Why Does My Dog Get Ear Infections?

Ear infections are very common inflammatory conditions seen in our canine patients.  An Inflammation for a variety of reasons then predisposes the ear to bacterial and yeast infections.  These infections are painful, and common signs of an infection include scratching the ears, rubbing the head and ears, or head shaking; redness in the ear canal, and odor and discharge from the ear. 

New (Acute) Infections of the Ear

Many cases of ear infections are uncomplicated and easy to treat.  Your veterinarian will look in the ears, take a sampling of the debris or build up, and identify the type of infection in the ear.  Often both ears are infected, but it can just be one ear.  The ears must then be cleaned thoroughly of debris and build up, and an appropriate ear medication can be started.  Ear medication should ALWAYS be used for the full amount of time your veterinarian prescribes it for.  Ear infections, especially due to yeast, often can look “better” in just a few days, but if residual yeast or bacteria or left behind, the infection can quickly recur.  For this reason, even in uncomplicated ear infections, your veterinarian might recommend a follow up appointment to verify that the infection is completely cleared.

                                                       Repeat (Chronic) Ear Infections

In some cases, ear infections may return or never completely resolve.  That can be for various reasons, but the main reason is the underlying cause of the ear infection must be identified and treated as well.  Sometimes allergies to food, or pollen, or parasites can lead to secondary bacterial or yeast infections in the ear.  These problems must be thoroughly investigated by your veterinarian to keep recurrent or frequent ear infections at bay.  Following up frequently with your veterinarian to monitor the progress of the ear treatment is important to control these outbreaks, and keep your pet’s ear pain and discomfort to a minimum.

What happens to an ear infections gone bad?

If an ear infection is left untreated, not only are you exposing your pet to continued pain, itch, and discomfort, but the infection can spread further into the ear canal.  When an ear infection spreads, damage to the nerves controlling balance and hearing can occur.  Deafness and loss of balance are common side effects of a long-standing, untreated ear infection.  Sometimes these signs can be reversed and sometimes they are permanent.  In addition, untreated ear infections lead to chronic, or continued, inflammation to the ear canal tissue, making it become thicker and more abnormal.  Sometimes, the ear canal surface becomes so thickened it can trap infection inside, making it extremely difficult to get a once treatable infection under control.  Often, in severe cases, this requires surgery to correct this long-standing issue.

What can you do?

Clean your pet’s ears frequently with a dog specific ear cleaner.  As often as you bathe your pet, or more frequently if prescribed by your pet’s veterinarian.  Ear cleaners are designed to flush material up and out of the canal, and dry out the ear canal as well.  If you notice build up in the ears, or an abnormal odor, or your pet seems to be scratching his ears more often, see a veterinarian promptly.  Prompt treatment leads to quick and easy                                                                                     relief for your pet, and you!!!