Canine ear infections are a common problem for dog owners.
The infection can occur in the external ear canal and spread to the middle ear.
Dogs with hairy or pendulous ears commonly suffer infections.
Causes The most common cause for infections of the ears is bacteria.
Your dog may also get an infection if you don't dry his ears properly after he takes a bath or goes swimming.
Other common causes include ear wax buildup, hair buildup, and foreign objects.
An infestation of ear mites can also cause an ear infection.
Symptoms Canine ear infections are uncomfortable, so your dog will frequently scratch or rub his ears.
He will also shake his head a lot or tilt it to the side.
You may notice that his ears produce a discharge accompanied by an odor.
It is not uncommon for your dog's ears to become inflamed and turn red.
Treatment If left untreated, these infections can cause serious damage to your dog.
You will be happy to know that these infections are usually very easy to treat.
If it is caused by a foreign object, then your dog will likely be sedated while the vet removes it.
Medication will also be prescribed to get rid of the infection.
You will also need to clean your dog's ears on a daily basis for a few weeks.
It's also necessary to make sure no water gets into your dog's ears until the infection clears up.
Prevention There are a few things you can do to prevent canine infections of the ear.
This is especially important if your dog has pendulous or hairy ears.
You should make sure to dry your dog's ears thoroughly after he takes a bath or goes swimming.
It's also a good idea to clean his ears at least once a week.