Ear Infection in Dogs: Causes, Treatments and Prevention

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EAR INFECTION IN DOGS

• By John Reynolds

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Introduction

• After research on allergies that trouble dogs, I
  have now focused on Dog Ear Infections.
• I have seen many dogs suffering from ear
  infections and they are usually left untreated
  because of ignorance. This presentation provides
  a summary of various causes, treatments, and
  preventive measures for ear infections in dogs.

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Dog Ear Infection

• Dog Ear Infections occur within the ear, although
  they can start on other parts of the dogs body.
  The deeper the infection lies, the more difficult
  to reach for treatment. Ear infections are most
  commonly caused by bacteria and yeast.
• Ear mites, excessive hair, moisture, or wax can
  be factors in development of an ear infection.

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Types of Ear Infections

• Otitis Externa
• Bacterial Infections
• Pseudomonas
• Proteus Mirabilis Infections
• Ear Mite Infections
• Yeast Infections
• Allergens

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Otitis Externa

• Otitis Externa is characterized by inflammation
  and redness of outer ear. Otitis Media is
  aggravation and infection of the dogs middle
  ear, and Otitis Interna is infection of the dogs
  inner ear.
• If pus or blood is not present, the infection is
  likely Otitis Externa.

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Bacterial Infections

• Bacterial infections are caused by Staph
  bacteria.
• Staph bacteria are gram-positive and anaerobic.
• Staphylococcus is group of bacteria that can
  infect all parts of your dogs body. Treatment
  should include ingredients which have
  disinfectant properties.

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Pseudomonas

• Pseudomonas is a group of 200 different species
  of bacteria which can cause ear infections in
  dogs.
• They are gram-negative infections.
• Treatment should include compounds which are
  effective on gram-negative bacteria.

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Proteus Mirabilis Infections

• These organisms are present in the intestines of
  dogs.
• They can also infect the ear and cause ear
  infection symptoms and other problems.
• They are gram-negative and anaerobic.

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Ear Mites Infections

• The presence of ear mites is indicated when your
  dog scratches his ears.
• Mites are microscopic, so positive identification
  normally requires viewing under a microscope.

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Yeast Infections in Dogs

• Yeast infections are caused by growth of
  Malassezia, a type of fungus found everywhere.
• If the dog is more exposed to water, he is
  likely to get a yeast infection.
• These infections are treated with antifungal
  ointments and creams.

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Allergens

• Allergens which can affect a dogs ear include
  mold, dust, pollen, and food.
• These things may also have adverse effects on the
  dogs health apart from being a cause of ear
  infections.

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Symptoms of Dog Ear Infection
Odor in Ear
Ear Scratching
Redness
Swelling
Head Shaking
Hearing Loss
Hair Loss around Ear
Black Discharge in Ear
Rubbing Ear on Floor
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Dogs Prone to Ear Infection

• Dogs who are mostly prone to ear infections are
  golden retrievers, Labradors, and poodles.
• Dogs which tend to grow hair in the inner ear
  canal are susceptible to ear infections. Puppies
  are at greatest risk.
• During summer, Labradors like to swim and may
  develop chronic swimmers ear if precautions
  are not taken.

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Causes of Ear Infections

• Dogs can develop ear infections for many
  different reasons

• Allergies
• Hormonal Abnormalities
• Parasites
• Excess Moisture
• Infections bacteria and yeast
• Immune Condition

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Prevention of Ear Infections

• Check your dogs ears every week.
• If your dog swims a lot or has a history of ear
  infections, routine cleaning is recommended.
• Follow your vets recommendation on how to treat
  ear infections.

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Cleaning Your Dogs Ears

• To remove the debris, apply an ear cleaner to the
  dogs ear canal.
• Massage the base of the ear for 20 seconds and
  allow the debris to soften.
• Cotton swabs can be used to clean the inside of
  the ear flap but should not enter the ear canal.

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Diagnosis

• A vet can take swabs of the ear to smear on a
  microscope slide and examine for bacteria, yeast.
  and mites.
• A physical exam may determine whether the ear
  infections cause is hormonal, allergic, or
  hereditary.

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Findings about Dogs Suffering from Ear Infections

• 50 of dogs which suffer from skin disease and
  80 of dogs which suffer from food
  hypersensitivity also suffer from ear infections.

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Treatment for Ear Infection

• Treatment of Ear infection will depend on what
  has caused the infection.
• Antibiotics are taken for bacterial infection and
  anti-fungal treatments are called for in cases of
  yeast infection.

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How to know if the Ear Infection has cleared

• Vets used to believe that most ear infections
  clear up with treatment within 7 days. But this
  is still unclear, since the dogs ear canal
  cannot be seen directly.
• Taking your dog for a re-examination, allowing
  the doctor to look down into the ear canal, is
  the best way to be sure an infection is
  completely gone.

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Sources

• http//pets.webmd.com/dogs/dog-ear-infections
• http//www.vet-organics.com/dog-ear-infection-symp
  toms/
• http//www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c22095a
  id273
• http//www.puppyeducation.net/taking-care/treat-do
  gs-ear-infections/
• http//www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/dog-health/Ear-I
  nfections-in-Dogs-Symptoms-Causes-and-Treatments
• https//www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/ear-infect
  ions
• http//www.slideshare.net/johnreynoldsus/dogs-and-
  their-allergiesppt
• http//www.sheaanimalhospital.com/pet-care-resourc
  es/pet-care-articles.php?newsHow_to_Treat_a_Dog_W
  ith_an_Ear_Infectionnews_id31start0category_i
  d2parent_id2arcyearYarcmonthM

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