Ear infections are not contagious for humans or other pets
. But some parasites, like ear mites, can spread to other pets. If your veterinarian diagnoses your dog with ear mites, you may have to treat all other animals in the household.
What can cause a dog’s ear infection?
Causes of Ear Infections in Dogs
Bacteria in the ear is a primary cause of infections however yeast, fungus and ear mites
can all cause your pup’s ears to become infected and painful. Other causes of dog ear infections include foreign objects lodged in the ear, trauma, and tumors or polyps.
Can I give my dog an ear infection?
Although
yeast infections of the ear aren’t contagious between dogs
, they can develop into bacterial infections or make your dog susceptible to other fungal and parasitic infections, which may be contagious.
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.
What cures dog ear infections?
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.
Should I clean my dog’s ears if they are infected?
Be sure to clean your dog’s ears on a regular basis during the infection as well as once his ears are nice and healthy again
. Regular cleaning will help keep your infections at bay. Natural remedies are easy to give at home.
How can I treat my dog’s ear infection without going to the vet?
Apple cider vinegar works by killing both yeast and bacteria
. Use a mixture of 50% organic apple cider vinegar and 50% water, soak a cotton ball and clean your dog’s ears. If you notice your dog in pain or her ears drying out too much, discontinue use and see your vet.
Do dog ear infections go away?
In most cases, a dog’s ear infection will not go away on its own
. What’s worse, if you wait too long to treat the ear infection, it can become much more difficult to get under control. An untreated ear infection can lead to chronic issues, hearing loss, and sometimes the need for expensive surgery.
What is the brown stuff in my dog’s ears?
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 much does it cost to treat a dog 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
.
What happens if dog ear infection goes untreated?
Lapses in treatment can lead to recurrence in infection, so be sure to finish the full course of treatment. As mentioned earlier,
untreated outer ear infections can lead to more serious middle and inner ear infections
.
How does apple cider vinegar help a dog’s ear infection?
Dilute the apple cider vinegar with some water, just a small capfull to about twice as much water, and pour directly into the ear
. Try to let it sit for as long as your dog will allow, scratching and rubbing the ear to help it get deep down into the ear canal.
Can I put hydrogen peroxide in my dog’s ear?
We do not recommend the use of cotton swabs, alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to clean your dog’s ears
. These products can cause inflammation to the ear canal and may worsen an ear infection.
Will Benadryl help a dog’s ear infection?
Unfortunately the only thing Benadryl is good for is allergic reactions and to cause drowsiness,
it has no action that will help an infection
. For ear infections your pet will require a topical pet formulated ear antibiotic that can only be purchased from your veterinarian.
Can I put vinegar in my dogs ear?
RaisingSpot.com suggests making your own with a mix of rubbing alcohol and white vinegar, which should help cut through the waxiness of ear residue
. The source also recommends that you screen your dog’s ears for infection, preferably more often than you bathe him or her! Ears should be a healthy, pinkish color.
How often should I put apple cider vinegar in my dog’s ear?
If your dog has smelly earwax and you want to try the vinegar before taking him in to the veterinarian, clean the ears then apply a few drops of the apple cider vinegar to each ear
once a day
. Ear infections are hard to clear up so try this at least two weeks before giving up.
Can you use Monistat for dogs ears?
Although it is commonly used by women,
the active ingredient in Monistat is also safe for dogs
. When used correctly, you can often clear the yeast infection from your dog’s ears by using this topical cream.
How can you clean a dog’s ears?
Squeeze a veterinarian-approved ear-cleaning solution to fill your dog’s ear canal and massage gently at the base of the ear for about 30 seconds
. You will hear a squishing sound as the product dislodges debris and buildup. Don’t let the tip of the applicator touch your dog’s ear, as this can introduce bacteria.
