Using the proper dog ear infection treatment can be easy and safe for you and your pet by recognizing ear infection symptoms, diagnosing the problem early on and correctly administering medication or an ear infection home remedy. Ear infections are a very common health problem for dogs so all owners should be familiar with the steps to administer ear drops and how to clean a dog's ear to prevent and treat ear problems.
Ear Infection Symptoms
Initial signs that your dog may have an ear infection include frequent scratching or pawing at the ear, rubbing his head and ear against the ground or other objects, shaking his head, and wincing or whining when scratching or rubbing the ear. You may also notice redness, a pungent smell and brown, yellow or bloody discharge coming from the ear.
A number of factors can cause infections, including ear mites, bacteria, yeasts, fungal infections or blockages from foreign objects lodged in the ear. A veterinary exam is the best way to diagnose what is causing your dog's ear pain. Owners should always use a veterinarian-approved cleaning solution or any prescribed ear washes or antibiotic ear drops when their dog has an ear infection.
Ear Infection Treatment
When applying an ear wash or drops or simply cleaning your dog's ears, follow these steps to calmly restrain your dog and administer the medication or cleaning solution to your dog's ear.
1. If your dog remains calm while lying in your lap you can apply the ear wash or drops while sitting with him. If not, you may need to restrain him. Lay the dog on a table and place your arm across his body, holding his muzzle down. It may help if you lay the dog on his side. 2. Use your left arm to keep the dog down while holding his arm near the elbow. Gently but firmly use your arm to hold his head down. 3. If your dog has floppy ears, lift back the ear flap. The ear infection treatment should be applied to the inside of the ear flap and in the ear canal. 4. Insert the dropper or bottle a few millimeters into the ear canal, making sure not to push too far into the ear. Inserting the bottle too far into the ear can cause the ear drum to rupture. Apply the correct amount of drops. 5. Gently massage the base of the ear to allow the medication to pass through the canal. 6. Clean the inside of the ear flap with a cotton ball or Q-tip to wipe away any discharge. Don't stick the Q-tip into the ear canal or you may damage the ear drum or push wax or discharge further into the ear, preventing the medication from distributing evenly. 7. Your dog will probably shake his head after you apply the ear treatment, and this isn't a problem. Comfort and praise your dog and give him a treat. You will most likely have to clean his ears and give him medication twice a day so it's important that your dog learns to behave and stay calm during this process.