Animalscaretips
Dog Ear Infection Symptoms
- Aggressive scratching or rubbing against hard objects.
- Excessive licking, biting, or chewing on skin.
- Redness, swelling, or odor around the ears.
- Brown, yellow, or bloody discharge.
- Hair loss, crusts, or scabs around the ears.
- Reluctance to chew.
- Unusual eye movements.
- Loss of balance.
- Is ear infection common in puppies?
- Can an 8 week old puppy have an ear infection?
- Is a puppy ear infection an emergency?
- How do puppies get ear infections?
- Will dog ear infection go away on its own?
- How do you get rid of an ear infection in a puppy?
- How do you tell if my dog has an ear infection or ear mites?
- What does a dog ear infection smell like?
- How do you clean a 10 week old puppy's ears?
- How do vets diagnose ear infections in dogs?
- What happens if an ear infection goes untreated in dogs?
- How do they test for inner ear infections in dogs?
Is ear infection common in puppies?
However, ear mite infections are more common in puppies and kittens. Adult dogs may occasionally contract ear mites from puppies or cats that are infected. Ear mites create an environment within the ear canal that often leads to a secondary bacterial or yeast (fungal) infection.
Can an 8 week old puppy have an ear infection?
For puppies that are very young, under 6 weeks, an ear infection can be a very dangerous condition. Since the pups ears are still developing, and their immune systems are not yet strong, an ear infection can progress much more quickly in a baby pup.
Is a puppy ear infection an emergency?
An ear infection is an emergency when your pet is in pain, you cannot touch or look in your dog's ear, the ear is red and swollen, and/or your dog has a head tilt. All ear infections should be examined and treated by a veterinarian.
How do puppies get ear infections?
Bacteria in the ear is a primary cause of infections however yeast, fungus and ear mites can all cause your pup's ears to become infected and painful. Other causes of dog ear infections include foreign objects lodged in the ear, trauma, and tumors or polyps.
Will dog ear infection go away on its own?
In most cases, a dog's ear infection will not go away on its own. What's worse, if you wait too long to treat the ear infection, it can become much more difficult to get under control. An untreated ear infection can lead to chronic issues, hearing loss, and sometimes the need for expensive surgery.
How do you get rid of an ear infection in a puppy?
How are Dog Ear Infections Treated? Your veterinarian will thoroughly clean your dog's ears using a medicated ear cleanser. Your vet may also prescribe an ear cleanser and a topical medication for you to use at home. In severe cases, your vet may prescribe oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications.
How do you tell if my dog has an ear infection or ear mites?
How do I know if my dog has ear mites? An ear mite infection will cause your dog's ears to itch, which often results in them shaking their head excessively, or scratching at their ears with their paws. Ear mites can also produce wax and irritation, so your pet's ears may well look red and inflamed.
What does a dog ear infection smell like?
In many cases, a yeast infection causes what is described as a sweet or musty smell. There can also be redness and discharge from the ear that's generally brown in color. Yeast infections should be seen by your veterinarian within several days.
How do you clean a 10 week old puppy's ears?
Wipe the outer part of the inner ear often to keep dirt out of the ear canal. You can make an ear rinse at home using water and white or apple cider vinegar. An ear rinse will rid your puppy's ear of yeast or bacteria, which cause pain and discomfort. Do not use alcohol in your puppy's ear.
How do vets diagnose ear infections in dogs?
Veterinarians diagnose ear infections in dogs based on clinical signs and diagnostic tests. Upon examination, your veterinarian will take a look at your dog's ear. They will most likely use a tool called an otoscope, which allows them to see into the ear canal and look for changes and signs of damage to the eardrum.
What happens if an ear infection goes untreated in dogs?
Two potential long-term complications of inner ear infection include a permanently altered sense of balance and/or persistent signs of Horner's syndrome. Your dog may also become permanently deaf in the affected ear. That said, most dogs with otitis interna respond well to medical management.
How do they test for inner ear infections in dogs?
Otitis interna may be diagnosed based on similar signs with the addition of loss of balance. Examination using an otoscope and x-rays of the round bone behind the ear may confirm the presence of simultaneous middle and inner ear inflammation.
