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.
What are the symptoms of an inner ear infection in a dog?
- Shaking of the head.
- Scratching at the ear.
- Scratching under the ear or near the cheek.
- Rubbing the ear on the ground or other objects.
- Cocking the head to one side.
- Discharge from the ear.
- Foul smell coming from the ear.
- Whining or crying.
How do they test for inner ear infections in dogs?
A special test called a myringotomy is usually performed in cases of middle ear infections. A myringotomy involves obtaining a sterile sample of the fluid within the middle ear for culture and analysis and is usually performed under sedation or anesthesia and is usually part of the thorough ear examination.
Can an ear infection in a dog go away on its 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.
How does vet diagnose inner ear infection?
This might require sedating your dog, as it might be uncomfortable. Your veterinarian may then take a swab of the ear canal to examine under a microscope, which allows them to look for bacteria, yeast, and signs of ear mites. Inner ear infections may require a complete neurological examination .
How long does inner ear infection last in dogs?
The altered sense of balance that generally accompanies otitis interna is typically improved within two to six weeks . Small dogs may recover their balance more quickly than large breeds.
What happens if a dogs ear infection goes untreated?
What Untreated Ear Infections May Lead To. Ear infections that are not treated can spread from the outer part of the ear into the middle or inner ear of the dog . When the infection or inflammation spreads to the middle ear, it is termed otitis media.
What dog breeds are prone to ear infections?
Some breeds, particularly those with large, floppy or hairy ears like Cocker Spaniels , Miniature Poodles, or Old English Sheepdogs, appear to be more prone to ear infections, but ear infections may occur in any breed.
How does a dog get an inner 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.
What does a dog ear infection smell like?
These types of ear infections usually involve more than one type of bacteria. These bacteria can cause ears to smell sweet like grapes or caramel or rancid like rotten chicken or bad breath . Dogs with bacterial infections in their ears may rub their ears on the ground or on furniture to relieve itchiness.
Is apple cider vinegar good for dog 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 . 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.
What foods cause ear infections in dogs?
An excess of grain and/or sugar in the diet is a common causes of ear infections in dogs. Sugar feeds the yeast already in the body and causes an overgrowth, which results in the dark, yeasty-smelling buildup inside the ears.
What is the best medicine for dog ear infection?
When your pet has an ear infection that is itchy, treat it with Zymox with Hydocortisone for 7-14 days and then wait 2-3 days before cleaning your pet’s ears or using another ear medication. If the condition worsens, see your veterinarian immediately.”
How urgent is an ear infection dog?
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 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.
