Ear infections are just one of the common types of sicknesses that dogs have. This problem is common among puppies; however older dogs can also get infected when it's transmitted from the puppies, or dogs that carry them.
Causes of Ear Infections
The common cause for dog ear infections are ear mites. These tiny insects, also known as dog ear mites, are tiny insects that spend most of their lives on your dog's ears. These small critters are very irritating and annoying. You'd notice that you're dog would probably keep shaking his head, or trying to scratch it. But of course, this would only make matters worse because this may only end up aggravating the problem causing bald patches or even bleeding. If the ear infection is left untreated, there's a possibility for it to spread in the brain, it can even lead to convulsions or death.
Symptoms of Infection
There are signs in which you can tell when your dog has an ear infection. Usually you'd be able to see dark substances in the ears that are almost like sticky coffee grounds that are black or yellowish in color. You would also notice that your dog's ears would be reddish due to inflammation. There would also be a foul odor coming out from your dog's ear. Another sign is when you try to touch your dog's ear and he feels an immediate pain.
Ear Infection Treatments
There are other possibilities as to why your dog may be itching or scratching his ear. It could be fleas, tumors or trauma to the ear, so it is best to have it checked out with an expert instead of trying to self-medicate your dog. Self-medicating your dog may only aggravate the situation, instead of improving it, so always have a regular check-up with your vet.
If in case, the assessment does turn out to be an ear infection, there are a lot of possible treatments that can cure it. If you want to treat the infection with a more holistic approach, you can use white vinegar that is heavily diluted with water. This will clear any debris out, and will also maintain the right PH balance on your dog's ear. Try to fill in the ear canal and let it soak for awhile. Remove excess water with a cotton swab. This should be done repeatedly a few times a week.
There is also another option. You can buy dog ear drops that are recommended by your vet, which you'll have to administer within 10-14 days, depending on the specific instructions from your vet.
But of course, prevention is always better than cure, so in order to prevent this from happening, it is important to provide your dog with a healthy diet. Vitamin C is great for his diet as well because it has been proven to be a great antioxidant that will regulate yeast in his ears. Always give your dog a proper bath and wipe of excess water on his ears. A healthy dog is a happy dog.
Christina Graham has been a veterinarian surgery tech and/or dog groomer for over 15 years. And in those years has gained an invaluable knowledge regarding a dogs health and nutrition. That's why she created DogVitaminFacts.com to dispel any false myths and offer an honest helpful insight into the importance of good nutrition and a quality dog vitamin supplement for your dog. Go to DogVitaminFacts.com to learn even more.
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