All About Treating An Ear Infection Of A Dog

07.02.2010 | Author: Eli Terry | Posted in Our Pets

Just like human ears, dogs’ ears have three distinct parts - an inner, a middle and an outer ear. As is true with humans, dogs can get ear infections, and it is very important to treat them if you don’t want your dog’s hearing to be permanently damaged.

The most common area to get infected is the outer ear. Infections are caused by moisture trapped in the ear canal. This is common in dogs due to the internal structure of their ears. The canal starts vertically and then drops horizontally which creates a perfect place for moisture to collect.

It is relatively simple to prevent and/or treat ear infections in your canine friend. Remember always to be on your guard, which means checking your dog frequently for ear infections. Look for signs of redness or swelling. If you see an excess of substances or detect a foul odor, you know your pet probably has an ear infection that should be treated immediately.

Visit your veterinarian for a consultation. They will most likely prescribe a liquid medication to be administered into the ear daily. Make sure the ear canal is clean before doing this, or the medication will not work effectively.

To clean the ear, you will need an ear wash solution. Squeeze a few drops of the ear wash in the ear, flip the ear flap back down and then massage the base of the ear. The dog will want to shake its head so be prepared. The solution will loosen the discharge.

Now that the discharge has been loosened, you need to remove it. Using cotton balls, a soft cloth or cotton swabs, carefully remove the discharge from the inside of the ear flap. Your pet will be sensitive, so it is important to be gentle. You may need another person to help hold the dog still.

When it comes to the medication, only administer the prescribed amount. This medication and dosage were chosen by the vet for a reason, based on what kind of infection your dog has.

This could be either a yeast or bacterial infection. For a bacterial infection, an antibiotic would be prescribed. A yeast infection requires an antifungal treatment. Either type is usually a liquid that is to be placed in the ear unless the infection is severe or involves the middle or inner ear. In that case, you may need to administer a oral medication as well as the ear treatment. If your dog does get an infection, the best thing to do is not panic. Seek the care they need immediately. A certain degree of responsibility on your part is required to ensure a safe recovery for your pet. Follow the directions provided by your veterinarian and your pet will be healthy again in no time.

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