HOW CAN I TREAT MY DOG’S EAR INFECTION?
Ear infections can be treated using over the counter dog ear infection treatments which can easily be bought online for a next day delivery service. Beyond that, there are also numerous home remedies for dog ear infections. Dog ear infection if left untreated, can be problematic and still remains the main reason why dog owners take their dogs the veterinarian.
They are very uncomfortable for the dog hence frustrating to you. When the infection is chronic, an ear infection can be very painful and can lead to deafness.
Dog ear infections are caused by bacteria or yeast. The contributing factors to dog ear infection are excessive hair, moisture or wax, and hypothyroidism.
WHAT CAUSES DOG EAR INFECTIONS?
There are a number of reasons to why a dog can get ear infections. Here is a list of the top 3 causes of dog ear infection:
(1) Lifestyle: Dogs that like to play in water are more likely to develop an ear infection.
When the dog’s ears are not dried up after it has played in the water, the trapped moisture can foster bacteria and lead to infections.
(2) Allergies: Your dog may be allergic to some of the things in your home or it may be allergic to the food you give it Henderson leading to infection.
(3) Genetics: Most dogs with floppy ears are more prone to ear infection because their ear flap restricts air flow and creates a dark and moist environment that is a breeding ground for bacteria.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF DOG EAR INFECTIONS?
The first sign to see if your dog has ear infection is to see them scratching their ears.
The following are the first symptoms you’ll see if your dog truly has an ear infection.
- You’ll first see your dog scratching the ear or the area around its ear, and there may be a brown, yellow or bloody discharge.
- You may see swelling or redness in the ear and there may also be a strong odor in the ear.
- You’ll notice crusts or scabs on the inside of the outer ear and the dog may start losing hair around the ear.
- You may see your dog rubbing the ear and surrounding area on the floor or furniture.
- You’ll see your dog losing balance and walking in circles.
- The last symptom of dog ear infection is hearing loss.
WHICH DOG BREEDS ATE MORE PRONE TO EAR INFECTIONS?
Any dog can develop an ear infection, however, some dog breeds and types are more prone to the infection than others.
Here’s a list of dog breeds more prone to yeast infection:
(1) Cocker Spaniels: These dogs have heavy floppy ears and thick hair hence are at high risk of yeast infection.
(2) Labrador Retrievers: These types of dogs love to play in the water, there their ears get moisture, yeast and bacteria thrive in moist environments hence leading to ear infections.
(3) Pit Bulls: Pit Bulls are prone to ear infection related to allergies
(4) Poodles: Dogs with hairy ears are more likely to have an ear infection.
(5) Share-Peis: This type of dog breed has heavy skin folds and have very narrow ear canals meaning even a very small amount of debris can clog the ear canal, causing discomfort and leading to an ear infection.
NOTE: Dogs with allergies are also more prone to ear infection. The allergies cause the ear to become itchy and when the dog scratches the ears, it disrupts the normal defended against infections.
HOW DO YOU PREVENT DOG EAR INFECTIONS?
Here are 5 tips on how you can prevent your dog’s ear infection:
Make sure you always keep your dog’s ears dry:
Moisture is what caused bacteria to grow on your dog’s ear. So always make sure your dog’s ears are dry just after they play in the water or after you’ve given them a bath.
Use a cotton wipe or piece if gauze to gently dry the ear flap and around the opening of your dog’s ear canal after exposure to water.
Pluck excess hair:
If your dog had too much hair, pluck it because that excess hair in the outer ear canal is what acts as a trap for debris and moisture and will lead to ear infection so pluck it out using your fingers.
Gently clean your dog’s ears regular:
Here are tips/steps to follow when cleaning your dog’s ears:
- Use a soft cotton wipe or cotton ball to clean your dog’s ear, dampen the wipe or cotton ball with an ear cleaning solution. (Avoid spraying it directly to the ear)
- Use your index finger and the wipe to gently wipe away ear wax build-ups and get into every little crevice, cleaning out all the wax.
- Avoid pushing your fingers too deep into the ears because you might damage the eardrum, just focus on the surface level of wax
- Finish up with a dry cotton wipe to gently tap away any leftover moisture.
Make sure you feed your dog a healthy diet
Always feed your dog a healthy diet, avoid processed kibble and foods filled with common allergies.
Always monitor your dog’s ear regularly
Always make sure your dog’s ear is dry, smooth without any sign of irritation or swelling. If you notice anything otherwise, it’s advised to take your dog to your vet.
HOW DO YOU TREAT DOG EAR INFECTIONS?
Here are steps of how you can treat your dog’s ear infection:
- Wipe the ear with a cotton bud to remove loose wax, dirt, and/or gunk.
- Pour in enough solution to fill the infected ear. You’ll need someone to hold the dog while you do this.
- After putting the solution in, massage the ear. You will know that you’ve applied enough solution when you can hear a swishing sound. If not, add a few more drops. Betadine stains, so make sure you’re doing it in a place where stains won’t matter.
- Use a cotton ball to clean out the ear and soak up the excess solution. The dog will also shake his head, so be ready for the fluid to come out.
- Apply daily until symptoms clear. Then, do it once a week and then once every two weeks to maintain the ear.
How do you treat scabs on dogs?
Scabs on dogs can easily be treated by applying Coconut oil on the area where the dog has developed severe skin scabs plus a number of other dog skin care solutions which include: Anti-itch sprays that you can buy online and this list here offer next day delivery of dog skin scabs treatments listed here.