How To Treat Ear Infections In Your Pet

Ear infections can be painful and can easily go undetected if you don’t keep a close eye on your pet. In fact, ear infections are some of the most common ailments for your pets. But thankfully they can also be easily treatable.
The most common cause of ear infections in pets is from bacteria in the ear canal. Dogs are especially perceptible to ear infections because their ears are so low to the ground and their ear canals are mostly vertical which makes it easier for moisture to get stuck in the hair near or in the ear which is a great environment for bacteria to grow. Dogs that have long ears like beagles, basset hounds, and cocker spaniels are especially perceptible.

Types of Ear Infections

There are three major types of ear infections depending on what part of the ear is infected– otitis externa, media, and internal. Otitis externa means that the inflammation affects the outer or external portion of the ear canal. Otitis media and internal refer to infections of the middle and inner ear canal, and they are most often a result of the spread of infection from the external ear.
While bacteria are the most common causes of infection there are other types which include:

• Yeast
• Ear mites
• Thyroid disorders
• Wax buildup
• Viruses
• Allergies
• Fungus

Symptoms of Ear Infection

The most obvious symptom of ear infections is inflammation of the ear. The ear might be red, inflamed, or even black, depending on the type and severity. What to see if your pet is constantly scratching the ear. If the ear infection is particularly bad your pet may experience loss of balance and inexplicably fall over.

How To Treat Ear Infections In Your Pet

If your pet is showing signs of ear infection, take your pet to the vet immediately. The vet will likely do an otoscope and test for parasites, yeast, mites or bacteria. This is done by taking some of the culture and examining it. Next, the vet will gently clean the ear with a cleansing solution. The vet will then give you some medication depending on the severity to give you your pet. The vet might provide a spray, ointment, or an oral pill.
Ear infections should be treated right away. Although they begin as a common pain, they can easily advance into more serious cases and could lead to deafness, or even paralysis.

Preventing Ear Infections

Check your pets’ ear on a regular basis for any redness or inflammation. You should also thoroughly dry your dog or cats’ ears if they have been out in the rain, swimming, or after a bath. For dogs that are prone to ear infections, trip excess hair around the outer ear canal.

Conclusion

If you believe your pet has an ear infection, then don’t worry but take them to a vet right away. Give us a call at Cypress Animal Hospital and we will be happy to help you book an appointment.