Symptoms Of A Dog Ear Infection And How To Cure It

October 2, 2008 by Richard Cross

Ear infections are a common problem amongst domesticated dogs, so it’s important that all dog owners know what to look out for. In this article I’ll be taking you through some of the more common symptoms of dog ear infections and what can be done about it. It should be mentioned that if you suspect your dog isn’t well, you should always visit your local vet immediately.

Symptoms Of A Dog Ear Infection

Usually ear infections can be extremely uncomfortable for dogs. Because of this, if you see signs of discomfort in your dog as well as trying to scratch its ears all the time this could be a symptom of an ear infection. Dogs with infections in the ear also often shake their heads. It is a general rule to follow with dogs that sudden unusual behaviour that you haven’t seen before could signify there is something wrong.

In some cases there could also be a yellow coloured discharge from the dog’s ears. This doesn’t happen in every case though.

How To Cure A Dog Ear Infection

If you suspect your dog has an ear infection the best way to make sure is by visiting your vet. He or she will then tell you exactly what could be wrong with your dog and what action to take. Usually diagnosis is made by the vet looking into the dog’s ear canal to try and see what is causing the problem. The vet will also check for any possible damage to the ear canal, which could affect the treatment advised.

In some cases the ear infection can be caused by a parasite such as a tick. It could also be caused by an inanimate object that may be lodged inside the ear. In this case, the vet will advise you on how they will remove the object without damaging the ear. This should never be done at home.

If the ear has an infection then treatment isn’t so simple, and may take longer. Treatment can vary greatly depending on your dog’s exact condition, and can include medication, X-rays and possibly surgery.

Ear infections tend to get worse and worse the longer they are left untreated, so you should always take your dog to the vet immediately if you suspect an infection. In the worst cases an untreated infection can cause your dog to go deaf, so getting a proper examination is vital.

How To Prevent A Dog Ear Infection

Sometimes ear infections in dogs can’t be prevented, but there are steps you can take to make it less likely for your dog to get one. Cleaning your dogs ears regularly (ask your vet how to do this properly) can go a long way to preventing many infections. This can also help you identify when there is something wrong so you can get treatment straight away.