Are Bloodhounds Prone To Ear Infections?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Are bloodhounds prone to ear infections? Dogs with long, heavy ears seem to be predisposed to chronic ear infections that can ultimately lead to otitis interna. Spaniel breeds, such as the Cocker Spaniel, and hound breeds, such as the Bloodhound and Basset Hound, are the most commonly affected breeds .

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Do bloodhounds get ear infections?

Your Dog’s Ears

Dogs are vulnerable to ear infections because of the shape of their ear canal.

What dog breed gets the most ear infections?

Basset Hounds, Chinese Shar Peis and Labradoodles top the list when it comes to the dog breeds most prone to ear infections.

How do you treat a bloodhound 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 often should you clean a bloodhounds ears?

You should routinely check and clean your hound’s ears at a minimum of once a week . The best way to clean the ears is with the help of an ear cleaning solution made for use in dogs.

How do I keep my bloodhounds ears clean?

  1. Wipe out the ears once a day using a clean, warm, moist towel. Alternatively, use a moist, medicated ear wipe. ...
  2. Clean out the ears more thoroughly on a weekly basis. ...
  3. Wipe out the ear with a cotton ball, then take a step back to let your dog shake his head.

How do you clean a hound dog’s ears?

How do you prevent ear infections in dogs?

The single most effective way to prevent ear infections in dogs is to clean their ears regularly and to clean them well . Fill both ear canals with solution and vigorously massage into the base of the ear (on the head itself below the ear flap.

How can you tell if dog has ear infection?

  1. Scratching of the ear or area around the ear.
  2. Brown, yellow, or bloody discharge.
  3. Odor in the ear.
  4. Redness Swelling Crusts or scabs on inside of the outer ear.
  5. Hair loss around the ear.
  6. Rubbing of the ear and surrounding area on the floor or furniture.
  7. Head shaking or head tilt.

What does an ear infection in a dog look like?

The ears often become red and inflamed and develop an offensive odor. A black or yellowish discharge commonly occurs. In chronic cases the ears may appear crusty or thickened and the ear canals often become narrowed (stenotic) due to the chronic inflammation.

What foods cause ear infections in dogs?

Sugar feeds the yeast that is naturally present in the dog’s body, so when a dog consumes too much sugar , yeast overgrowth occurs in the body and around the ear folds or in the canal, causing infection.

Can Dog Ear infections go away on their own?

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 black gunk in my dog’s ear?

Black gunk in a dog’s ear is often a sign of an ear mite infestation, but it could also indicate an ear infection . Other possibilities include wax buildup, complications from allergies, dirt or debris, or a flea infestation. Clean the ears routinely and be sure any problems are examined by a vet.

Can I use baby wipes to clean my dog’s ears?

You don’t need a lot of tools to clean your dog’s ears at home. Many of the items are human grooming tools, including balls of cotton, tissues, or baby wipes .

Why do Bloodhounds stink?

All Bloodhounds have an oily coat, which means that their skin and coat is extremely greasy and does not hold dirt . This may sound amazing for living in the wild, but not for Danny who sits on your couch at home, smelling like a stinky shoe.

How often should you give a Bloodhound a bath?

Bloodhounds need to be bathed every two-weeks . They emit a serious dog odor, and it doesn’t help that their saggy skin and long ears drag through just about everything when they’ve got their nose to the ground.

Is coconut oil good for ear infections in dogs?

Pets are susceptible to ear infections caused by bacteria, yeast and ear mites. Apply a few drops of coconut oil to your pet’s ears each day to soothe itchiness, clear up infection, kill mites, and keep their ears clean and healthy .

Why does my dog’s ear smell like poop?

Smelly dog ears are caused by bacteria and yeast that has fermented inside the canal , says Jeffery Levy, DVM, a veterinarian in New York City. “A dog’s ear is covered by an ear flap called the pinna, which creates a dark, moist space for (smelly) growth,” he explains.

Why is my dog ear always dirty?

Dirty dog ears can be caused by excessive ear wax, infections, allergies, and mites . Regular ear cleanings and checkups are essential to keeping your dog’s ears healthy.

Can I clean my dog’s ears with Q-tips?

Cleaning your dog’s ears does not require any special equipment. A good quality ear cleaning solution, some cotton balls or gauze, and some treats to reward your dog are all that is needed. Do not use cotton tip applicators (Q-tips®), due to the risk of perforating the ear drum or causing trauma to the ear canal .

What does ear mites look like in a dog?

What do dog ear mites look like? Ear mites in dogs typically look like tiny, moving dots in the ear canal , but are so tiny that you may not be able to spot them at all. It takes a vet with an otoscope or microscope to properly spot an infestation.

Can I use apple cider vinegar to clean my dog’s ears?

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 . When using apple cider vinegar around your dog’s ears, remember to never use it on raw or open sores since it is an acid and will burn and cause irritation.

Why does my dog keep getting yeast ear infections?

If your dog swims or is bathed frequently, trapped water or debris in the ear canal can lead to yeast infections. Allergens like pollens, mold, dust, feathers, cigarette smoke, cleaning products, and certain foods can also lead to ear infections in a dog.

What is a good home remedy for dog ear infection?

How often should I clean dog’s ears?

Wondering how often your dog’s ears need to be cleaned? In general, once per month is a good rule of thumb. Breeds with long, floppy ears or dogs who swim frequently may need to have their ears cleaned every other week, or even weekly. After bathing or swimming, be sure to properly dry your pup’s ears.

Should you clean dogs ears?

In short, it’s important to clean your dog’s ears regularly enough to avoid infections, but not too often as this can damage the canal or cause irritation that can result in further problems .

How do I know if my dog’s ear is bacterial or fungal?

  1. Red or brown waxy discharge in the ear.
  2. Itching, scratching & pawing at the ear.
  3. A cheesy or musty smell coming from the ear.
  4. Red or irritated ear.

How do I clean my dog’s ears if they are infected?

To clean the ears, tilt your dog’s head downward with one hand and squirt a gentle cleanser recommended by your veterinarian into the ear, filling the canal. Holding the ear closed, give it a nice massage, really squishing the cleanser around in there. That softens any gunk inside.

What dog food is best for dogs that get ear infections?

If your dog has an ear issue, your veterinarian may suggest a change in your dog’s food. In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend a therapeutic hypoallergenic dog food to help limit exposure to potential allergens. Such dog foods may include Hill’s® Prescription Diet® brand dog foods .

Is black ear wax normal in dogs?

Dark brown or black— This type of earwax is commonly associated with yeast and/or bacterial ear infections . It’s a good idea to consult with a veterinarian if earwax is this color. Brown—Light brown earwax is normal and expected. If the wax is accompanied by odor or inflammation, it can be a sign of infection.

How can I soothe my dog’s itchy ears?

  1. Calendula lotion.
  2. Apple cider vinegar (diluted)
  3. Hydrocortisone ointment.
  4. Mullein oil.
  5. Antihistamines.

Can you put hydrogen peroxide in a dog’s ear?

No. Don’t use hydrogen peroxide on your pup . This common household product can actually cause irritation to healthy skin cells. Ears contain very sensitive tissue, and extended use of hydrogen peroxide could eventually lead to damage of the ear itself.

What is the best ear cleaner for dogs?

  • Best Dog Ear Cleaner for Multiple Symptoms: Great Ears Multi-Symptom Dog Ear Cleaner.
  • Best Dog Ear Cleaner for Chronic Issues: Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Cleaner.
  • Best Dog Ear Cleaner for Chronic Issues Runner Up: Zymox Ear Cleaner.
  • Best Dog Ear Cleaner for Drying and General Purpose: Dechra EpiKlean Ear Cleaner.

Why do Bloodhounds stink?

All Bloodhounds have an oily coat, which means that their skin and coat is extremely greasy and does not hold dirt . This may sound amazing for living in the wild, but not for Danny who sits on your couch at home, smelling like a stinky shoe.

Do Bloodhounds have good hearing?

You might think that a dog with such large ears would have great hearing — and you would be right. But Bloodhounds and their cousins also rely on their ears for smelling . If you look closely, you may notice that the Bloodhound’s ears are set lower on its head than most other dogs’ ears.

Does Apoquel help ear infections?

There are also steroids, antihistamines, and newer anti-itch allergy medications like Apoquel and Cytopoint that can help reduce ear and skin issues in allergic dogs . Regular ear cleaning and even a cleaning product to reduce wax can help reduce ear infections in allergic dogs.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.