In most cases, a dog's ear infection will not go away on its own. What's worse, if you wait too long to treat the ear infection, it can become much more difficult to get under control. An untreated ear infection can lead to chronic issues, hearing loss, and sometimes the need for expensive surgery.
Most ruptured eardrums heal without surgery within three to five weeks. Middle ear infections often require oral antibiotics or antifungal medications for four to six weeks. Most pets will require frequent recheck examinations and follow-up care to ensure the infection is resolving and the eardrum is healing properly.
While taking your pup to the vet is always a safe bet, some easy and effective home remedies can help relieve their discomfort, like wiping their ears with cider vinegar, coconut oil, or tea tree oil. However, as with any ailment, it's best to invest in the best pet insurance for dogs for added peace of mind.
Left untreated ear infections in dogs can develop quickly and result in symptoms such as balance and coordination issues, pain and in severe cases facial paralysis.
First and foremost, it's important to regularly clean your dog's ears with a gentle ear cleaner. You can also use natural remedies such as apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil to combat infections. However, it's crucial to avoid inserting anything into your dog's ear canal, as this can cause further damage.
Dark brown or black—This type of earwax is commonly associated with yeast and/or bacterial ear infections. It's a good idea to consult with a veterinarian if earwax is this color. Brown—Light brown earwax is normal and expected. If the wax is accompanied by odor or inflammation, it can be a sign of infection.
The ears often become red and inflamed and develop an offensive odor. A black or yellowish discharge commonly occurs. In chronic cases, the ears may appear crusty or thickened, and the ear canals often become narrowed (stenotic) due to chronic inflammation.
Dog Ear Infection Treatment
It's best to see your veterinarian as soon as you notice signs because ear infections won't go away on their own. You'll usually need prescription dog ear infection medicine, Pashaian-Grant says.
Swelling and Redness of the Ear
Either way, it's necessary to get your dog treatment for this condition right away. A swollen and red ear is likely to be very tender to the touch, so try not to bother your dog's ear more than you have to during this stage.
Factors that may predispose your dog to ear infections include: Moisture, which can create a prime growing environment for bacteria and yeast. Allergies, which lead to ear disease in about 50 percent of dogs with allergic skin disease and 80 percent of dogs with food sensitivities.
Antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin-clavulanate, enrofloxacin, clindamycin, or cefpodoxime) will be used for a bacterial infection for a minimum of six to eight weeks. If the infection is fungal, an anti-fungal medication (most often itraconazole) will be prescribed.
They will likely extract a sample from the infected area to look at under a microscope. From there, they can determine whether your dog has an ear yeast infection or bacterial infection – or both! Your vet will prescribe medication to treat the infection.
Treating ear infections in dogs usually consists of your vet cleaning your dog's ear with a medicated cleanser and prescribing any antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications required. Your veterinarian may also prescribe a topical medication and instruct you on how and when to apply it to your dog's ear at home.
In addition to scratching or rubbing the ears, a dog in pain from an ear infection may become lethargic or withdrawn, display a loss of appetite, or become moody or irritable. If you notice an behavioral changes in your dog that concern you, contact your veterinarian.
Diagnosis of Middle and Inner Ear Infections in Dogs
Veterinarians will examine the ear canal and can usually identify if inflammation is present within the ear canal. Your veterinarian will diagnose a middle or inner ear infection based on previous history and any present clinical signs.
To clean the ears, tilt your dog's head downward with one hand and squirt a gentle cleanser recommended by your veterinarian into the ear, filling the canal. Holding the ear closed, give it a nice massage, really squishing the cleanser around in there. That softens any gunk inside.
Ear mites cause intense scratching. If you look in your dog's ears and see dark brown debris that resembles coffee grounds, then your dog most likely has ear mites. This parasite can be shared with cats, dogs and other animals (like the family ferret).
Ear Mites in dogs
Ear mites are tiny mites, barely visible to the human eye, that live on the surface of ear canal skin in dogs and cats. An infestation produces tiny black specks, similar to coffee grounds.
Never put anything in your dog's ear without veterinary instruction. Your veterinary team can help you find the ideal treatment to treat the infection and give your dog much-needed relief. Itchy, uncomfortable ears can be caused by everything from ear infections to allergies and ear mites.
The best way to help itchy ears is to see the vet. Home remedies or over-the-counter “cures” typically don't help, and may even make the situation worse.
Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common causes of itching in dogs, just behind flea allergy dermatitis. These allergies may also result in ear and body scratching, ear and skin infections and foot licking.
carbs and sugar are what yeast thrives on. Feeding a high carbohydrate kibble diet often leads to food allergies or intolerances that make your dog more susceptible to yeast.
Dogs can experience three types of ear infections, known otitis externa, media, and internet.
When some dogs eat ingredients such as chicken, wheat, corn or other individual items, ingestion will trigger an allergic reaction that can alter the natural flora and allow an unnatural growth of yeast. If your pet suffers from yeasty ears, attempt altering their diet to eliminate common triggers.