Ear Infections in Dogs

If you’ve ever had an ear infection, you know how painful they can be. Ear problems can be just as dangerous and painful for dogs as they are for people! And, since Fido can’t tell you his ears hurt, you may not realize what’s going on until things have gotten quite serious. In this article, a Thorold, ON vet discusses ear problems in dogs.

Some dogs are simply more likely to have ear problems than others. Pooches with floppy ears, like beagles, are particularly prone to ear infections. Dogs with allergies, and those who swim a lot, also have elevated risks.

Fido may shake his head if his ears are bothering him, and may tilt his head or try to paw at his ears. You may also notice a bad odor coming from your canine buddy’s ears. Swelling, redness, and discharge are also warning signs.

Ear infections can be caused by several different things. Your furry pal could have gotten something lodged in his ear, such as a foxtail grass awn. Tumors, hormonal imbalances, and autoimmune problems can also cause ear trouble. Allergies are another common cause.

When it comes to caring for our furry friends, prevention is always key. There are some things you can do to reduce the risk of your dog getting ear infections. Keep your pet’s ears as dry as possible, and clean them regularly. How often you need to clean Fido’s ears will depend on his breed and the shape of his ears, so ask your vet for recommendations. However, as a general rule of thumb, if your canine companion has a high risk of ear infections, you’ll probably want to clean his ears about once a week. Avoid homemade solutions, and opt for vet-recommended products. Certain supplements may also help. Last but not least, ask your vet for advice on whether or not you should pluck your dog’s ear hairs. In some cases, this can actually increase the chances of ear trouble.

If you know or suspect that your furry buddy has an ear infection, contact your vet immediately. Left untreated, ear infections can not only become extremely painful, they can also lead to serious problems, such as ruptured eardrums or hearing loss.

Please contact us, your local Thorold, ON pet clinic, anytime! We are here to serve all your dog’s veterinary care needs.