Treating Ear Infections In Dogs
Ask any veterinarian about the most common medical problem that dogs experience. The answer will likely be ear infections those incredibly uncomfortable conditions where a dogs ears stink and itch. Today, one of the most sought-after treatments at vet clinics is how to treat dog ear infections.
- Does your dog have itchy ears?
- Is your dog scratching his ears or shaking his head quite often?
- Have you noticed your dog has smelly ears, heat around them, or a thick, black-colored discharge coming from them?
If you answered “yes” to any of the above symptoms, your dog could have an irritating ear infection. Many pet owners first realize that somethings wrong when their dog has itchy ears or painful, stinky ears with a black discharge. If this sounds like your pup, check with your veterinarian as soon as you can to get a detailed diagnosis.
Fortunately, because Banixx Pet Care is both an antibacterial and antifungal for dogs, it provides an easy answer to the question of how to get rid of a dog ear infection. And, because Banixx is potent yet tender on tissue, it can be used daily, as a routine dog ear cleaning solution, to help keep infections from starting or coming back. You can use Banixx up to three times daily, and it wont harm your dogs eyes if it should accidentally get in them. Banixx is the perfect home remedy for dog ear care to treat and prevent a dog ear infection. Its easy on the checkbook too.
Curing Yeast Through Diet
This blog post gets a lot of traffic from people dealing with severe yeast issues with their dogs, so I reached out to Billy Hoekman of Answers Pet Food to ask for a diet that you can feed to your dog that may help tremendously. I have seen amazing improvements in dogs fed a diet created by Answers Pet Food so I’m excited to share the following with you.
Please note that the following diet is for a dog that weighs 22 pounds you’ll have to adjust based on the weight of your dog.
Answers Pet Food Diet: Fermented Foods Only
- Detailed Formula 5.6 ounces
- Fermented raw cow milk kefir 2 ounces
- Fermented Fish Stock or Turkey Stock with Fermented Beet Juice 4 ounces
Answers Pet Food Diet: Yeast Issue, but Not Severe
- Detailed Formula 3.6 ounces
- Fermented raw cow milk kefir 4 ounces
- Fermented raw goat milk 4 ounces
- Fermented Fish Stock or Turkey Stock with Fermented Beet Juice 4 ounces
Answers Pet Food Diet: Severe Yeast Issue
- Detailed Formula 2.6 ounces
- Fermented raw cow milk kefir 6.1 ounces
- Fermented raw goat milk 4 ounces
- Fermented Fish Stock or Turkey Stock with Fermented Beet Juice 4 ounces
If you feed multiple times a day you can break up the amounts.
How Common Are Ear Infections In Dogs
Infection of the external ear canal is called otitis externa and is one of the most common types of infections seen in dogs. Some breeds, particularly those with large, floppy or hairy ears like Cocker Spaniels, Miniature Poodles, or Old English Sheepdogs, appear to be more prone to ear infections, but ear infections may occur in any breed.
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Home Remedies For Ear Infections In Dogs Without Prescriptions
Hydrogen peroxide
This commonly known technique is controversial. Some veterinarians see this over-the-counter product as a good ear cleaning agent. Others see its use as risky. Read on to understand why.
I remember as a child my father used this technique to clean MY ears!
Its suggested to use one part of peroxide mixed with one part of water to kill the bacteria present in the ear, by using a cotton wool soaked with the mixture to clean it.
That said, peroxide also attacks good bacteria in the ear, so use this in moderation. Also, in the case of a yeast infection, this product could cause more inflammation. Due to its chemical action, the peroxide leaves the ear wet, which technically predisposes it to further infections.
While some recognize its effectiveness, the supervision of an animal health professional when using this technique is always recommended.
Using this remedy will require you to unleash your talents as a chef!
You can follow this recipe from Wellpet:
- Mix 2 tablespoons of coconut oil with garlic over low heat to create a marvelous antibacterial concoction!
- You can use this cooled mixture to clean your dog’s ears, again with cotton wool or gauze.
In any case, ear infections in dogs should be taken seriously even if they are very common.
If your dog shows signs such as shaking his head, scratching his ears or they are smelly, use our natural remedy or the other treatments suggested to relieve him of his ear infection symptoms.
What Dogs Are At Risk
Dog ear infections dont discriminate. Any pooch can develop one at any time regardless of age, breed, or medical history. However, doggies with allergies and certain medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism, are at a higher risk for ear infections.
The shape of a dogs pinnae, or outer ear, can also be a factor. Breeds with long, floppy ears like Cocker Spaniels, Springer Spaniels, and Labrador Retrievers are predisposed to the condition.
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Expert Tips To Prevent Ear Infections In Dogs
Once the main causes of ear infections in dogs are clear, we can talk about preventive measures. Below are the most popular recommendations among veterinarians:
1. Proper hygiene: clean your dog’s ears carefully and with suitable products.
Ear hygiene is vital to prevent ear infections in dogs. Frequency and technique are important. The best way to clean your dogs ears is to lift the ear, spray or flush the ear canal with an approved solution, and then massage the base for 20 to 30 seconds. After that, your dog will shake its head to remove the fluid and debris.
Although swabs can be used in the folds inside the ear, its best to avoid inserting them into the ear canal. As in humans, this can push wax inside, cause plugging, and have the opposite effect.
Its also important to use suitable solutions. Homemade ones, such as dilute hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, and rubbing alcohol, are discouraged because of their abrasiveness and high-water content. Therefore, its best to consult with a vet for the most effective and safest option.
2. Keep your dog’s ears dry.
In addition to the special washing of the ears, keeping them dry is a priority. One option is to place cotton balls inside them to prevent moisture from getting inside during bathing.
3. Avoid removing hair from the ear canals unless necessary.
4. Use appropriate supplements for healthy skin and hair.
Causes Of Ear Infections In Dogs
There is a long list of causes of ear infections in dogs. In many cases, an underlying problem compromises the normal protective barrier of the ears. Moisture in the ears also creates a favorable environment for bacteria and yeast to multiply and cause infection.
Some of the most common causes of ear infections in dogs include:
- Excessive moisture in the ear passages from bathing or swimming
- Foreign bodies, such as foxtails or grass awns, that get into the dogs ear
- Excessive or incorrect ear cleaning
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Dog Ear Infections: Natural Remedies That Work
Does your dog have itchy, gunky, smelly or even painful ears that dont seem to get better? Youre not alone. Dog ear infections are one of the main reasons people take their dogs to the vet.
Heres some information to help you fix your dogs ear infections for good especially if she gets recurrent ear infections,
How To Treat Dog Ear Infection Without The Vet
In many cases, if your dogs ear infection has already progressed, you will need the medication that you can get from the vet clinic in order to fully treat the infection.
Especially if your dog is showing severe signs of pain, its important to consider a veterinarian for rapid treatment. Its not fun or fair for our dogs to suffer needlessly.
However, if you suspect that an infection is just about to start, or are looking for natural ways to clean your dogs ears to prevent future infections, these options will give you some insight.
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Causes Of Ear Canal Infection
A variety of bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Staphylococcus aureus, can infect the ear canal. Fungal ear canal infection , typically caused by Aspergillus niger or Candida albicans, is less common. Boils are usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus.
, are particularly prone to acute external otitis.
Common risk factors for ear canal infection include:
-
Injuring the ear canal while cleaning it
-
Getting water in the ear, particularly while swimming
-
Use of earplugs or hearing aids
-
Getting irritants such as hair spray or hair dye in the ear
Use of cotton swabs to clean the ear is a very common risk factor for ear canal infection. Cotton swabs should not be placed in the ear canal.
Outlook For This Condition
In most cases, antifungal treatments are enough to get rid of otomycosis. However, some people dont respond to these treatments, and otomycosis may become chronic. In this case, being under the care of an ear specialist may be helpful.
Continue to follow up with your doctor if your symptoms persist.
If you have diabetes, a weakened immune system, or chronic health problems, getting those conditions under good control is important. Treating any chronic skin conditions, like eczema, is also important.
In addition, continued exposure to the fungus from contaminated water or other sources can cause the infection to return.
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Is A Dog Ear Infection An Emergency
If your dog’s head is tilted or it seems to be hearing less than usual, it is possible that the infection may have migrated into the middle or inner ear and the tympanic membrane may have ruptured. This is therefore a more urgent condition.
A swollen, red, warm ear is also more worrying, as it could be an ear hematoma.
Such symptoms should be discussed with a vet.
Clinical Diagnosis And Etiological Factors
Otitis externa is common in dogs, and may be unilateral or bilateral. Evaluation for otitis and its diagnosis is based on ear canal palpation, visual inspection of ears, including otoscopic examination, and cytological analysis of otic contents.
Changes to the ear pinna may include alopecia, excoriation, crusting, erythema, and hyperpigmentation. The external ear canal may exhibit presence of hyperemia, ulceration, ceruminous or suppurative discharge, masses, stenosis, glandular changes, or foreign bodies. Usually more than one abnormal finding is noted within an affected ear. Evaluation of the tympanic membrane forms a key part of the otoscopic evaluation, though it may be difficult to assess the tympanum when otitis externa is present. It is reasonable to leave assessment of the tympanic membrane to a later date, after changes attributed to active otitis have been corrected.
Cytological evaluation of otic contents is the single most informative diagnostic test that helps with treatment of otitis. Otic cytological evaluations also help monitor response to therapy. Occasionally, bacterial culture sampling from the horizontal ear canal may be used to help determine treatment options and for selection of systemic antibiotic therapy, if indicated. Imaging studies such as radiographs, computed tomography scan or magnetic resonance imaging are not routinely used but can be helpful in cases of chronic otitis, or when otitis media is of concern.
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How Do You Diagnose An Ear Infection In My Pet
If your pet is experiencing any clinical signs of an ear infection, it is important to have them evaluated by your veterinarian. Since ear infections can be caused by different infectious agents or even a foreign body or tumor, it is imperative to narrow down the underlying cause of the infection quickly.
Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination that involves evaluating the ear with an otoscope, an instrument that provides magnification and light. Using an otoscope, your veterinarian will assess how the ear canal appears, if there is any damage to the eardrum, or of there is any evidence of a tumor or foreign bodies. At times, your pet may be in too much pain for an examination. It may be necessary to sedate or anesthetize your pet to allow for a proper ear examination.
Your veterinarian will also perform an ear cytology, which involves taking a sample of the discharge from the ear canal and assessing the specimen under the microscope. Your veterinarian will be able to diagnose the type of infection and decide on the proper treatment.
In more severe, chronic cases, your veterinarian may recommend a culture to ensure your pet receives the proper treatment. Your veterinarian may recommend full bloodwork to rule out an underlying condition, such as hypothyroidism.
Causes Of Ear Yeast Infections In Dogs
There are several causes of ear yeast infections in dogs. Some of the most common causes include:
- Allergies – If a dog has an allergy to something in the environment or a food then a yeast overgrowth may occur in the ear. The body reacts to the allergen with inflammation, and this in turn can cause the yeast to proliferate in the ear.
- Ear mites – Ear mites, which feed off of a dog’s ear wax, can cause irritation and inflammation in the ear. This can result in an overgrowth of yeast.
- Moisture – An ear canal is a warm place, and yeast like to grow in warm, moist environments. If water enters the ear canal and the ears do not properly dry out, yeast will reproduce and cause an infection. This often occurs after a dog gets a bath or goes swimming.
- Ear deformities – Some dogs are born with abnormal ear canals or excessive ear tissue. Other dogs will develop ear issues over time due to trauma, recurrent infections, or other things. These deformities usually make it difficult for an ear to stay dry and instead trap moisture that helps to create an environment for yeast to grow in.
- Tumors – Some tumors in the ear block the opening to the ear canal. This causes excessive heat and moisture to build up and encourages an overgrowth of yeast.
Some hormonal changes, antibiotic use, and other skin issues may also cause ear yeast infections in dogs.
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How To Identify And Treat Ear Fungus In Dogs
Nobody wants to see their dogs in pain– especially in a sensitive area like their ears. Most dog owners know something is wrong when their dog starts to whine and scratch their ears. You may at first think itâs fleas– which is whole other issue entirely– but it may be an ear infection instead. Dogsâ ears are the perfect environment for fungus or bacteria to grow. Theyâre warm, moist– and in most cases– have plenty of crevices for the unwanted invaders to multiply. But there are some telltale signs for dog owners to watch for, and in this article weâll cover:
- Types of infection
- How to identify the symptoms
- Causes of ear fungus and infection
- Treatment
- Prevention
Antibiotic Therapy For Ear Infections
- Any pet can develop an ear infection underlying allergies or other illnesses are often the cause.
- Bacterial infection generally occurs secondary to the inflammation and unhealthy environment in the ear.
- A typical course of antibiotics can be as brief as 5 to 7 days, or as long as several months. It is best to give all medications as directed for the full course of treatment, even if the ears look better right away.
What Is an Ear Infection?
The medical term for an ear infection is otitis. Ear infections generally begin as inflammation of the skin inside the outer ear canal . Once inflammation is present, discharge, redness, and other characteristics of an ear infection become established. Inflammation of the canal leads to the overgrowth of normal bacteria and yeast that live in the ear other opportunistic bacteria can also take advantage of the inflammation and unhealthy environment inside the ear to establish infection. The overgrowth of these organisms causes more inflammation and other unhealthy changes inside the ear. In some cases, ear infections that start in the outer ear canal can progress to involve the middle ear and inner ear. Deep infections can lead to deafness and other complications.
What Causes Ear Infections?
- Allergies
- Ear mites
- Polyps or other growths in the ear canal
- Systemic illnesses such as thyroid disease and adrenal gland disease
- Foreign material in the ears, including dirt, sand, or plant material
How Are Antibiotics Given?
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Fast Acting Home Remedies For Dog Ear Yeast Infection
To see your pets in pain is one of the worst things a pet-owner could go through. Dogs are prone to infections due to their thick fur coat, which conceals worms and mites from plain sight. Moreover, dogs love to play outdoors which makes them susceptible to these attacks. An ear infection is one of the most painful experiences for a dog.
Treatment Of Ear Yeast Infections In Dogs
Yeast infections in ears are usually easy enough to clear up. Medicated ear drops and a cleaner are typically sent home to be applied for two weeks. The medications will contain antifungal medications to kill the yeast in addition to other ingredients. If the ear is especially painful, anti-inflammatory medications may also be used. Occasionally an ear yeast infection may be so painful for a dog that it will need to be sedated or anesthetized by your vet in order to have the initial ear cleaning and treatment performed. Your veterinarian may also recommend some at-home remedies depending on the severity of the infection.
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