear infections will make them very uncomfortable, more aggressive than usual. Many dogs are very tired, just alone in a corner, but refuse to exercise or interact around.
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They show reluctance to chew, pain when opening the mouth, head shaking, ear stroking, head tilt, loss of balance, and hearing loss.
How to prevent dogs from getting ear infections
Pay attention to the prevention and treatment of lice
A clean living environment without mites will help your dog to ensure the best health and development. Practicing good tick prevention is not only good for your dog but also prevents the spread of pathogens to your family.
Clean the ears with soft cotton, and avoid using hard objects that cause scratches
To protect your pet from ear diseases, it is advisable to clean them periodically every month. Just like humans, dogs’ ears are also very sensitive, you can use soft cotton to remove the dog’s earwax, and avoid using sharp objects that can hurt their ears.
Clean your dog’s ears regularly
This is very helpful if your dog is one of the breeds that are prone to ear infections. The purpose of cleaning is to remove what can clog the ear canal and cause inflammation. Therefore, cleaning the ears has a preventive and supportive role in the treatment of ear infections in dogs. Cleaning is done with a suitable product that your veterinarian recommends and following your veterinarian’s advice.
Maintain a scientific diet
In the way of pet care, diet cannot be ignored. A scientific diet will help them stay healthy and have good resistance to diseases. You should consult with your veterinarian to choose the nutrition that is right for your dog.
Periodically check for ear lice for timely prevention
Bring your pet to the vet clinic and have it checked. This can be done by endoscopic method, the doctor will guide you to care and clean your pet in the best way.
How to clean a dog’s ears simply
One of the ways to prevent dogs from getting ear infections is not to mention cleaning the dog’s ears regularly. But do you know how to clean dog ears? Let’s find out with Pety below
First you should prepare the necessary tools such as ear cleaners, cotton balls, tweezers and a towel. Buy at pet stores a specialized dog ear cleaner depending on your needs. Be careful to avoid ear cleaners that contain alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, which can irritate your dog’s sensitive ears.
Steps to clean dog ears:
Step 1: Check the dog’s ears
Check your dog’s ears before starting. If the ears are red or inflamed, have an unpleasant odor, you should absolutely not clean them, but quickly take them to the veterinarian for examination and treatment because they may have an infection.
Note: If your dog’s ears have a lot of hair, use tweezers to clean the hair out of the ear canal and then start cleaning.
Step 2: Reward the dog with food
After the dog is seated, reward him with a treat. Then start putting the cleaning solution in the dog’s ears.
Step 3: Massage the dog’s ears
To keep the toilet water from splashing, gently massage the ear with your fingers for about 20 seconds.
Step 4: Let the dog loose
Release the dog’s ears and allow your dog to shake his head if he wants, keeping the towel over his head to prevent the solution from getting all over the place.
Step 5: Wipe the dog’s ears
Using some cotton, wrap the cloth around your index finger, gently wiping the dog’s ear canal. Only use cotton swabs if absolutely necessary, and only on the visible part of the dog’s ears.
Step 6: Encourage the dog spirit
Finally, after cleaning, you need to reward them to encourage them mentally.
How to care for a dog with an ear infection
Otitis media/inner ear is a pretty serious disease. When detecting that your pet has symptoms of an ear infection, immediately take it to the veterinarian to be diagnosed, and determine the level and the most effective treatment regimen.
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Some ear drops can be used for treatment.
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Severe cases of ear infections need to add antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs if the cause is caused by a fungus.
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If your dog is vomiting or unable to eat, they need fluids to prevent dehydration and control vomiting.
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If your pet loses balance, you should limit their exercise, especially going to the stairs, and hand-feeding will limit nausea.
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In severe cases, the pet may need surgery.
Summary
The article has provided useful information about ear infections in dogs and how to prevent dogs from getting ear infections. Ear infections in dogs make you and those around you extremely uncomfortable. Take good care of your pets so they stay with you forever.