No matter what the root cause of an ear infection is, the symptoms are all the same. Here are signs you should watch for at home:
Shaking of the Head
Scratching at the head or ears
Continuous rubbing of the head and ears on the ground or floor
A prominent redness or irritation in the ear canal
An unusual discharge leaking from the ears
Brown or yellowish discharge in the ears
Foul odor coming from the ear
Pain when the head or ears are touched or petted
Visiting the Veterinarian - Dog Ear Infection Diagnosis
As soon as symptoms present themselves you should take your dog to the veterinarian. It is very important to note that you should not put anything in your dogs ears before seeing the veterinarian. If your dog happens to have a ruptured eardrum, this could lead to further problems including neurological symptoms such as a head tilt or walking around in circles.
For those dogs that experience frequent ear infections or ear infections resistant to treatment, it is highly imperative to seek out the underlying cause. In most cases, a physical examination can deliver this information. Upon examination, small ear canals, excessive hair in the ear and floppy pinnae can easily be seen. In addition, foreign objects or tumors are also easily visualized with a physical exam.
The method for ruling out a food allergy as the cause for the ear infection is by your veterinarian placing your dog on a hypoallergenic diet for a period of eight weeks. During this time, you will monitor your dog for any positive, negative or lack of change in symptoms.
Atopy can be ruled out with either blood tests or with skin testing, similar to allergy testing in people. These tests will usually tell specifically what things a dog is allergic to.
One or two blood tests may be given to determine if a certain endocrine organ is functioning properly. Usually, other symptoms present themselves besides ear infections to indicate there may be an endocrine problem.
Ear Infection Treatment
Once the underlying cause is determined, the treatment can begin. For dogs with food allergies, avoiding these foods is paramount. In dogs with seasonal and inhalant allergies, a combination of medications including antihistamines, omega-3 fatty acid supplements and cyclosporine will be prescribed and your dog will most likely be required to take them for the rest of his/her life.
In addition to the earlier listed medications, others such as antibiotics and antifungals along with shampoos and rinses may be needed to control symptoms. It is important to note that each dog varies and the treatment will be based on the severity of their symptoms.
In general, an ear infection can be cleared up with a combination of oral medication and medication inserted in the ear. However, it is imperative that you clean your dogs ears once or twice a week to remove excess buildup of medication which can retain debris and impede the healing process. An ear infection is usually treated for two weeks, although some cases may take longer. If the infection does not clear up, a swab or ear culture may be needed for further testing.
Dog Ear Infection Prevention
Treat all underlying diseases present in your dog
Dry your dogs ears out after a bath.
Dry ears thoroughly after swimming
Do not put any water or cleanser in your dogs ears unless you have to and always dry the ears out well afterwards.
Always remember: Keeping dogs ears dry is the key element to prevention and treatment of ear infections.
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