How to get treatment for ear infection in dog

It can be quite difficult to diagnose whether your dog has an ear infection because of other numerous problems it might have, but a quintessential way to avoid these is by taking preventive care through high levels of hygiene and regular visit to the vet. Essentially, how can you tell that your pet dog has an ear infection? Here are some signs that will help you know just that, followed by some treatment advice.

Sign

Also known as Otitis Externa, the discomfort caused by an external ear infection is demonstrated by scratching/rubbing ears on the floor or furniture or by vigorously shaking the head. If, however, this infection has reached deeper (middle ear), the animal may tilt the head, have unusual eye movements or may be imbalanced.

Types

Though it is not necessary for you to know what exactly the infection is, nevertheless it would be helpful to know at least the types. Mostly it could be a result of excess wax production. The infection could also be a result of the allergic skin infection or yeast infection of the ear or ear mites or foreign substance (foxtails, grass awns). In poodles and schnauzers it could be the result of excessive growth of hair in the ear. If due to vigorous shaking of the head a blood vessel ruptures it leads to Aural hematoma.

Treatment

Most infections get cleared up with ear flush -washing and cleaning of the ear with a disinfectant followed by medication at home. It is recommended that this be done professionally under sedation. If however the infection keeps recurring then we are dealing with a chronic ear infection mostly of allergic origin (refer below for details on allergies). These are treated with specific drugs after culture. Lastly, however, a vet may opt to do an ablation procedure, wherein the entire ear canal is removed and healthy tissue allowed to grow.

Allergies

If it is chronic severe otitis, in most likelihood it's a result of allergy. The allergies could be flea allergies, food allergies, bacterial allergies, or inhalant allergies. In such cases ear infection is only a part problem and treatment needs to be of the underlying allergy to prevent secretion of goo.

Home Remedies

Veterinarians suggest the use of white vinegar or acetic acid to lean the era. In case of an infection, pour a small amount into the era, massage a bit and then clean with a cotton ball. Once a day would suffice for as long as the infection persists.

You could also try this one; mix equal parts pau d'arco tincture (obtained from a tree bark) and mineral oil and put several drops in your pet's ears, two or three times a day for several days.

Prevention

It is said prevention is better than cure. So remember to clean the ear and trim the excess hair inside the ear. Focus on overall well-being of the pet and provide natural diet. Supplements such as bromelain and quercetin are good for digestive tract and prevent allergy of the tract. Prevent ear mites with use of oil.

It's always better to be equipped with basic treatment tips for dog-ear infection but it is also advisable to seek a vet's help when there is no improvement.