Symptoms: How to Recognize an Ear Infection in Your Dog
An ear infection in your dog is not uncommon, but it should be taken seriously. Often, it is an inflammation of the outer ear canal (Otitis externa), also known as ear canal inflammation. However, the middle ear (Otitis media) or the inner ear (Otitis interna) can also become inflamed.
You can usually recognize ear problems in your dog quite well. Pay attention to the following symptoms:
- increased, severe head shaking
- head tilt
- constant → scratching at the ear
- rubbing face or ear on the ground
- redness, swelling, or scabs on the inside of the ear
- ears feel hot
- sensitivity to touch on the head
- balance disorders
- brown, unpleasant-smelling discharge on the inside of the ear
If your dog shows one or more of these symptoms, you should consult a veterinarian, as an ear infection is always a case for the professionals.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Ist das Innenohr deines Hund ganz rot, kann das ein Anzeichen für eine Entzündung sein.
Causes: How Does Your Dog Get an Ear Infection?
Before your four-legged friend can be treated, the veterinarian will first look at what the cause of the ear infection is. Only then can your pet be helped. Common reasons include a fungal infection, ear mites, foreign bodies, or allergies. But anatomical conditions can also trigger an ear infection.
- Anatomical Conditions
Dogs with floppy ears, narrow ear canals, or long fur are more prone to ear infections. Due to the dense hair growth and the drooping ear, the inner ear is less ventilated, and earwax is poorly transported away. Consequently, a warm, moist climate develops in the ears, creating the ideal habitat for bacteria. An inflammation or infection of the dog's ear is then not far off.
- Yeast Infections
Malassezia are yeast fungi that are normally present in small numbers on the skin surface of your dog. They are often found in the outer ear canal or under the tail. However, an excessive growth of these fungi can lead to an ear infection (Malassezia otitis). Dogs with floppy ears that like to swim a lot are often affected. If moisture remains in the ear, a moist, warm environment is created, which promotes the multiplication of Malassezia.
- Ear Mites
An infection with → ear mites can also lead to an ear infection in your dog. The infection can cause the ear canal to thicken and narrow, which in turn leads to poor ventilation of the ear, allowing fungi and bacteria to thrive.
- Allergies
If your dog suffers from a → allergy, a reddened or even inflamed ear is a common symptom. This is especially true for environmental allergies to pollen or dust mites as well as food intolerances, which can quickly irritate the ears. When treating, it is very important to also treat the allergy in a timely manner to prevent chronic ear infections.
- Foreign Bodies
If dirt or grass seeds get stuck in your dog's ears, this can also promote inflammation. You should be particularly cautious with grass seeds and have a professional take a look at it. These are small, often bristly plant particles that can migrate deeper into your dog's ear canal and become lodged there.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Vor allem Rassen mit langem Fell und Schlappohren neigen zu Ohrenentzündungen, da sich Bakterien und Pilze in ihren Ohren schneller ansiedeln können.
Treatment: What Helps Against an Ear Infection in Dogs?
After the veterinarian has thoroughly examined your pet and determined the cause, the appropriate treatment will be initiated. Often, your four-legged friend can be helped quickly, while in other cases, treatment may take longer.
Sometimes, a simple ear flushing is enough to clean your dog's ear canal, or the manual removal of the foreign body may suffice. Depending on the cause, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory ointments, tablets, or drops may be administered against the bacteria or fungi. If your dog suffers from pain or itching, medications can also help here. Surgery is usually only necessary in cases of chronic ear infections, a severely narrowed ear canal, or tumors in the ear.
If a food allergy or intolerance is the cause of your dog's ear infection, switching to a → different food with → more tolerable ingredients can help. Here, relief may take several weeks, but it will bring great joy back to mealtime! Dogs are often allergic to chicken, beef, and/or certain → grains. If you are still looking for a healthy and especially tasty food for allergy sufferers, check out our hypoallergenic food options!
Ideal for Allergies and Intolerances - Hypoallergenic Food
How to Prevent Ear Infections in Your Dog
You should refrain from home remedies or attempts to treat an ear infection in your dog on your own. If the infection is not treated properly and promptly, it can worsen and become chronic. In the worst case, an ear infection can lead to impairments in hearing, balance disorders, or damage to the facial nerve.
A regular and thorough ear care routine for your dog is therefore crucial if you want to prevent ear infections as much as possible. This includes:
1. Regularly cleaning your dog's outer ear canal with a damp cloth. You can also use our →CARE Ear Cleaner, which cleans, protects, and cares for based on purely natural ingredients and supports against irritations caused by yeast fungi and parasites. Under no circumstances should you clean the ear with a cotton swab, as this poses the risk of pushing any foreign bodies or debris further into the ear canal.
2. After consulting with your veterinarian, you can also use a mild ear rinse.
3. If your dog has long fur that tends to grow into the ear, trim or cut it shorter. This ensures that the ear remains well-ventilated and prevents the accumulation of parasites or bacteria.
4. For allergy-related ear infections, you should avoid contact with the allergenic substances as much as possible.
