Symptoms of canine ear infections include head shaking, scratching at or rubbing the affected ear, discharge, bad odor, redness inside the ear, swelling of the ear canal, pain, itchiness and crusts or scabs inside the ear or along the ear margin.
How long can a dog’s ear infection go untreated?
While most uncomplicated infections resolve within 1 to 2 weeks, underlying conditions or severe symptoms may take longer or lead to chronic ear infection in dogs.
What can happen if a dog ear infection goes untreated?
Ear infections are painful and can be detrimental to your dog’s health if left untreated. Deep ear infections can damage or rupture the eardrum, causing an internal ear infection and even permanent hearing loss. As soon as you see signs of an ear infection, it is essential that you see your veterinarian.
Can a dog’s ear infection heal on its own?
Most often, a dog ear infection will not go away on its own. All types of otitis require a veterinarian to evaluate the infection and the eardrum. If the eardrum is ruptured, certain cleaners and medications can be toxic to the middle ear.
Can Dog Ear infections die?
In severe cases, death is possible. The primary cause of puppy strangles immune-mediated, meaning, the puppies immune system is not responding appropriately to the infection. Steroids must be prescribed to treat the disease.
What do vets give dogs for ear infections?
Antibiotics (such as amoxicillin-clavulanate, enrofloxacin, clindamycin, or cefpodoxime) will be used for a bacterial infection for 6-8 weeks minimum. If the infection is fungal in nature, an anti-fungal medication (most often itraconazole) will be prescribed.
How can I cure my dogs ear infection?
How are Dog Ear Infections Treated? Your veterinarian will thoroughly clean your dog’s ears using a medicated ear cleanser. Your vet may also prescribe an ear cleanser and a topical medication for you to use at home. In severe cases, your vet may prescribe oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications.
How can you tell if a dog has an ear infection?
Typical Dog Ear Infection Symptoms
- Scratching of the ear or area around the ear.
- Brown, yellow, or bloody discharge.
- Odor in the ear.
- Redness Swelling Crusts or scabs on inside of the outer ear.
- Hair loss around the ear.
- Rubbing of the ear and surrounding area on the floor or furniture.
- Head shaking or head tilt.
How do I clean my dogs ear infection?
Mix apple cider vinegar and distilled water into a half and half solution. If you have a solution bottle or syringe, you can put the solution directly into the ear canal by squirting it in. Avoid using cotton swabs in your dog’s ears. A solution or syringe bottle will have a long tip to get the solution into the ear.
How much does it cost to treat a dog with an ear infection?
Depending on each individual case, the cost to treat a dog or cat ear infection will vary greatly, but can initially cost anywhere from $50 to $300.
How urgent is a dog ear infection?
An ear infection is an emergency when your pet is in pain, you cannot touch or look in your dog’s ear, the ear is red and swollen, and/or your dog has a head tilt. All ear infections should be examined and treated by a veterinarian.
Can you put peroxide in a dog’s ear for an ear infection?
We do not recommend the use of alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to clean your dog’s ears. These products can cause inflammation to the ear canal and further exacerbate infections.
What is the brown stuff in my dog’s ears?
Outer ear infection (otitis externa).
A waxy, yellow, or reddish-brown ear discharge can also be a sign your dog has an ear infection, which can be a result of allergies, mites, polyps, overproduction of ear wax, excessive bathing or swimming (which can leave too much moisture in the ears), or other problems.
How do you get rid of a yeast infection in a dog’s ear?
If your dog has a yeast infection of the outer ear canal, the vet might prescribe a topical antifungal ointment or cream. Miconazole and ketoconazole are two antifungal medicines that are often effective.
Is apple cider vinegar good for dog ear infections?
Many dogs with skin allergies also develop ear infections. Apple cider vinegar can clean a dog’s ears and rebalance the skin pH, but it will also dry out ears to combat yeast and bacterial infections.