Ear infections affect dogs of all breeds; however, those with hairy or small ears or allergies are the most susceptible. If your dog has open ears or likes to play outdoors, they are likely to be dealing with an ear infection for the rest of their life. The ear problems of dogs, however, can be treated.
Dogs with ear infections must be treated promptly. It can spread and worsen when left untreated, leading to long-term permanent effects such as losing hearing and paralysis, and coordination issues.
Early treatment for the ear infection can slow the development of more severe symptoms and reduce the chance of consequences. Examine your dog’s ears for abnormalities and keep an eye out for signs of allergies to minimize the risk of developing ear infections.
Causes of Ear Infection in Dogs
Anyone who has ever had an ear problem knows how difficult it can be to suffer from a throbbing ear. However, before you worry about what can happen if your dog develops an ear infection, you must be aware of the causes of ear infections to take preventative actions to reduce your dog’s chances of getting one.
Allergies
Allergies can be a problem for other animals than humans. Dogs can also be affected. If it does you, it’s likely to show similar symptoms you do, such as runny eyes and nose and coughing. Allergies can result in colds or other ailments, like an ear infection in animals, just like humans. A vet also has pet teeth extraction services.
Excessive Earwax or Ear Hair
Ears create wax, trap dirt, grow hair, and hold water. If your pet is habitually touching his ears, he’ll be less scared when a vet or groomer has to look inside them. You must also make sure that your dog’s ears are clean before grooming.
If your dog’s ears are clogged with wax or hair, they could be causing an infection. The wax or hair can cause irritation or inflammation to the skin, and huge clumps of hair collect debris, fluid, and even parasites.
Examine for dirt or too much wax buildup in the interior of the. Ear wax is standard; however, it is best to consult your vet if you notice lots of ear wax that looks reddish-brown, has streaks, or smells unusual. Hair in the ear can trap dirt, bacteria, and water that could lead to an infection.
Debris Trapped in the Ear Canal
Your dog’s ear canal is different from yours in terms of anatomy. Your dog’s ear canal is primarily horizontal, whereas it is predominantly vertical. This makes it easy for debris, fluids, or dirt to go into your dog’s ear and become trapped there. Once caught, yeast or bacteria can grow, potentially leading to an infection. Go to this link for more details.
Ear Mites
Ear mites are tiny parasites that reside within the ears of your dog. Since they feed on wax and oil within your dog’s ears instead of tissues or blood, they aren’t visible to the naked eye and do not leave visible bite marks.
However, they can also cause irritation and inflammation of the skin, leading to infection. Ear mites occur more frequently in cats, especially outdoor cats, though they are very infective and transmitted through contact. Visit your veterinarian for dog neuter surgery.
