Ear infection in dogs is one of the most common illnesses that I see. Dogs with an ear infection can show a variety of presenting signs. They may shake their head or scratch their ears. They may have smelly or painful ears with discharge in them. Some dogs with an ear infection bite when their ears are touched. In severe cases, there may be a loss of hearing. The shape of the outer ear does not dictate whether there will be an infection in a dog’s ear; infections can be seen in dogs with either perky ears or floppy ears.

What To Do If There’s An Infection In Your Dogs Ear

An ear infection in your dog is not a simple problem. Dogs with ear infections need to be seen by a veterinarian. The veterinarian should examine the ear canal for foreign material or parasites in the canal, then take a swab to look under the microscope to understand what might be causing it and how severe the problem is. It is from this microscope slide that the veterinarian can determine the course of treatment for the dog’s ear infection.

How A Dog’s Ear Infection Is Treated

Initial treatment for an ear infection in dogs usually involves a cleaning solution followed by a medicated ointment in the ear. In severe cases, the dog may need to be sedated so that the infected ear can be properly examined and treated without causing further pain and distress in these dogs. Most dogs with repeated ear infections have an underlying allergy problem. The allergy disrupts the normal microenvironment of the ear, allowing the normal bacteria and yeast to grow uncontrollably and causing the ear infection. Until the underlying issue is addressed, the dog will continue to have ear infections. An untreated ear infection in dogs can lead to calcification of the ear canal. At this stage, they are considered “end stage ears”. This means that medical treatment is no longer helpful. Surgery is generally required to help dogs with calcified, infected ear canals.

If you think there’s an infection in your dog’s ear,call usto make an appointment. Early intervention is the key to treating ear infection in dogs.

Yours in health,

Dr. Kent Morley