Your dog, just like you, is prone to getting ear infections. In fact, dogs are more likely to get ear infections than humans. Unfortunately that means that there is a good chance that your dog will be experience an ear infection in its lifetime. As an owner, it is your responsibility to do your best in helping to treat your dog’s ear infection. Dog ear infections have the potential to escalate in severity. Here are three easy tips and precautions to take in order to prevent your dog from getting an ear infection.
The first step, while obvious, must be stated; keep your dog’s ears clean. This means use a gauze cloth or a piece of cotton, (never a q tip or cotton swab) with dog ear drops to clear out debris. For maximum effect, a powder should be used to clean and dry the ear all together.
Keeping your dog’s ears dry is critical. Moisture is what leads to an infection. So after your dog has settled in for the day, make sure to dry out his ears before bed. It’s best to use soft cloths or cotton balls to prevent irritation of the ear’s skin. Also, grooming your dog’s ear hair is a great prevention technique.
As strange as it seems, it is healthy to know the smell of your dog’s ears. By smelling your dog’s ears, it will make you make you more perceptive to any changes if your dog’s ears have become infected. If you do smell a strange odor, it is time to visit your veterinarian for ear cytology. Having your dog undergo ear cytology is extremely beneficial. The vet will be able to determine exactly what type of infection it is and what steps to take.
Finally, if your dog is constantly facing ear infections talk to your veterinarian. It maybe time to schedule specialized blood tests to detect endocrine imbalances such as thyroid illness. Food and environmental allergies can also be an underlying trigger for secondary ear infections. Certain breeds such as Cocker Spaniels and Basset Hounds are more likely to get infected because of their anatomy. Dogs with large ear flaps and small ear canals are at risk and therefore should be more closely monitored for any symptoms of an ear infection.
