Regular check-ups for your dog are essential for ensuring their health and wellbeing. However, if your canine companion seems to be itching their ears or shaking their head more than usual, it could be a sign of an ear infection. Ear infections in dogs are quite common and can range from mild to severe. It is important to have your dog assessed by a veterinarian as soon as possible, as early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the risk of further complications. In this blog post, we will be discussing how vets typically treat ear infections in dogs. We will be looking at the different treatments available and the steps necessary for recovery. We will also be discussing the importance of prevention and the role diet can play in avoiding infections in the future. So, if your pup has been suffering from ear infections lately, keep reading to find out more.
Treatment for Ear Infections in Dogs
Typically, your veterinarian will clean your dog’s ears with a medicated cleanser and prescribe any necessary antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs to treat ear infections in dogs. Additionally, your vet might suggest a topical drug and instruct you on when and how to administer it to your dog’s ear at home.
Early-stage ear infections typically go away with treatment in a week or two. Treatment may be more difficult and take months to complete if your dog’s ear infection is more serious or was brought on by an underlying medical condition. More serious cases may give your dog chronic ear infections and raise the possibility of repeat infections throughout their lifetime.
To get rid of your dog’s ear infection as quickly as possible, carefully adhere to your veterinarian’s instructions. A recurring infection that is more challenging to treat can result from not following prescription instructions or stopping treatment before the infection has completely cleared.
After the course of treatment is finished, it is strongly advised that you schedule a follow-up appointment with your veterinarian so they can examine your dog and make sure the infection has completely cleared up and that further treatment is not necessary.
Causes of Ear Infections in Dogs
Yeast, fungus, and ear mites can also result in your pup’s ears becoming infected and painful. However, bacteria is by far the most common cause of ear infections in dogs. Other causes of dog ear infections include trauma, tumors or polyps, foreign objects stuck in the ear, and foreign objects.
Are some dogs more susceptible to inner ear infection?
Dogs with long, heavy ears appear to be more susceptible to recurrent ear infections, which may eventually result in otitis interna. The most frequently impacted breeds are hound breeds like the Bloodhound and Basset Hound and spaniel breeds like the Cocker Spaniel. Any dog, regardless of breed, who has an uncontrollable chronic ear infection may develop otitis interna if the eardrum (tympanic membrane) is compromised, as a compromised eardrum allows bacteria to descend into the inner ear.
Otitis interna can occasionally result from overly vigorous cleaning of an infected external ear canal. Some ear cleaners irritate the middle and inner ear, and if the eardrum is damaged and allows some of the solution to enter too deeply, they can produce symptoms of otitis interna.
FAQ
What do vets give dogs for ear infections?
For a bacterial infection, antibiotics (like amoxicillin-clavulanate, enrofloxacin, clindamycin, or cefpodoxime) will be used for a minimum of 6-8 weeks. If the infection is fungal in origin, a prescription for an anti-fungal drug (typically itraconazole) will be issued.
Do I need to take my dog to the vet for an ear infection?
Ear infection in dogs calls for medical attention. Although this disease has a chance of healing naturally in some cases, veterinarians should be involved in the care process. Dog ear infections must be treated as soon as they appear in order to prevent your dog’s condition from getting worse.
How much does it cost to treat a dog ear infection?
The price of treating an ear infection varies depending on where you live and the veterinarian’s office, but otitis externa treatments, which typically involve an examination, ear cleaning, and medication, run between $100 and $175.
Do ear infections in dogs heal on their own?
A dog’s ear infection typically won’t go away on its own. And to make matters worse, delaying treatment may make it much more challenging to get the ear infection under control. Untreated ear infections can result in long-term problems, hearing loss, and occasionally the requirement for pricey surgery.