Remedies and Treatments for Dog Ear Infections
Up to 16.5% of dogs will experience at least otitis externa, and complications may involve further development into more serious dog ear infections. Fortunately, there are straightforward steps you can take to alleviate symptoms and minimize the severity of such infections in your dog.
Immediate Care
Once your vet has determined the severity and type of ear infection your dog is experiencing, they will clean your dogâs ear thoroughly to remove debris, discharge, and ear wax. They may use a medicated ear cleaner or apply a topical medication.
In more severe cases, the vet may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications or oral antibiotics for your pet.
Long-Term Care
Your vet will likely prescribe a topical medication to your dog. It is important for you to carefully follow your veterinarianâs exact directives and instructions. You may make the application process easier by:
Always finish the full course of the medication, even if your pet seems to be feeling better. Lapses or errors in treatment can prolong your pupâs illness.
Maintenance and Prevention
Whether itâs to prevent an infection from starting or to manage the healing of a dog ear infection thatâs already in progress, ear cleaning is an important part of your dogâs hygiene. Cleaning your dogâs ears can:
Ear infections are often caused by excess moisture. Take care to thoroughly dry your dogâs ears after a swim or a bath. If your dog experiences chronic infections, talk to your vet about underlying causes such as allergies.Â
Managing your dogâs hygiene is an effective way to prevent future ear infections. Clean your dogâs ears by:
For many dogs, ear infections are a recurring problem. Be proactive about keeping your dogâs ears clean and dry to prevent future ear-related health issues.
As soon as you notice symptoms of an ear infection in your faithful friend, you should contact your veterinarian. Prompt and proactive treatment will ensure your dogâs comfort and happiness.Â
When Are Antibiotics Needed For Dog Ear Infections?
Inflammation of the ear canal (otitis externa) may result in the overgrowth of yeast or bacterial populations that live on the skin in the ear canal normally. Antibiotics are needed for ear infections where bacterial overgrowth is identified. Not all ear infections require antibiotics. Your vet can advise on the best treatment based on their examination and diagnostic tests. It is important to follow your vet’s instructions closely and return for any recommended recheck appointments to ensure the infection has resolved completely. Lapses in your dog’s treatment could lead to a recurrence of the infection.
Antibiotics are medications that can be used to treat bacterial infections. Antibiotics kill bacteria by damaging their structure or preventing them from multiplying. Antibiotics do not have different ‘strengths’ but instead target different populations of bacteria. Broad spectrum antibiotics kill a wide range of bacteria, whereas narrow spectrum antibiotics target small groups of bacteria. Antibiotics can be administered in different forms.
For middle ear infections (otitis media), it is most likely that they are given orally in tablet or liquid form or by injection. Outer ear infections (otitis externa) are often treated with antibiotic ear drops. Some antibiotic ear drops for dog ear infections are given every day (up to three times per day) into the ear canal whereas others are administered as a ‘depo’ preparation in a gel that is placed in the ear canal and continues to work for up to 4 weeks.
Antibiotics only kill bacteria and are not useful for other types of ear infections caused by yeast or fungi. Antibiotics for dog ear yeast infection is not a useful treatment. Antifungal ear drops are more appropriate. Your vet might often perform tests on samples taken from your dog’s ear to determine if antibiotic treatment is needed for an ear infection.
What Causes Ear Infections In Dogs?
Ear infections in dogs can occur in the outer ear (otitis externa), the middle ear (otitis media), or the inner ear (otitis interna). Dogs have a long ‘L’-shaped ear canal that easily traps dirt and moisture.
Breeds with long, floppy ears or dogs that love to swim frequently are more susceptible to ear problems, but any breed of dog can be affected. Ear infections in the outer ear (otitis externa) are often caused by bacteria that live in the ear canal normally and help keep the skin balanced and healthy.
Something triggers the ear canal to become inflamed, allowing bacteria and yeast populations to become unbalanced and overgrown, resulting in an ear infection. Tiggers for ear infections in dogs include allergies (environmental allergies such as pollens and grasses or food allergies are common), parasites such as ear mites, foreign objects in the ear canal such as grass seeds, and growths or tumors in the ear canal.
