All ear infections, regardless of the cause, may have the same symptoms. Some symptoms to watch for at home that might mean your dog has an ear infection are:
Shaking of the Head
Scratching at the head or ears
Continuous rubbing of the head and ears on the ground or floor
Redness or irritation of the ear canal
An unusual discharge leaking from the ears
A brown or yellowish discharge present in the ears
Foul smell emanating from the ear
Pain when the head or ears are touched or petted
The Veterinary Visit – Diagnosis of an Ear Infection
At the first sign of symptoms an appointment should be made with a veterinarian. It is also important to remember that you should never put anything into your dogs ears before seeing the veterinarian. This could result in additional symptoms including neurological which include head tilting and walking in circles.
If your dog has frequent ear infections or ones that seem resistant to treatment, it is crucial that the underlying cause be discovered. The easiest way to do this is through a physical examination. Things such as floppy pinnae, excess hair in the ears and a small ear canal can all be viewed with a physical examination. In addition, things such as tumors and foreign objects can also be seen.
Food allergies are usually ruled out with a food trial. During a food trial, a special hypoallergenic food is fed for a period of 8-12 weeks. The dog is monitored during this time to see if its symptoms improve.
Blood tests and skin tests are used to rule out Atopy or seasonal or inhalant allergies. These are performed just as they are in humans and can provide specifically what your dog is allergic to.
Hypothyroidism and other endocrine diseases affecting the skin are usually diagnosed through a series of one or more blood tests which test the function of a particular endocrine organ. Usually dogs with endocrine disorders will have other symptoms besides ear infections that will lead the veterinarian to suspect another problem.
Ear Infection Treatment
Once the underlying cause is determined, the treatment can begin. For dogs with food allergies, avoiding these foods is paramount. In dogs with seasonal and inhalant allergies, a combination of medications including antihistamines, omega-3 fatty acid supplements and cyclosporine will be prescribed and your dog will most likely be required to take them for the rest of his/her life.
Periodic treatment of skin and ear infections with antibiotics, antifungals, shampoos and topical rinses is usually necessary. The course of treatment varies for each dog and depends on how severely allergic they are and how well they respond to therapy.
Most ear infections are treated with a combination of topical medication that you put in your dogs ear and oral medication. While treating an ear infection, it is important to clean a dogs ears once or twice weekly to prevent build-up of medication and debris in the ear. The ear must be dried well after cleaning. Ear infections are usually treated for at least two weeks but may need to be treated for longer. If an ear infection will not clear up, a culture should be done as well.
Preventing Ear Infections
Treat all underlying diseases present in your dog
Dry your dogs ears out after a bath.
Dry your dogs ears out every time it swims.
Do not put any water or cleanser in your dogs ears unless you have to and always dry the ears out well afterwards.
Always remember: Keeping dogs ears dry is the key element to prevention and treatment of ear infections.
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