A painful ear is a cause of lot of irritation in dogs. Dog Ear infections are quite common and affect about 20% of our
dogs. If your dog scratches its ears, appear irritable, shake his head, then it is a strong possibility that your dog is suffering from ear infection. Cocker Spaniels (with its heavy pendulous ears) and Yorkshire Terriers (lots of hair inside the ears) are particularly susceptible to ear infections.
Dog ear infections may be caused due to a number of factors such as bacteria, yeast or mites, dust, fleas or pollen. A dog may also be allergic to certain foods which might cause allergic reactions leading to an ear
infection. If u notice a foul smell and slime like discharge from the dog’s ears, then you can be certain that it is a yeast infection. Yeast infections are the most common ear infections in dogs commonly found those with floppy ears or having allergies. Other symptoms of yeast ear infection include increased production of ear wax and other secretions.
Symptoms
The following are the symptoms incase a dog is suffering from
an ear infection.
- Scratching its ear and shaking its head excessively.
- Foul smell arising from the ears of the dog.
- The ear may be filled with a yellowish discharge and may also be red and
sore.
- A prevailing sense of lethargy and irritation.
- The ears may be very painful and therefore the dog may shy away from
being patted.
- And finally, the head may be tilted towards one side.
An untreated infection in the outer ear may spread to
the inner ear. Also, the ear infections may worsen due to some actions of the
dog. If the dog scratches the ear continuously then there is a possibility that
your pet develops a secondary reaction. Thus, it is very important to start the
treatment as soon as the problem is diagnosed. Or the condition may just worsen
to fatal conclusions.
Treatment
Recommended Medicine for Dog Ear Infections
Cephalexin 500 mg: Cephalexin is a broad spectrum antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections of the skin, urinary tract, respiratory tract, bones and joints. Cephalexin is in a group of drugs called cephalosporin antibiotics. Cephalexin fights bacteria in the body. Cephalexin is used to treat infections caused by bacteria, including upper respiratory infections, ear infections, skin infections, and urinary tract infections. Pick some up at a discount price.
Oti-Clens Ear Cleaning Solution for Dogs: Oti-Clens is a non-irritating ear-cleaning agent for use in dogs. Non-toxic; does not irritate tissue or retard healing. Facilitates routine ear examinations and otic health, particularly for long-eared canine breeds prone to ear infections and entrapment of foreign matter. Eliminates ear wax that might obscure mites, weeds and other organic matter.
Home treatment is highly discouraged and treatment should be
done by a veterinarian at the earliest. The vet may then prescribe medicines
accordingly in a multi-step process.
- The canal of the infected ear is first cleaned thoroughly.
- Next the vet ascertains the severity of the infection and its type.
- Depending on the type of infection, he may prescribe ear washes and/or
ear drops and antibiotics. Besides he may also prescribe ointment with
steroids or topical spot treatments or antihistamines.
- In the most severe of cases, he may have no other option than to go for
surgery.
Summary
Therefore all said and done, the beat way to avoid ear
infections in dogs is for the owners to be aware of the signs of an ear
infection and seek veterinary care if symptoms are evident. More than treatment,
one needs to take steps to prevent its occurrence through regular grooming and
proper hygiene. However if a pet appears irritable and scratches its ears,
instantly seeks a vets advice. Your observations and help may save your dog from
a lot of pain.
