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Every canine has a natural concentration of bacteria and yeast growth in their ears. However, if this particular balance gets disrupted then bacterial overgrowth or yeast ear infections may occur. The resulting ear infections usually result in intense irritation for your dog. From the moment you observe the early symptoms that your pooch is no longer comfortable, it is your responsibility to deal with treatment. Remember, Fido is completely dependent on you.
Common Signs of Ear Infections in Dogs
Your dog may be suffering from a form of ear infection if you notice discharge in his ears, usually yellow and pasty or black and chunky. Also, a distinct chalky or pungent smell, excessive rubbing or scratching of his ears, and swelling or redness in Fido’s inner ear flap and ear canal could indicate an ear infection. Other symptoms include shaking or tilting of your dog’s head to the side, pain to the mere touch of his ears, and unusual irritable behavior.
While bacterial infection is normally characterized by discharge, pungent odor, pain, swelling, and redness; yeast infection, on the other hand, is recognized not just by discharge, chalky smell, swelling, and redness, but with dryness, scaling, intense itching, and oozing as well.
How to Treat Ear Infections in Dogs
- Bring your pooch to the veterinarian for him to determine whether your dog’s ear problem is brought about by bacterial overgrowth or yeast infection.
- Bacterial ear infection normally calls for a vet’s prescription on Otomax ear drops, Epi-Otic flush, Cephalexin antibiotics, and perhaps Temeral-P steroids. Yeast infection, on the other hand, usually involves Mometamax ear drops, Epi-Otic flush, and probably Temeral-P for treatment.
- For holistic approach in yeast infection, you can try several home remedies such as making use of highly diluted white vinegar to get rid of the ear debris and at the same time restore the natural level of Fido’s ear bacteria and yeast growths. Try filling your dog’s ear canal with vinegar and let it soak there for a few minutes. To make sure that there is complete immersion, gently massage the base part of your pooch’s ears. Use a cotton swab to wipe any excess liquid out. Do this several times per week.
- Keep Fido clean and well-exercised all the time. Continue on a healthy food diet for your pooch, and always see to it that his ears are dried out every time he’s exposed to water.
If you suspect your dog already has an ear infection, a trip to the vet is in order. But, if you’re looking for a safe, inexpensive, environmentally safe way to clean your dog’s ears at home – without harsh chemicals – the following video has a perfect ear cleaner recipe and step-by-step instructions for cleaning your dog’s ears. This process can be done once a week as a great preventative!
