By organicpetdigest
A dog ear infection is not only the most common of all dog ear problems, but it is one of the most common overall problems reported by veterinarians. It is estimated that approximately 20% of our dogs are affected by mild to severe ear infections.
What does that mean to you?
It means that your dog has a fairly good chance of developing a dog ear infection at some point.
The severity, diagnosis and treatment can vary quite a bit from dog to dog, so you must learn to recognize the symptoms, have them assessed by a veterinarian and move forward with the correct treatment in order to relieve your dog’s suffering as quickly as possible....
Signs of a Dog Ear Infection
You are on this site, so you are likely to have a great relationship with your dog. This is the first step towards diagnosis!
A dog ear infection is not only the most common of all dog ear problems, but it is one of the most common overall problems reported by veterinarians. It is estimated that approximately 20% of our dogs are affected by mild to severe ear infections.
What does that mean to you?
It means that your dog has a fairly good chance of developing a dog ear infection at some point.
The severity, diagnosis and treatment can vary quite a bit from dog to dog, so you must learn to recognize the symptoms, have them assessed by a veterinarian and move forward with the correct treatment in order to relieve your dog’s suffering as quickly as possible....
Signs of a Dog Ear Infection
You are on this site, so you are likely to have a great relationship with your dog. This is the first step towards diagnosis!
Knowing your dog well enough to recognize strange behavior is key.
There are a several signs of a dog ear infection:
Since dog ear infection problems are widely varied and occasionally difficult to diagnose, it is helpful for you to do some research about all of the possible causes before you make an appointment with the vet.
There are a several signs of a dog ear infection:
- A strange, often foul odor coming from the inner ear
- Consistent scratching and rubbing of the ear and/or head
- Discharge in the ear
- Overall changes in behavior including depression, tiredness and irritability
- Pain or tenderness of the entire ear area
- Redness or swelling of the inner ear
- Vigorous shaking of the head and tilting to a favored side
Since dog ear infection problems are widely varied and occasionally difficult to diagnose, it is helpful for you to do some research about all of the possible causes before you make an appointment with the vet.
Causes of ear infections
Causes include...
Allergies: Often dogs with allergies will suffer from ear infections. The ear infection could be the result of an inhaled particle or a food substance which can be the initial sign of a dog with a dog food allergy. In these cases, it is important to remember that you must treat the cause of the symptom along with the actual symptom. This means diagnosing your dog’s allergy along with treating and preventing future ear infections (more on this further down the page).
Foreign Particles: After a nice walk, your dog often arrives home with a numerous particles from the trail on his fur coat! Occasionally one of those particles enters the ear canal and can cause a big problem. Foreign particles in the ear can cause an infection and, if untreated, a serious trauma to the ear canal.
Causes include...
Allergies: Often dogs with allergies will suffer from ear infections. The ear infection could be the result of an inhaled particle or a food substance which can be the initial sign of a dog with a dog food allergy. In these cases, it is important to remember that you must treat the cause of the symptom along with the actual symptom. This means diagnosing your dog’s allergy along with treating and preventing future ear infections (more on this further down the page).
Foreign Particles: After a nice walk, your dog often arrives home with a numerous particles from the trail on his fur coat! Occasionally one of those particles enters the ear canal and can cause a big problem. Foreign particles in the ear can cause an infection and, if untreated, a serious trauma to the ear canal.
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Heredity: Certain dog breeds are recognized for having more ear problems than others, such as dogs with "floppy" ears (i.e. cocker spaniels, basset hounds, etc.) or dogs with hairy inner ear flaps (i.e. schnauzers, miniature poodles, etc.). If you have researched your particular breed and found this to be the case, it is best to discuss a plan of prevention with your veterinarian.
Hormonal Imbalances: Certain deficiencies or imbalances of various hormones in a dog’s body can cause dog ear problems. Irregularities in the glands, like the adrenal gland, can affect the health your dog’s skin and ears. |
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Microorganisms: One of the most common of these types of ear infections is the dog yeast infection, but there are numerous types of bacteria that can cause dog ear problems. These bacteria and yeast have a better chance of forming in the ear of an unhealthy dog or a dog whose ear environment has changed. The normal, healthy ear has a good defense against these organisms.
Parasites: The most common parasite that makes the lives of our pets more difficult is the ear mite, Otodectescynotis. These pesky little mites tend to favor cats, but certain dogs are hypersensitive to them. Dogs with ear mites will often display excessive scratching of the ear and head, and can cause themselves serious ear trauma.
Trauma: Certain accidents can cause trauma to a dog’s sensitive ears. Wounds, if left untreated, can lead to serious infection and even deafness. If your dog has suffered any type of physical trauma, make sure to check all areas of the body, including the ears, to make sure nothing has happened to them.
Canine Tumors: Tumors have been found in the ears of dogs. This is a rare occurrence and can only be diagnosed by your veterinarian.
Trauma: Certain accidents can cause trauma to a dog’s sensitive ears. Wounds, if left untreated, can lead to serious infection and even deafness. If your dog has suffered any type of physical trauma, make sure to check all areas of the body, including the ears, to make sure nothing has happened to them.
Canine Tumors: Tumors have been found in the ears of dogs. This is a rare occurrence and can only be diagnosed by your veterinarian.
How to Diagnose Dog Ear Problems
As we discussed above, there are many causes of dog ear problems which can make it difficult to diagnose your dog accurately at home.
We recommend that you see your holistic veterinarian first to eliminate the possibility of a serious issue. Your vet has a variety of techniques to diagnose your dog’s ear problem. For example, they can...
Look down the ear canal with an otoscope to observe the amount of inflammation present. They will also be able to determine if the eardrum has been affected or if there are any foreign particles or tumors visible.
As we discussed above, there are many causes of dog ear problems which can make it difficult to diagnose your dog accurately at home.
We recommend that you see your holistic veterinarian first to eliminate the possibility of a serious issue. Your vet has a variety of techniques to diagnose your dog’s ear problem. For example, they can...
Look down the ear canal with an otoscope to observe the amount of inflammation present. They will also be able to determine if the eardrum has been affected or if there are any foreign particles or tumors visible.
Use a cotton swab to remove a sample of the ear wax which can be viewed under a microscope and examined for yeast, bacteria or mites.
Conduct a physical exam to get a better idea of the dog’s overall health.
Questions about the dog’s heredity and possible allergies may be asked.
Treatment of a dog ear infection will depend on what the initial cause of the infection was:
Dog Allergies
Ear infections caused by dog food allergies or dog skin allergies are often treated by regular cleaning of the ear with an appropriate ear cleaner and removing the allergen from the dog’s diet/atmosphere.
Conduct a physical exam to get a better idea of the dog’s overall health.
Questions about the dog’s heredity and possible allergies may be asked.
Treatment of a dog ear infection will depend on what the initial cause of the infection was:
- Dog allergies
- Bacterial infection
- Dog ear mites
Dog Allergies
Ear infections caused by dog food allergies or dog skin allergies are often treated by regular cleaning of the ear with an appropriate ear cleaner and removing the allergen from the dog’s diet/atmosphere.
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Bacterial Infection Treatment
Antibiotics are often prescribed by conventional veterinarians for any type of a bacterial infection, but it is much safer over the long term to use holistic treatments. Cleaning the ear regularly with diluted white vinegar or apple cider vinegar is an option. Another effective product to consider is Dr. Rose's Remedies Natural Salve/Spray. Consult with your local holistic vet for other appropriate substitutes. |
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Dog Ear Mites
Ear Mites can cause a crumbly, dark brown substance to form in the ear. You may be able to diagnose this on your own. Place ear wax from your dog's ear under a bright light and look for small white specks. The ears need to be cleaned daily during treatment along with a prescribed treatment from your holistic vet to kill the existing ear mites. This can take a few weeks to cure completely so don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t work right away.
Ways to Prevent a Dog Ear Infection from Recurring
The key to floppy, happy and healthy dog ears is CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN!
Look in your dog’s ears on a weekly basis to check for wax build up, foul smells or other common symptoms of a dog ear infection listed above. And no matter what you find, clean the ear often using your vet-approved method and a good natural ear cleaner.
Consistent and proper dog grooming will also help to keep your dog’s ears healthy. Any excess hair growing around the inner ear can be cut to provide additional air flow to the ear to prevent the lodging of debris.
Ear Mites can cause a crumbly, dark brown substance to form in the ear. You may be able to diagnose this on your own. Place ear wax from your dog's ear under a bright light and look for small white specks. The ears need to be cleaned daily during treatment along with a prescribed treatment from your holistic vet to kill the existing ear mites. This can take a few weeks to cure completely so don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t work right away.
Ways to Prevent a Dog Ear Infection from Recurring
The key to floppy, happy and healthy dog ears is CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN!
Look in your dog’s ears on a weekly basis to check for wax build up, foul smells or other common symptoms of a dog ear infection listed above. And no matter what you find, clean the ear often using your vet-approved method and a good natural ear cleaner.
Consistent and proper dog grooming will also help to keep your dog’s ears healthy. Any excess hair growing around the inner ear can be cut to provide additional air flow to the ear to prevent the lodging of debris.
Ear Care Remedies
Written by Lucy Postins
Ear problems are one of the top routine reasons why dogs visit the veterinarian, and many dogs suffer with painful and unpleasant ear conditions for years on end before a true long-standing cure is found. A holistic approach to the problem considers the environment in which the dog lives, what he eats and his lifestyle.
Ear problems often go hand in hand with allergies and sensitivities, and dogs who are prone to itchy skin and hot spots frequently suffer with ear issues as well. As with most skin conditions, a problem with the ears is often indicative of some other internal issues going on deep within the body.
Certain types of bacteria and yeast are naturally present throughout the body, including the ears. They are part of the balance of life, but when the balance is disrupted, either one can grow out of control and an ‘ear infection’ results.
A conventional veterinary approach to ear problems often involves the prescribing of antibiotics as well as steroids and other medications, which can provide some immediate relief. The problem is that these products work by suppressing the symptoms and the immune system, so this tends to be only a temporary fix and doesn’t actually offer a true, long-term cure. Because ear and skin issues are often caused by autoimmune disorders, drugs that suppress the immune system will appear to work as the inflammation and redness will disappear. But the logic of suppressing the immune system may not be the best approach because this leaves the dog susceptible to bacteria, viruses and more sinister illnesses.
Ear problems are one of the top routine reasons why dogs visit the veterinarian, and many dogs suffer with painful and unpleasant ear conditions for years on end before a true long-standing cure is found. A holistic approach to the problem considers the environment in which the dog lives, what he eats and his lifestyle.
Ear problems often go hand in hand with allergies and sensitivities, and dogs who are prone to itchy skin and hot spots frequently suffer with ear issues as well. As with most skin conditions, a problem with the ears is often indicative of some other internal issues going on deep within the body.
Certain types of bacteria and yeast are naturally present throughout the body, including the ears. They are part of the balance of life, but when the balance is disrupted, either one can grow out of control and an ‘ear infection’ results.
A conventional veterinary approach to ear problems often involves the prescribing of antibiotics as well as steroids and other medications, which can provide some immediate relief. The problem is that these products work by suppressing the symptoms and the immune system, so this tends to be only a temporary fix and doesn’t actually offer a true, long-term cure. Because ear and skin issues are often caused by autoimmune disorders, drugs that suppress the immune system will appear to work as the inflammation and redness will disappear. But the logic of suppressing the immune system may not be the best approach because this leaves the dog susceptible to bacteria, viruses and more sinister illnesses.
Achieving And Maintaining Ear Health
Cleaning
Most dogs’ ears do not require regular cleaning and can mostly be left alone. In fact, it’s better to leave normal, healthy ears alone and not attempt to clean them for the sake of it, because this in itself can disrupt the delicate pH balance and natural environment there. Some dogs with chronic issues require occasional cleaning to remove debris, or a specially designed drying product to help eliminate excess moisture from the ears after swimming.
Minor amounts of debris can be removed with a clean, dry cotton pad alone, which is the best solution for maintaining ears that don’t have a deep-seated problem of any kind. Never try to clean beyond the areas of the ears that you can actually see.
Diet
A grain-free diet is almost always helpful in combating chronic yeast infections. Grains contain natural sugars upon which yeasts can feed and multiply. In most mild cases, eliminating grains and cleaning the ears of any built up debris will set your dog on a path to long term ear health.
A raw or natural, minimally processed diet can be very helpful in combating ear problems, because it provides the natural, whole-food nutrition that the dog’s immune system needs in order to function optimally. Removing toxic chemical preservatives and excessive gluten, by-products and fillers can have a marvelous effect on most of the body, including the condition of the ears.
Cleaning
Most dogs’ ears do not require regular cleaning and can mostly be left alone. In fact, it’s better to leave normal, healthy ears alone and not attempt to clean them for the sake of it, because this in itself can disrupt the delicate pH balance and natural environment there. Some dogs with chronic issues require occasional cleaning to remove debris, or a specially designed drying product to help eliminate excess moisture from the ears after swimming.
Minor amounts of debris can be removed with a clean, dry cotton pad alone, which is the best solution for maintaining ears that don’t have a deep-seated problem of any kind. Never try to clean beyond the areas of the ears that you can actually see.
Diet
A grain-free diet is almost always helpful in combating chronic yeast infections. Grains contain natural sugars upon which yeasts can feed and multiply. In most mild cases, eliminating grains and cleaning the ears of any built up debris will set your dog on a path to long term ear health.
A raw or natural, minimally processed diet can be very helpful in combating ear problems, because it provides the natural, whole-food nutrition that the dog’s immune system needs in order to function optimally. Removing toxic chemical preservatives and excessive gluten, by-products and fillers can have a marvelous effect on most of the body, including the condition of the ears.
A number of good, natural commercial products are also available from pet-supply and health food stores. Altering the pH of the ear is a primary step in combating yeast and bacterial infections. A basic ear cleaner can be prepared at home, and work double duty to correct the pH and kill any contaminants residing there. Make up a solution with 1 cup of luke-warm water and 2 tablespoons of one or more of the following: hydrogen peroxide, apple cider (or white) vinegar or plantain tincture. This mixture can be used to wipe out excess debris from visible areas of the ear.
Topical treatments can be used routinely, or on an as-needed basis, to clean the ears – usually by applying the product onto a piece of cotton wool and very gently wiping out excess wax and buildup. It’s essential not to push anything into the ear canal beyond the visible outer folds of the ear, because doing so can cause extreme and very painful damage to the delicate internal workings of the ear. Never poke Q Tips or anything else right inside the ear canal and don’t squirt or pour large volumes of these topical applications into the ears; a small amount on a cotton ball is usually sufficient.
Calendula Lotion is nice product for topical use because it has wonderful healing properties, as does comfrey, which can also be applied to the ears. Products containing Tea Tree Oil are helpful, as are those containing Tea Tree’s slightly less intense cousin, Niaouli. Gentian Violet is a purple dye that’s used as a stain for microscopy – and medically as a bactericide, fungicide, and anthelmintic. Gentian is superb for cleaning the ears. Mullein Oil is also an excellent ear product that’s recommended by some holistic veterinarians for basic ear infections. Colloidal Silver is also another option worth considering: a few drops can be applied into the ears daily for about seven to ten days, until some relief is seen.
Topical treatments can be used routinely, or on an as-needed basis, to clean the ears – usually by applying the product onto a piece of cotton wool and very gently wiping out excess wax and buildup. It’s essential not to push anything into the ear canal beyond the visible outer folds of the ear, because doing so can cause extreme and very painful damage to the delicate internal workings of the ear. Never poke Q Tips or anything else right inside the ear canal and don’t squirt or pour large volumes of these topical applications into the ears; a small amount on a cotton ball is usually sufficient.
Calendula Lotion is nice product for topical use because it has wonderful healing properties, as does comfrey, which can also be applied to the ears. Products containing Tea Tree Oil are helpful, as are those containing Tea Tree’s slightly less intense cousin, Niaouli. Gentian Violet is a purple dye that’s used as a stain for microscopy – and medically as a bactericide, fungicide, and anthelmintic. Gentian is superb for cleaning the ears. Mullein Oil is also an excellent ear product that’s recommended by some holistic veterinarians for basic ear infections. Colloidal Silver is also another option worth considering: a few drops can be applied into the ears daily for about seven to ten days, until some relief is seen.
Tea Tree Oil is not something to mess around with. It has caused death in some dogs if not used properly. It's best to avoid using it. ~ H.O.P.S.
Homeopathic Remedies
Pulsatilla is helpful for acute flare-ups with sensitivity and redness, along with a yellowish discharge. Pulsatilla animals like to sit near open windows, hate getting their paws wet and won’t go out in the rain. They also tend to have a very sweet (and slightly needy) disposition.
Hepar Sulph is useful for irritable animals who don’t like to have their inflamed ears touched.
Sulphur is often recommended for long term, stubborn skin conditions and also has some success in ear infection treatment. Excessive scratching or pawing at the ears may be an indicator for Sulphur.
Silica is worth considering to help ‘push out’ a foxtail or other foreign object form the ears.
Phosphorus is a good option for those dogs who suffer with cuts or hematomas to the pinna; it’s an excellent remedy for many types of bleeding.
For animals that have a severe, malodorous discharge that causes hair loss around and under the ears, Tellurium is helpful. The ears are extremely sensitive in the Tellurium patient, and the discharge may have a fish-like smell.
Treating ear problems (especially those that are stubborn and persistent) can be a very frustrating exercise. Deep seated infections can take a very long time to truly and permanently resolve. Natural remedies and a truly holistic approach that also considers diet and lifestyle can be pivotal in achieving a lasting cure.
Pulsatilla is helpful for acute flare-ups with sensitivity and redness, along with a yellowish discharge. Pulsatilla animals like to sit near open windows, hate getting their paws wet and won’t go out in the rain. They also tend to have a very sweet (and slightly needy) disposition.
Hepar Sulph is useful for irritable animals who don’t like to have their inflamed ears touched.
Sulphur is often recommended for long term, stubborn skin conditions and also has some success in ear infection treatment. Excessive scratching or pawing at the ears may be an indicator for Sulphur.
Silica is worth considering to help ‘push out’ a foxtail or other foreign object form the ears.
Phosphorus is a good option for those dogs who suffer with cuts or hematomas to the pinna; it’s an excellent remedy for many types of bleeding.
For animals that have a severe, malodorous discharge that causes hair loss around and under the ears, Tellurium is helpful. The ears are extremely sensitive in the Tellurium patient, and the discharge may have a fish-like smell.
Treating ear problems (especially those that are stubborn and persistent) can be a very frustrating exercise. Deep seated infections can take a very long time to truly and permanently resolve. Natural remedies and a truly holistic approach that also considers diet and lifestyle can be pivotal in achieving a lasting cure.
