Preventing Ear Infections in Dogs
January 31, 2009 by Jonathan C Halpert · Comments Off
Some dogs can go through their whole lives without so much as an itchy ear, while others have a never ending struggle with ear-mites, fungus, and allergies that have them forever scratching their heads. Many ear problems only affect the outer ear, and with a little effort you can greatly reduce the frequency and severity of your dogs infections.
For severe cases, veterinarians usually prescribe a course of antibiotics to treat ear infections. Common antibiotics include antibiotic/anti-fungal/anti-inflammatory medicines like Otomax or MalOtic. Recently, many people have begun turning to more holistic options before treating their pups with a drug regimen.
The easiest way to reduce the number of ear infections your dog has is to keep the ears clean and free of dirt and other gunk. Especially for long haired dogs, keep the hair around the ears trimmed and clean, Long hair can be a magnet for debris which can get carried into the ear canal leading to infection. Dogs with long, floppy ears are also at a higher risk of picking up dirt than are dogs with pricked ears.
Washing the ears is the next level of prevention. A simple solution of diluted white vinegar is a great way to eliminate common allergies. Use a solution of 1 part vinegar and two parts water to rinse the ear thoroughly before rinsing again using plain clean water. A 1:1 Hydrogen Peroxide/water solution also makes a good rinse and will sting less if your dog has been doing a lot of scratching. Be sure to dry your pups ears gently after youve cleaned them.
Many large per stores stock several brands of commercial cleaners which may offer even more protection for your dog. Commercial ear cleaners often have ingredients specially formulated to treat common ear problems, and some of them even come with applicators which can make cleaning time much easier on both the dog and their owner.
One of the easiest ways to reduce all types of infections is to improve the quality of your dogs food. The fillers often used in cheap big brand dog foods offer little to know nutritional value. In addition to sometimes triggering allergies, non-nutritional fillers do your dog no good and only serve to add bulk to the product – and ultimately to your dogs too. Treat your pup to a healthy lifestyle by starting with a high quality dog food, check with your local specialty pet center for quality brands.
In spite of looking and smelling terrible, most ear infections only affect the outer ear. Keeping the ears clean and groomed will help reduce both the discomfort of common problems as well as the risk of greater infection. More serious infections to exist and you should be aware of the symptoms. If you notice your dog tilting their head more than normal, walking in circles, or showing signs of general clumsiness, it may be a sign of a more serious condition and you should schedule a trip to your local vet.
