Hello, pet parents! Dr. B here from Pet Health, ready to dive into one of the most common (and often frustrating) medical conditions we see in our canine companions: ear infections. If your dog has ever had one, you know how uncomfortable and persistent they can be. This blog kicks off our September series on ear issues, starting with a deep dive into otitis externa—ear infections that affect the external ear canal. Let’s get started!

What is an Ear Infection?

An ear infection in dogs occurs when the ear canal becomes infected, typically due to bacteria or yeast getting trapped inside. This condition, known as otitis externa, involves acute or chronic inflammation of the external ear canal and is incredibly common among our pets. While all breeds can be affected, certain breeds are more susceptible due to their ear shape or other predispositions.

Symptoms of Ear Infections

Recognizing the signs of an ear infection early can help you get your pup the treatment they need faster. Here are some key symptoms to watch for:

Behavioral Signs: Is your dog scratching their ears excessively, shaking their head, or appearing irritable?
Physical Signs: Look for redness, swelling, a foul odor, or discharge from the ear. The ear surface may also appear swollen, crusted, ulcerated, or inflamed.
Advanced Symptoms: In more severe cases, dogs might experience loss of balance, hearing loss, and pain when touching their ear.

Causes of Ear Infections in Dogs

Understanding what causes ear infections can help in both treatment and prevention. Here are some common culprits:

Allergies: Hypersensitivities (like seasonal allergies or food hypersensitivity) are the most common causes of otitis externa, especially chronic cases. Allergic diseases account for up to 43% of canine cases.
Foreign Bodies: Grass awns, hair, and wax plugs can all contribute to ear infections.
Ear Mites: These parasites are more common in puppies and kittens but can occasionally affect adult dogs.
Breed-Specific Traits: Dogs with long, floppy ears (like Basset Hounds) or those with narrow ear canals (like Shar Peis) are more prone to infections.
Underlying Health Conditions: Disorders like hypothyroidism can predispose dogs to ear infections.
Moisture: Increased humidity and swimming can lead to moisture buildup in the ears, creating a breeding ground for infections. Overzealous cleaning can strip the ear of natural oils and waxes, leading to inflammation.

Diagnosis and Treatment

If you suspect your dog has an ear infection, it’s time to visit us at Pet Health for a proper diagnosis. Here’s what you can expect:

Ear Examination: We’ll start with an ear swab cytology to check for bacteria, yeast, or mites. An otoscopic exam will allow us to visualize the ear canal and eardrum, which is crucial for determining the proper treatment.
Treatment Options: Our goal is to remove debris, relieve inflammation, and treat the infection. This might involve:
- Cleaning: Removing excessive wax and debris to ensure medication can reach the ear canal. This may be done while your pet is awake or under sedation for a thorough cleaning.
- Medications: A combination of antibiotics, antifungals, and steroids administered as ear drops or long-acting treatments placed in the ear. Severe cases might require oral medications.
- Addressing the Root Cause: Identifying and treating underlying conditions, such as allergies or thyroid disorders, is crucial, especially for recurrent infections. This might involve laboratory testing or a food allergy trial.

Can Ear Infections be Prevented?

While not all ear infections can be prevented, regular inspection and maintenance can reduce the risk:

Regular Checks: Look for changes in your dog’s ear color, condition, and temperature. Sniffing your dog’s ears might seem odd, but knowing what a healthy ear smells like can help you spot problems early.
Swimming Precautions: Use a drying agent or trim the hair around your dog’s ear canal to prevent moisture buildup after swimming.
Focused Care Plan: Work with your Pet Health veterinarian to develop a plan tailored to your dog’s specific needs to minimize ear infections and manage underlying causes.

Ear infections can be a pesky problem for our pets, but with the right knowledge and proactive care, you can help keep your dog’s ears healthy and infection-free. Stay tuned for more tips and insights in our ear health series this month. If you have any concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at Pet Health.