The Causes of Ear Infections in Dogs
Dog ear infections can have a number of causes. The most common underlying problems behind canine ear infections are:
- Ear mites
- Bacterial infections
- Hygiene issues
- Bad environment
- Food allergies
The above causes can result in three types of ear infection: outer ear infection, a middle ear infection and an inner ear infection. Outer ear infections are the easiest to recognize. In most cases, you will see swelling and your dog's ear may also be producing a foul-smelling waxy discharge. Outer ear infections are also the easiest to treat but inner and middle ear infections are considered more serious.
These types of infection will require veterinary treatment as usually, if left alone, they will only become worse. Ear infections are treatable but in most cases they require medication.
Any dog can develop an ear infection but dogs with floppy ears, such as cocker spaniels, are more prone to infections than other breeds. In breeds with floppy ears, hair follicles grow inside the ears. These can stop air from circulating inside the cavity and leave the dog more likely to develop an infection. If you own a dog with floppy ears, it is important to make sure he is groomed regularly and that the hair inside his ears is trimmed by a professional groomer.
How Medicine Can Help
Once they have been diagnosed, ear infections are easy to treat. Most medications work by killing the bacteria, microbes or parasites that are causing the infection in the first place. Others work by acting as a cleaner and can be used in conjunction with antibiotics to help clear infections.
The Most Effective Medicines
The kind of medication your vet will prescribe will depend on the underlying cause behind your dog's ear infection. Antibiotics and drops are the most widely used medicines and are very effective in curing infections.
For infections caused by parasites, ivermectin is often prescribed. This is an anti-parasitic medication which will kill the parasites and stop your dog scratching. Zymox is another popular medicine for treating ear infections. It comes in the form of ear drops that break down wax and other blockages in the ear canals and leave them clean so that air can circulate around the ear again. It is antibiotic free and, although it works well against bacterial and yeast infections, it can be used as a preventative measure as well.
The kind of medication you use to cure your dog's ear infection will depend on the choice of you and your vet. There are many different types out there to choose from so you simply need to find one you are happy with. Even if your dog has been in a lot of discomfort, with the right medication he should get back to being healthy and happy in no time.