If you have a dog, then you know that they get ear infections from time to time. You might be thinking of buying over-the-counter treatments, but are they really safe for your dog?
Most over-the-counter treatments for ear infections are formulated with antibiotics, which can be dangerous for your dog if not used properly. In this article, we will go over the different types of ear infections and tell you which over-the-counter treatments are safe and effective for treating them.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Dog Ear Infection?
There are a few telltale signs that your dog may have an ear infection. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it’s time to take your pup to the vet for a checkup:
- Excessive scratching or pawing at the ears
- Shaking of the head
- Red, inflamed ears
- Brown, yellow, or bloody discharge from the ears
- Bad odor coming from the ears
- Hair loss around the ears
- Swelling of the ear canal
- Loss of balance or walking in circles
If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t wait to take your dog to the vet. Ear infections can be extremely painful for dogs and can cause permanent damage if they’re not treated promptly.
What Causes Dog Ear Infections?
There are many different causes of dog ear infections, but the most common one is bacteria. Bacteria can enter the ear through a cut or scratch, or it can be present on the skin. Once the bacteria is in the ear, it can multiply and cause an infection.
Other causes of dog ear infections include allergies, foreign bodies (such as grass seeds), mites, and polyps. Allergies are a common trigger for ear infections in dogs. When a dog is allergic to something (such as pollen or dust), their body produces more histamines. This can cause inflammation in the ears, which makes them more susceptible to infection.
Foreign bodies, such as grass seeds, can also cause ear infections. If a foreign body gets lodged in the ear canal, it can cause irritation and inflammation. This can lead to an infection. Mites are tiny parasites that live on the skin of dogs (and other animals). They can cause irritation and inflammation in the ears, which can lead to an infection.
Polyps are growths that develop in the lining of the ear canal. They are usually benign (non-cancerous) but can become infected. Infected polyps can cause a lot of pain and discomfort for dogs.
Ear infections are fairly common in dogs, but they can be painful and uncomfortable. If you think your dog might have an ear infection, it’s important to take them to the vet so they can be treated properly.
How Can You Treat A Dog Ear Infection At Home?
If you think your dog has an ear infection, take them to the vet to get it checked out and get a diagnosis. If the vet says your dog does have an ear infection, they will likely prescribe antibiotics or other medication.
You can also try treating your dog’s ear infection at home with some simple home remedies. First, clean your dog’s ears with a gentle cleanser made specifically for dogs. You can then apply a warm compress to the affected area to help soothe pain and inflammation.
Another home remedy is to mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water and use a cotton ball to apply it to your dog’s ear. This solution can help to dry up the infection and kill bacteria.
If you’re not sure whether or not your dog has an ear infection, or if home remedies aren’t working, always err on the side of caution and take them to the vet.
When Should You See A Vet For A Dog Ear Infection?
If you think your dog may have an ear infection, the best course of action is to take them to see a vet. While there are some home remedies that can help alleviate symptoms, only a vet can properly diagnose and treat an ear infection.
There are a few telltale signs that your dog may have an ear infection, such as shaking their head frequently or tilting it to one side. They may also scratch at their ears more than usual or paw at them. You may also notice that your dog’s ears look red and inflamed, or that there is discharge coming from the ear. If your dog is showing any of these signs, it’s best to take them in for a checkup.
At the vet, they will likely perform a visual examination of your dog’s ears before doing a more thorough exam with an otoscope. This will allow them to get a better view of the inside of the ear and look for any evidence of infection. In some cases, the vet may also need to take a sample of the discharge for further testing. Based on the results of the exam and any tests that are performed, the vet will be able to prescribe the appropriate course of treatment.
Ear infections are fairly common in dogs, so if your pet is diagnosed with one, don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet for guidance on how to best care for them.
How Can You Prevent Dog Ear Infections?
There are several things you can do to prevent dog ear infections:
Keep your dog’s ears clean: Regularly check and clean your dog’s ears, especially if they are floppy or hairy. Use a cotton ball soaked in warm water or an ear cleansing solution to remove any dirt, wax or debris. Be sure to dry the inside of the ear after cleaning.
Avoid moisture in the ear: Water can irritate the skin inside the ear and lead to infection. If your dog gets wet, be sure to dry their ears thoroughly. You may also want to consider using a drying solution made specifically for dogs’ ears.
Don’t let your dog swim too often: Swimming is a great exercise for dogs, but it can also lead to ear infections. Water trapped in the ear canal provides a perfect environment for bacteria to grow. If your dog does swim frequently, be sure to clean their ears afterwards with a cotton ball soaked in warm water or an ear cleansing solution.
Conclusion
You can treat a dog ear infection without seeing a vet, but it is best to consult with a professional first. Home remedies such as apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil, and coconut oil can help to soothe the infection. If the infection does not improve or gets worse, it is important to take your dog to the vet for further treatment.