Dog Ear Infection: What Are the Signs and Symptoms of It?

In comparison to human ears, dog ears have a distinct anatomical design. Dogs have a long ear canal split into two sections, one vertical and one horizontal. Making a J or L shape keeps debris quicker, adding to dog ear infections.

Signs of Ear Infection in Dogs

Dogs are prone to typical ear infections. And remember, if your dog has itchy ears, you aren’t the only one who will be troubled. Listening to them scratching and shaking their head all night can keep you awake at night. Moreover, you can use this guide to find out how to find the symptoms of canine ear infections to get your dog to the vet as soon as possible.

Smelly Odor From the Ear

Dogs with moderate to severe chronic ear infections may have a smell from their ears. Nevertheless, this smell might begin with the outer ear, but it is more likely to originate deep within. Even if you do not put in any effort, you might be able to detect its scent.

This is a sign that your dog’s ear is infected with bacteria. The germs in your dog’s ear will multiply, and the smell will aggravate as the infection spreads.

Swelling and Redness of the Ear

Your dog’s ear will swell and get red as the infection progresses from mild to moderate. Occasionally, you can see this through the ear’s outer shell; in other instances, you need to peek inside. The earlier you treat your dog for this ailment, the better off they will be.

If your dog’s ear is red and puffy, it’s ideal not to disturb it too much while in this state. You’ll need to give your dog ear drops or allergy serum from a veterinarian, but you must wait for the ear to heal to ensure that your dog doesn’t get aggressive because of the discomfort. Click on this link for more information.

Head Tilting

One more classic sign and symptom of an ear infection is a dog’s tendency to lean its head back. Dogs with infected ears hold their heads in a more forward position, just like young children do. Although this might look cute, if your dog does this at all times, it could indicate an underlying issue.

As a result of an ear infection, dogs bend their heads to alleviate several of the stress in their ears. This needs an allergy treatment since allergies regularly cause ear infections. 

Oozing From the Ear

Oozing from your dog’s ear can be an indicator that they have an ear infection. Wax and pus are the most common elements of this oozing; nonetheless, other materials might likewise exist. Dogs with floppy ears might not notice this oozing as much as dogs with little ears or ears that stand up. The vet should be consulted if your dog’s ears are leaking. Most commonly, ear infections are the culprit, but they can sometimes suggest more significant ear problems, such as tumors.  

A video pet otoscope needs to be considered if your dog has multiple ear infections. If you are wondering what is a video pet otoscope? Using fiber optics, a video otoscope transmits a bright light that illuminates the ear canal, making it easier to determine the root cause of the infection. Using this method, the vet can properly treat your dog.

Bottomline

Make an appointment with the veterinarian to discuss long-term treatment solutions if your dog experiences frequent ear infections. To keep your dog’s ears free of undesirable hair, ensure to trim them frequently when grooming. Furthermore, a yearly check-up is an essential part of avoiding this problem.

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