Dogs suffer from itchy ears with a weird smell, which may be the underlying cause behind ear infection. Ear infection in dogs is very common and veterinarian advice is inevitable during this kind of serious disease. The dog owner must clean the ears of the dog on a regular basis and any sign of infection such as inflammation, redness, and excess warmth should not be neglected. The vet should be informed about the entire history of problems, including symptoms, allergies, previous medications, and other medical conditions.

Dog Ear Infections: What Causes Them & How To Treat Them

An ear infection is dogs are caused primarily due to improper cleaning of ears or excessive cleaning of ears with harsh chemicals. The presence of natural oil and a tiny amount of earwax is necessary as it prevents the inception of foreign bodies into the ear. Most of the time, dog owners perceive the presence of earwax as a sign of infection and thorough cleaning worsens the natural conditioning inside the ear.

Another cause behind ear infection is the lack of immunity inside the body. Sometimes due to improper diet and an unhealthy lifestyle, the natural defense mechanism of dog slows down and when there is an attack by foreign bodies, the defense mechanism cannot combat the infection. The shape of the dog’s ear is ideal for yeast, bacteria, and mites to proliferate and weak immune system cannot prevent their growth, causing a severe ear infection.

Treatment Process

When consulted with the vet, they will meticulously examine the dog’s ear by first cleaning the ear with a medicated cleaning agent. The veterinarian will visually examine the symptoms of infection such as redness, swelling, discharge, and temperature of the ear. The severe ear infection will include the otoscope of the ear canal and eardrum, followed by biopsies or x-rays during chronic cases. The doctor will prescribe medicated cleansers for regular cleansing, in addition to oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications for treatment and prophylaxis of ear infection.

The most common ear infections are healed within weeks to maximum a month’s time. However, complicated ear infections take many more months to cure. The severe and chronic ear infection may involve surgery known as Total Ear Canal Ablation (TECA). This surgery removes the diseased tissue or the infected skin of the ear canal and the recurrence of infection is also prevented. The treatment and regular consultation with the vet continue for some years. The dog owners should avoid any lapses for the recurrence of infection.

Natural Remedies For Curing Infection

There are a few natural remedies that can be used to cure ear infections. The ear can be regularly cleaned with the help of green tea infusions, apple cider vinegar, and coconut oil decoction. The ear should be dried after coming in contact with moisture and the use of boric acid powder is advisable after that. Applying warm compresses several times a day can ease the pain and discomfort.

Homeopathic medications can be supplemented with home remedies for better cure and treatment. The primary remedies comprise of administering small pellets of Belladonna, Mercurius solubilis, Chamomilla, Hepar sulphuris calcareum, and Pulsatilla. These medications can be combined with Magnesia phosphorica, Ferrum phosphoricum, Aconitum napellus, and Kali muriaticum. A homeopathy practitioner should be consulted before administering these medications and these are only helpful in the treatment of minor infection.

Prevention of Infection

Cleaning the ears regularly with a proper cleanser is of utmost importance while preventing ear infections. Medicated cleaning agents and gauze must be used for thorough cleaning inside the ear. The medications must be poured in droppers from a nozzle like the opening of the bottle, and while pouring the medicine it should not touch the skin or else it might get contaminated. Medicated and sanitized cotton swabs and gauze must be used for cleaning purposes.

Prescribed medicines should be regularly administered and topical medicines should be applied. Most of the prescribed medicines contain ear drops that comprise antibiotic drugs, steroids, and anti-fungal agents. This provide rapid relief to pain and sensitivity and cures the infection. It also prevents recurrence of infection. Doctors may suggest some oral medications and strict maintenance of lifestyle and environmental conditions.

A dog’s diet must be full of antioxidants and nutrients to boost the immune system. Most of the packaged dog food is processed and contains the majority of carbohydrates which is harmful to a dog’s health. Doctors suggest a grain-free and start-free diet for dogs, including vegetables and fresh meat. Supplements should be provided based on the recommendation and consultation of a veterinarian. The most common supplements include omega-3 fatty acids and curcumin, which improves immunity system of dogs.

For the treatment and prevention of ear infections, dog owners should ensure proper cleanliness and a healthy diet of their pets. Regular check-ups and observation can prevent infection to a great extent.