Ear Infections & Parasites in Dogs
It is common for a dog to be infected by a parasite such as fleas, worms, or ticks, at some point in their life. If left untreated, however, it can cause great damage to your pet’s health and quality of life.
Ear mites that are typically found in dogs are Otodectes cynotis, which is a nasty parasite that lives on the wax and oils found in the ear canal. Your dog may scratch and violently shake his head often due to the intense itchiness they cause, which can not only damage the ear, but lead to pain, infections, ruptures in the eardrum and loss of hearing.
In this blog, we will take a look at signs of an ear infection in dogs, what breeds are suspectable, and how to prevent infections from occurring.
Signs of an Ear Infection in Dogs
- Frequent scratching of ears
- Discharge dropping from ears that look like coffee grounds
- Lots of head shaking
- Persistent head tilting
- Crusty/scabby ears
- Inflamed/swollen ears
- Rubbing ears or face on floor
- Hearing loss
- Ear pain
- Loss of balance
- Depression
Causes of Ear Infection in Dogs
There are many different factors that can lead to an ear infection in dogs. It may be due to excessive hair in the ear canal, a large build-up of wax, or too much moisture. Some underlying causes that may cause an infection in the ear are allergies, parasites, tumours, trauma, or an imbalance of hormones. It is important to contact your vet if you suspect your dog has an ear infection, as they will be able to fully inspect them and give a proper diagnosis.
What Dogs are Prone to Ear Infections?
Any dog can develop an ear infection at any time, no matter what their age, medical history, or breed may be. However, if you dog has allergies or certain medical conditions, they may be at a higher risk of developing an ear infection.
Floppy eared dogs such as cocker spaniels and Labrador retrievers are also predisposed to ear infections.
How to Get Rid of Ear Mites
It is essential that your dog is examined by a vet if you suspect a mite infestation. Your vet will need to possibly perform tests to confirm the diagnosis, and determine whether any more problems have developed as a result of the mite infection. Your vet may also provide you with medicine or a spot-on to help get rid of the infestation. Mites, if left untreated, can lead to bacterial infections, swelling of the ear canal, and even deafness.
