Otitis in dogs – Causes. Symptoms. Treatment
Otitis in dogs is a common condition and is easy to notice. This ear infection affects any dog breed, regardless of age or gender. Pets become irritated when they suffer from this condition, and we need to see a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Otitis is an inflammation of the ear canal of the quadruped. It can be of two types: external when the external ear canal becomes inflamed and medium when the infection is located in the middle ear. As mentioned above, all dogs are prone to this condition. Still, there are several breeds of dogs with a higher rate of otitides, such as Golden Retriever, Labrador, Spanish cocker, or terrier. These dog breeds have long ears or a lot of hair on the ear canal. Otitis is an annoying condition for dogs, as it can cause pain and frequent agitation. In today’s article, we will show you what otitis is in dogs, the causes of this infection, the symptoms, and the appropriate treatment to treat this condition.
Otitis in dogs – Causes
Otitis in dogs is a condition based on various causes that have led to its development in our pets. The main reasons are parasites, food allergies, autoimmune diseases, accumulation of dead hair or skin, reactions to drugs or foreign bodies.
In most cases, the anatomical conformation of the dog’s ear favors the development of otitis, as the auditory canal is long, “L” shaped. Also, because pets sweat excessively in the ear area, microorganisms can develop, which can cause an infection. Moisture maintained by the hair is an environment conducive to the appearance of bacteria. Therefore, long-eared (dangling-eared) and long-haired dog breeds are more prone to otitis, as the area is constantly wet. Those with dog breeds should pay special attention to ear care. But pay close attention to how your dog’s ears are cleaned, as improper or excessive cleaning of a healthy ear can serve as predisposing factors.
Otitis in dogs can also develop due to certain external parasites, which facilitate infection with various bacteria and fungi.
Otitis in dogs – Symptoms
Otitis in dogs is a condition that is easily detected in quadrupeds. Dogs suffering from this infection will scratch excessively in the ear area and discomfort when touching them. Pets will be much more agitated and will often shake their heads. Dogs will have more abundant ear secretions with an unpleasant odor. If your pet’s ear is red or inflamed, it is recommended that you consult a veterinarian to make the correct diagnosis and receive appropriate treatment. In rare cases where the infection has spread, the dog will lose its appetite and vomit.
The main symptoms of otitis in dogs are:
– Dog’s apathetic condition
– Constant and excessive scratching of the affected ear
– Nervousness, restlessness
– The ear canal is red
– Abundant and foul-smelling discharge from the ear
– Shaking his head
If you notice any of the symptoms listed above in your dog, it is recommended that you go to the vet as soon as possible to avoid any complications which may endanger your pet’s hearing.
Otitis in dogs – Treatment
Otitis in dogs should be treated immediately to avoid complications. The condition also causes discomfort and pain to the pet. Do not try to clean your dog’s ears with ear sticks, as this can cause damage (clogging of the ear canal with secretions) and can lead to complications in the ear canal. The veterinarian will thoroughly clean the outer ear and apply antibacterial, corticosteroid, or antiseptic drops.
It is essential to maintain proper ear hygiene to prevent otitis in dogs. Grooming is done weekly, and cleaning involves filling the ear with a particular cleaning solution. The earlobe will be held in a position that will not allow the pet to shake its head, and the base of the ear will be massaged to facilitate the coming to the surface of the deep dirt. After that, take a piece of cotton wool or a floppy disk to clean the earlobe, removing the excess fluid, acting carefully without insisting. It is essential to repeat this process weekly so that the pet gets used to this ritual.
On the Biotur Shop platform, we can buy various products that help us maintain proper hygiene of the four-legged ear and solutions for treating otitis in dogs. So, we recommend the Frontline Pet Care Ear Clearer. It is a cleansing gel for dogs and cats created by veterinary experts. It is a polysaccharide compound that inhibits bacterial adhesion to the ear, helps balance the ear canal’s delicate ecosystem, and soothes sensitive and fragile skin. In the case of otitis in dogs, you can use Mitex ear drops to treat otitis externa.
