Many dogs struggle with issues brought on by ear disease. In fact, some studies show that as many as 20% of dogs experience ear problems. Because ear infections and discomfort are such a common problem in canines, it is important that you understand what to watch for and how to treat it.
Ear Disease Symptoms
Dogs are typically good at exhibiting symptoms of ear discomfort. If your dog has been digging or scratching at an ear, there is a chance it is causing him trouble. You may also notice that the inside of his ear is a brighter red than usual and sometimes it can even smell bad. Another telltale sign of ear discomfort is whining or groaning when his ear is touched (by himself or you).
By leaving a dog to his own devices with an ear problem, continued scratching could burst a blood vessel in the ear flap, leading to a painful blood blister or something worse called an aural haematoma, which requires surgery to drain.
Causes of Ear Disease
Several causes of ear disease in dog exist but the most common are listed below.
• Ear mites (Which are contagious parasites that live within the ears of dogs. These little bugs cause severe itching and can predispose secondary bacterial or fungal infections.)
• Bacterial and fungal infections
• Allergies
Treating Your Canine’s Ears
In order to fully treat ear problems in your dog, you must take a treatment approach that is two-fold.
• Treat the infection. First and foremost, you need to ensure that your dog’s ears are cleaned with an ear cleanser that will remove any excess wax or discharge. Medicated antibiotic or anti-fungal drops should also be applied to the ear. Most of these drops also offer an anti-inflammatory effect to help ease the pain. Talk to your veterinarian about a full course of treatment to fight off the infection.
• Secondly, the cause must be treated. Most infections are caused by an underlying predisposed condition. Talk to your vet about what might be causing your pooch problems and take any necessary steps of action to help him feel better.