All ear infections display the same symptoms regardless of the cause. Listed below are some of the signs to watch for at home.
Shaking of the Head
Constant Scratching at the Head and Ears
Constant rubbing of the head and ears on the floor or ground
A prominent redness or irritation in the ear canal
An unusual discharge leaking from the ears
Brown or yellowish discharge in the ears
Bad smell coming from the ears
Severe pain whenever the ears are touched or petted
Veterinarian Visit - The Diagnosis
When you first notice symptoms of an ear infection, it is important to take your dog to see your veterinarian. You should be careful about putting anything into your dogs ears before a veterinary examination. If your dog has a ruptured eardrum, putting anything in its ears could lead to more severe symptoms including a head tilt, walking in circles, or other neurologic symptoms.
For those dogs that experience frequent ear infections or ear infections resistant to treatment, it is highly imperative to seek out the underlying cause. In most cases, a physical examination can deliver this information. Upon examination, small ear canals, excessive hair in the ear and floppy pinnae can easily be seen. In addition, foreign objects or tumors are also easily visualized with a physical exam.
The method for ruling out a food allergy as the cause for the ear infection is by your veterinarian placing your dog on a hypoallergenic diet for a period of eight weeks. During this time, you will monitor your dog for any positive, negative or lack of change in symptoms.
Skin and blood testing is used to rule out Atopy. This word stands for seasonal and inhalant allergies. The test will provide the veterinarian with exactly what your dog is allergic to, if anything.
One or two blood tests may be given to determine if a certain endocrine organ is functioning properly. Usually, other symptoms present themselves besides ear infections to indicate there may be an endocrine problem.
Treatment for Ear Infection
Once the underlying cause is determined, the treatment can begin. For dogs with food allergies, avoiding these foods is paramount. In dogs with seasonal and inhalant allergies, a combination of medications including antihistamines, omega-3 fatty acid supplements and cyclosporine will be prescribed and your dog will most likely be required to take them for the rest of his/her life.
Periodic treatment of skin and ear infections with antibiotics, antifungals, shampoos and topical rinses is usually necessary. The course of treatment varies for each dog and depends on how severely allergic they are and how well they respond to therapy.
In general, an ear infection can be cleared up with a combination of oral medication and medication inserted in the ear. However, it is imperative that you clean your dogs ears once or twice a week to remove excess buildup of medication which can retain debris and impede the healing process. An ear infection is usually treated for two weeks, although some cases may take longer. If the infection does not clear up, a swab or ear culture may be needed for further testing.
Dog Ear Infection Prevention
Treat all underlying diseases present in your dog
Dry ears completely after bathing
Dry ears thoroughly after swimming
Do not put any water or cleanser in your dogs ears unless you have to and always dry the ears out well afterwards.
Remember: Keeping your dogs ears dry is the one key element in preventing as well as treating ear infections. - 29953
Shaking of the Head
Constant Scratching at the Head and Ears
Constant rubbing of the head and ears on the floor or ground
A prominent redness or irritation in the ear canal
An unusual discharge leaking from the ears
Brown or yellowish discharge in the ears
Bad smell coming from the ears
Severe pain whenever the ears are touched or petted
Veterinarian Visit - The Diagnosis
When you first notice symptoms of an ear infection, it is important to take your dog to see your veterinarian. You should be careful about putting anything into your dogs ears before a veterinary examination. If your dog has a ruptured eardrum, putting anything in its ears could lead to more severe symptoms including a head tilt, walking in circles, or other neurologic symptoms.
For those dogs that experience frequent ear infections or ear infections resistant to treatment, it is highly imperative to seek out the underlying cause. In most cases, a physical examination can deliver this information. Upon examination, small ear canals, excessive hair in the ear and floppy pinnae can easily be seen. In addition, foreign objects or tumors are also easily visualized with a physical exam.
The method for ruling out a food allergy as the cause for the ear infection is by your veterinarian placing your dog on a hypoallergenic diet for a period of eight weeks. During this time, you will monitor your dog for any positive, negative or lack of change in symptoms.
Skin and blood testing is used to rule out Atopy. This word stands for seasonal and inhalant allergies. The test will provide the veterinarian with exactly what your dog is allergic to, if anything.
One or two blood tests may be given to determine if a certain endocrine organ is functioning properly. Usually, other symptoms present themselves besides ear infections to indicate there may be an endocrine problem.
Treatment for Ear Infection
Once the underlying cause is determined, the treatment can begin. For dogs with food allergies, avoiding these foods is paramount. In dogs with seasonal and inhalant allergies, a combination of medications including antihistamines, omega-3 fatty acid supplements and cyclosporine will be prescribed and your dog will most likely be required to take them for the rest of his/her life.
Periodic treatment of skin and ear infections with antibiotics, antifungals, shampoos and topical rinses is usually necessary. The course of treatment varies for each dog and depends on how severely allergic they are and how well they respond to therapy.
In general, an ear infection can be cleared up with a combination of oral medication and medication inserted in the ear. However, it is imperative that you clean your dogs ears once or twice a week to remove excess buildup of medication which can retain debris and impede the healing process. An ear infection is usually treated for two weeks, although some cases may take longer. If the infection does not clear up, a swab or ear culture may be needed for further testing.
Dog Ear Infection Prevention
Treat all underlying diseases present in your dog
Dry ears completely after bathing
Dry ears thoroughly after swimming
Do not put any water or cleanser in your dogs ears unless you have to and always dry the ears out well afterwards.
Remember: Keeping your dogs ears dry is the one key element in preventing as well as treating ear infections. - 29953
About the Author:
An experience veterinarian with great passion for writing, Heather Fox loves to share her knowledge about Dog Health Symptoms with fellow pet lovers. You can find more of her lessons including Dog Flea Allergy Dermatitis Symptoms on Clivir.com.
