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Recent Blog:
The (not so) humble dog ear infection continues to be among PD Insurance’s top claims. Why is this? Dog ears aren’t like ours, they’re far more complex. The shape allows them to hear better than humans, but as a result they’re more prone to otitis media, externa and interna – aka dog ear infections.
Dog ear infections can result in deafness and scarring, so it’s important to identify and treat them properly. From puppies to adult dogs and dog breeds more likely to experience these issues, here’s what you need to know.
In this article
Why are dog ear infections so common?
The canine ear is designed to capture sound waves and make sense of them. Small sounds we humans don’t even hear can tell your dog a lot about the environment and what’s happening around them.
To do this, a dog’s ear canal has a long shape that veers off into a right angle or even a U-shape. This complex design is perfect for catching sound and unfortunately just as good at trapping debris.
This debris can harbour bacteria, yeast and fungi, resulting in the common dog infection. The other name for an ear infection is otitis. You get three levels of otitis, but more on that up next.
Otitis. If this sounds like Greek to you, that's because it is! Otitis means infection or inflammation of the ear.
Otitis media, externa and interna ear infections
Dog ear anatomy sounds like something straight out of Lord of the Rings with mentions of middle earth and whatnot. The dog ear cavity comprises a canal and eardrum. But wait there’s more! Beyond the eardrum you get a middle ear and inner ear.
Otitis can occur in three parts of a dog’s ear: the ear canal, inner ear or middle ear. Depending on where the dog ear infection occurs, it gets called one of the following:
| Otitis externa | Infection / inflammation of the ear canal |
| Otitis media | Infection / inflammation of the middle ear |
| Otitis interna | Infection / inflammation of the inner ear |
Signs and symptoms of a dog ear infection
An ear infection can cause a range of low level to more serious symptoms. At one end is pain and itchiness and at the other is loss of balance, appetite and worse. Of course, epilepsy in Beagles and other dogs can also cause loss of balance. There are also several other possible causes for a dog not eating.
If your dog shows signs of a dog ear infection, taking them to the vet is key. An untreated ear infection can cause system-wide health concerns. It can also lead to scarring and even deafness.
Here are some common signs to look for:
- Discharge (brownish and sometimes with blood)
- Swelling
- Unusual ear odour
- Tilting the head
- Shaking the head
- Itching
- Redness
- Loss of fur around the ear
If your dog is scratching their ears or rubbing them on the floor, then you’ve almost 100% got an ear infection on your hands. Time to see the vet! Speaking of which, find out what happens during a vet checkup.
Causes in puppies and dogs
Several factors can disrupt the natural bacterial balance in the ear. For example, puppies are susceptible to ear mites, which can quickly trigger an imbalance and allow an infection to set in. Ear mites can cause dog ear infections in cats, dogs and puppies so any sign of these pests needs swift treatment.
Other causes of dog ear infections include:
- Allergies (read how Rebel the Bull Terrier is overcoming his allergies)
- Parasites
- Foreign bodies
- Hyperthyroidism (endocrine disease)
- Trauma (wounds like scratches, cuts, or dog bites etc.)
- Cancer
If your dog swims a lot, excessive moisture in the ear can also trigger a fungal imbalance.
Dog breed. Dogs with floppy ears are at higher risk of dog ear infections. Ear flaps cover the ear, causing a build-up of moisture and bacteria.
Preventing otitis media, externa and interna in dogs
Prevention is better than cure – ask any dog that’s had an ear infection. Ear infections hurt and because the pain is located in the head, they’re very disorienting. Unlike you and I, your dog also can’t exactly relay what’s eating them.
The best step for preventing otitis media, externa and interna in dogs is regular ear cleaning. Watch this video to see how it’s done:
How to help a dog ear infection
While you can certainly prevent a dog ear infection at home, you can’t treat it. A dog ear infection requires vet treatment. When an infection’s already set in, you could do more harm than help by using ear cleaning products. Especially if the eardrum is ruptured.
A vet can do a deep clean while your dog is sedated. Then depending on whether the cause is otitis media, externa or interna, and how severe the issue is, there are other steps to take.
If a vet suspects the cause is an underlying condition like a tumour or endocrine diseases like hyperthyroidism they can do blood tests, x-rays or scans. If the condition is likely caused by allergies or simply bacterial overload, the vet may address this by testing what type of bacteria is present.
These steps will help with a treatment plan while having a pet plan will help with paying vet bills. Your dog insurance can help pay the bills for unexpected vet visits, treatment and hospitalization. This includes any prescribed medication your pet needs as well as potential surgery.
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