The Importance of Dog Ear Infection Medicine
Ear infections are common in most pets, but especially in dogs. They can be caused by anything from ear mites to bacterial infection or physical injury.
The most common symptom is your dog scratching or messing around with their ear, but more advanced symptoms include a brown discharge coming from the ear as well as a strong smell in the area. The ear may become red and swollen and your dog may suffer some degree of hearing loss. If the infection is particularly bad, it can cause your dog to lose balance or walk in circles. Generally, floppy-eared dogs are more prone to infections, while those dogs that love to jump in puddles and ponds are more likely to experience bacterial infections.
Left untreated, an ear infection can become progressively worse and may, eventually, lead to hearing loss and to neurological disorders. It is important that you consult a vet if you believe your dog is suffering. They will be able to identify the cause and severity, and they will be able to advise on the best course of action.
Otitis will not usually go away on its own. It needs treatment. Your dog may become better equipped to cope with the discomfort and pain, which may make it seem like the infection has gone, but this isn’t the case. You will need antibiotics or another course of treatment to help ensure it has been dealt with.
How Long Does Recovering from an Ear Infection Take?
Recovering from a minor infection can take 1 to 2 weeks, but a chronic issue may not improve for several months. The duration of the recovery also depends on how well the doctor’s instructions are followed. Antibiotics must be administered according to the doctor’s prescription, or the infection can spread when the bacteria or fungus reproduces faster and travels farther into the ear canal. If your dog displays these symptoms after or during treatment, you’ll have to visit the veterinarian for another evaluation.
Your pet may be uncomfortable and unhappy until the medications start to work, but you can make the recovery less stressful by providing a quiet, clean environment. Loud music or equipment can irritate a dog recovering from a painful ear, and it’s best to keep family activities away from the animal until it feels better.
Hey doc, can I buy ear mite medication from the pet store to treat my dog’s ear infection?
In a word, NO. It makes me sad to see you waste your money, so please don’t.
Ear Infections in Dogs
Dogs love to get yeast infections in their ears. I can count the number of dogs with ear mites I’ve seen during my practice career on two hands.
Cats love to get ear mites. But cats are not small dogs. Read on to learn more…