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Ear Infection in Dogs
Ear infection in dogs is a common problem, especially for pets with long floppy ears.
Usually, the problem starts out as something like smelly dog ears, or you notice that your dog is scratching his ears incessantly. This may be an indication of otitis externa (outer ear infection). If left untreated, the problem may go deeper and may develop into middle ear infection or even inner ear infection; sometimes causing irreparable damage to the hearing of our dogs. Like any other diseases, therefore, prevention is the key. Common Causes of Ear Infection in DogsTo prevent ear infection in dogs, we need to know the various possible causes and then we can do our utmost to eliminate such causes.Bacteria and yeast Very often, ear infections occur when bacteria and yeast on the skin work their way into a weakened ear canal. The canal may have become weakened due to a number of reasons, for example:
Any of these reasons can weaken the dog ear's defense mechanisms, resulting in an ear infection. Allergies Many veterinarians have indicated that a majority of dog ear infections are linked to allergies (food, pollutants, etc.). Dog Ear Mites Ear mites may also cause outer ear infection in dogs. They are more common in cats than dogs. However, some dogs seem to be extremely sensitive to mites and as such the incessant scratching may severely traumatize the affected ear. Please visit our page on ear mites for more information. Foreign bodies Foreign bodies such as foxtails can stick to long floppy ears while Fido is out enjoying a nice long walk. Understandably, the presence of such foreign bodies can cause irritation to the dog's ears. So when you groom your dog after a walk in the woods, be sure to check the ears, too. If you see foxtails deep down in the ear, do not try to pull them out yourself. You may damage your dog's ear. Seek immediate help from your veterinarian instead. Hormonal Imbalance Deficiencies or excesses of various hormones can result in dog ear problems. One example is thyroid hormone. Dogs suffering from hypothyroidism may also suffer from ear infection. It is important therefore to tackle the root problem (in this case hormonal abnormalities) and not just the ear infection. Common Symptoms of Dog Ear InfectionsIf your dog shows the following symptoms, it is an indication that the ear infection has gone further down to the middle or inner ear and immediate veterinary care is necessary: Treating Ear Infection in DogsBefore trying any treatment for dog ear infection, it is important that a proper diagnosis is obtained from a vet. Make sure, for example, that there are no foreign bodies buried inside your dog's ear. Brown waxy debris and other signs of infection could be caused by bacteria, by a fungus, or by ear mites. Without knowing exactly the underlying cause, it is like shooting in the dark and over time the infection will be sure to worsen. Appropriate treatment can only begin after a vet makes an accurate diagnosis.Natural remedies such as herbs and essential oils are safe and effective in treating dog ear infections. Visit this page for more information. Also, if your dog suffers from recurring ear infections, it is possible that the underlying cause of the infections is Candida - a single-celled organism that causes yeast infections in dogs. To get rid of the recurring ear infections, therefore, the root cause (Candida) has to be eliminated. Visit our pages on dog yeast infections and natural dog candida remedies for more information on this topic.
R. Kidd, Dr. Kidd's Guide to Herbal Dog Care (Storey Publishing, 2000).
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Dogs' ear canals are L-shaped. This shape helps prevent damage to the eardrum. However, because of this shape, it is extremely easy for the ears to trap moisture, debris, and parasites. The end result? A high chance for dogs to develop ear infections. 
