Be Alert: Dog Constantly Shaking Head? Possible Ear Inf

Hey fellow pet parents, if you notice your furry friend frequently shaking their head and flicking their ears, it's time to take notice. Your pup might be suffering from ear mites, otitis, or other ear canal issues. Left untreated, these problems can escalate into more severe complications.

Signs of Canine Ear Infections:

● Your dog may be constantly scratching, shaking their head, or rubbing their ears against furniture, indicating discomfort and itching in their ears;

● Look out for redness and swelling in the ear canal, along with an increase in discharge;

● The discharge might be brown or dark brown, and if it's a purulent infection, it could be watery or puslike;

● An unpleasant or foul smell may emanate from the ears;

● Hair loss around the ears might also be a sign;

● Your dog may be sensitive to touch around the ears, possibly dodging, yelping, or even showing aggressive behavior when touched;

● In severe cases, symptoms can include hearing loss, facial nerve paralysis, and behavioral changes.

Should you observe any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult a veterinarian promptly. Once the cause is identified, appropriate treatment can be initiated to prevent the issue from worsening.

AtHome Remedies for Canine Ear Infections:

1. Utilize Ear Clear (pet ear cleaning solution) to clean your dog's ears, removing abnormal discharge and reducing inflammation and discomfort.

2. Apply Heal Clear (miconazole nitrate and clotrimazole cream), which contains ingredients like neomycin sulfate, miconazole, and permethrin. This cream is effective in treating ear mites, malassezia, and bacterial infections that cause ear inflammation.

3. For more severe infections with redness and pus, your dog may require oral antibiotics, such as amoxicillinclavulanate potassium or Cephalexin (cefadroxil tablets).

★ Until the ear symptoms improve, consider using an Elizabethan collar on your dog to prevent them from scratching and causing further damage or infection.

Other Causes of Dogs Shaking Their Heads and Flicking Their Ears:

1. Emotional Distress

When dogs are stressed, anxious, or tense, they might shake their heads and flick their ears as a way to cope with the discomfort.

2. Foreign Objects in the Ear

Water in the ear or other foreign bodies can irritate the ear canal, prompting dogs to shake their heads and flick their ears to alleviate the discomfort.

3. Allergic Reactions

Some dogs may be sensitive to certain food ingredients or environmental allergens like pollen and dust mites, which can cause ear itching. If your dog is also showing signs of skin redness or licking other parts of their body, it could be due to an allergic reaction.

In summary, if your dog is frequently shaking their head and flicking their ears, it's essential to inspect their ears for redness, abnormal discharge, or foul odors. If any of these signs are present, it could be a sign of an ear infection, and you should consult a veterinarian or seek medical attention promptly.