What is Causing My Dog’s Ear Infections?

Simply put, your furry kiddo’s ear canal is different from ours. A dog’s ear canal is more vertical than ours, so it forms more of an L-shape. Due to this L-shape, the canal tends to hold in fluid, which makes your doggie more prone to ear infections. Ear infections are commonly caused by bacteria, yeast, or a combination of both. If you have a puppy, ear mites can also be a source of infection. It’s also important to note that dog ear infections occur more during the warm months.

Other components that may make your fur baby more susceptible to ear infections include: 

• Moisture that can create an optimal growing environment for bacteria and yeast
• Allergic skin disease and food sensitivities
• Thyroid disease
• Autoimmune disorders
• Wax buildup
• Foreign bodies
• Injury to the ear canal
• Excessive cleaning

What Should You Do If You Think Your Dog Has an Ear Infection?   

It is essential to schedule an appointment with Dr. Callicott as soon as possible.

Prompt treatment is important not only for decreasing your dog’s pain but also to prevent the infection from spreading to the middle or inner ear. Please don’t try to treat ear infections at home.

When you come to Petworks for your scheduled appointment, be prepared to tell one of our doctors a thorough history of the problem. Details that are important for our vets to know are the following:

• How long has your dog’s ear infection symptoms been occurring?
• Do you know of any allergies for your dog?
• Is your dog currently on any medication?
• What has your dog been eating?
• Do you clean your dog’s ears, and if so, what is the cleaning product you use ?
• Has your dog recently had a bath, grooming session or been swimming
• Does your dog have any history of ear infections

What You and Your Dog Can Expect During Your Visit to Petworks

Head Veterinarian Dr. Callicott or one of our other experienced Petworks Veterinarians will physically examine both ears. The exam may include the following: 

• Visual exam for signs of redness, swelling, and discharge. 
• Examination inside the ear with a device called an otoscope. The otoscope allows our doctors to evaluate the ear canal and eardrum.
• Palpation to assess pain.
• Swabbing the ear and then assessing the sample under the microscope. 
• Collect culture samples from the ear. This means taking samples of the fluid in the ear and examining them in the laboratory for bacteria or fungi. 
• Biopsies or X-rays in more serious cases 

How Do the Vets at Petworks Treat a Dog’s Ear Infection?

Our doctors will clean your dog’s ear using a medicated ear cleaner. You may receive a prescription for doggie ear drops for you to use at home. If the infection is severe, you will receive a prescription for oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications may be necessary.

Once treatment begins, most ear infections are resolved within 1-2 weeks. However, more severe infections may take months for your dog to recover fully.

It is imperative to follow the treatment plan closely and return to recommended follow-up appointments. Your dog may experience a recurrence of the infection, or additional problems may occur if there are lapses in care or not all the medications are finished.

How Do I Prevent Ear Infections in My Dog?

As mentioned earlier, excess moisture is a common cause of ear infections. So, be sure to dry your dog’s ears after swimming and bathing. If your dog has reoccurring ear infections, our doctors can examine any underlying causes, such as allergies or diet.

The doctors at Petworks will collaborate with you to manage any conditions your dog might be experiencing and prevent new infections.

Our doctors and vet staff can teach you how to clean your dog’s ears at home. The doctors will recommend a specific ear-cleaning solution that is best for your dog, and you will be instructed on the safe and proper ear-cleaning methods.

• Fill the canal with the recommended ear-cleaning solution.
• Massage the ear from the outside
• Wipe out the ear canal with absorbent gauze {do not use paper towels or cotton because fibers from these may be left behind}
• Cotton swabs may help clean the outside ear flaps, but do not use them in your dog’s ear canal {do not use the swabs in the ear canal}
• You can also find dog-cleaning ear wipes, which can be helpful for clearing away dirt and debris from the outside of the ear flaps.

Dr. Callicott and all the veterinarians at Petworks can help you keep your furry best friend’s ears clean and comfortable.

If your canine kiddo is showing signs of an ear infection, Call Us today or Schedule an Appointment Online to ensure the problem does not become serious.