3 most common ear problems in dogs

As a pet parent, it can be concerning when your furry friend shows signs of discomfort or pain. One area in dogs that is often prone to infections but is overlooked is their ears. Ear problems in dogs can cause discomfort and irritation, and sometimes even lead to more severe health issues. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common ear problems in dogs, their symptoms, and what you can do to help your furry friend.

Ear Infections

Ear infections can be caused by a range of factors, including bacteria, yeast, allergies, and parasites. Certain dog breeds are more prone to ear infections due to their anatomies, such as dogs with long, floppy ears or dogs with narrow ear canals like Cocker Spaniel, Basset Hound, Beagle, Poodle, Dachshund, Shih Tzu, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Shar-Pei, and Bulldog.

Some of the symptoms of an ear infection in dogs include-

• Shaking their head
• Scratching their ears
• Redness or swelling in the ear canal
• Bad odour coming from the ear
• Discharge.

If you suspect your dog has an ear infection, it's essential to take them to the vet. Ear infections require vet treatment and medication to restore ear canal health. Your vet will be able to identify the underlying cause of the infection and prescribe the appropriate treatment, which may include ear drops, oral medications, or a change in diet.

Ear Mites

Ear mites are tiny parasites that live inside your dog's ear canal. Ear mites can cause an itching sensation inside the ears which can be very irritating for your doggo. They are highly contagious and can easily spread from one dog to another. Some of the symptoms of ear mites in dogs include-

• Excessive scratching
• Head shaking
• Black discharge in the ear
• Bad odour.

Ear mites cannot be spotted through naked eyes, if you suspect your dog has ear mites, take them to the vet. Some pet parents mistake infections with the presence of ear mites and start the treatment without any consultation. This can worsen the situation. It is important to consult your vet as they will be able to identify the presence of ear mites and prescribe a suitable treatment, which may include ear drops, topical medications, or oral medications.

Ear Hematomas

An ear hematoma is a condition where blood accumulates between the cartilage and skin of your dog's ear flap. This can occur when your dog shakes their head excessively, scratches their ears too hard, or suffers trauma to the ear. If ear infections are left untreated, they can also lead to ear hematoma. Some of the symptoms of an ear hematoma in dogs include-

• Bulge or Swelling inside ear’s surface
• Redness
• Pain
• Warm feeling in the affected area.

Hematomas can be very painful for your doggo and it’s important to treat Aural hematomas as soon as possible. Hematomas can be treated with both surgical and non-surgical treatments. Consult with your vet to understand the options available as in some cases surgery is considered as more effective solution to treat hematomas quickly.

How to prevent common ear problems in dogs?

Routine ear cleansing is extremely important for a pet’s ear health. Many pet parents cleanse their pet’s ears at home but remember cleaning your pet’s ears with the wrong tools and products without professional skills can be a risky business. Ensure that the ear is thoroughly cleansed once a month professionally by a groomer or vet.

As a pet parent, it's essential to keep an eye out for any signs of discomfort or pain in your furry friend. Seek prompt veterinary care if you suspect your dog has an ear problem. By identifying the underlying cause of your dog's ear problem and providing appropriate treatment, you can help your pet feel more comfortable and avoid more severe health issues in the future. Remember, prevention is better than cure!