www.vetnpetdirect.com.au
|
3
Ear infections are one of the most common health
problems faced by dogs. They can be very painful
and if left untreated can cause permanent ear
damage and/or hearing loss.
As a dog owner it is important to know the signs
of a possible ear infection so that it can be treated
and the dog's discomfort relieved.
Signs and symptoms of ear infections in
dogs include:
e
redness of the ear or ear canal
e
swelling or inflammation of the ear or ear canal
e
an odour
e
ear feeling hot
e
head shaking
e
scratching or rubbing ear
e
tilting head to one side
e
hair loss around the ear
e
discharge from the ear - bloody, yellow or brown
e
pain inside or around the ear
e
hearing loss
There are many different causes of ear infections
in dogs. These can include mites, yeast, bacteria,
allergies, a foreign body - like a grass seed, trauma
or moisture/water in the ear. Some dogs are more
prone to ear troubles than others; particularly dogs
that suffer from skin allergies or dogs with droopy
or floppy ears, due to excess moisture build up
and reduced air circulation around the ear.
As there are so many possible causes it is always
best to consult your veterinarian to determine the
cause and the best course of treatment. Treatment
may involve ear cleaning, antibiotics, anti-fungals,
parasite control, ear draining or surgery.
Keeping your dog's ears clean and dry can help
prevent ear infections. Drying the ears with a
towel or blow dryer after bathing or swimming is
recommended to help prevent yeast or bacteria
growth. Cleaning your dog's ears frequently,
sometimes weekly, will help remove excess ear
wax and debris.
A step-by-step guide on how to clean your
dog's ears can be found at the vet-n-pet DIRECT
Help Centre >> http://help.vetnpetdirect.com.au
EAR INFECTIONS
