Dog Constantly Shaking Head & Ear? Quick Causes & Prope

Did you know that approximately 20% of dogs will experience at least one ear infection in their lifetime? So, if you notice your furry friend constantly shaking their head and flicking their ears, don't ignore it—these could be clear signs of an ear infection!

Understanding Dog Ear Infections: Types and Causes

Dogs have three sections of their ear canal: the outer, middle, and inner ear, which means ear infections can manifest in different forms—outer, middle, and inner ear infections. The most common is outer ear infection, which is also the easiest to treat. Middle and inner ear infections are more severe and less frequent, but if left untreated, an outer ear infection can escalate into a middle ear infection.

The Lshaped structure of a dog's ear canal makes it prone to trapping water and harboring bacteria, leading to infections. Certain breeds, such as the Poodle, Bichon Frise, and those with large, droopy ears like Labrador Retrievers, Beagles, Golden Retrievers, and Cocker Spaniels, are more susceptible to ear infections due to their ear shape and hair density.

Common Causes of Dog Ear Infections

● Bacterial infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus, Pseudomonas, and Proteus

● Fungal infections such as Malassezia and Candida

● Ear mites

● Irritation from foreign objects, like earwax, dirt, or insects

● Trauma

● Ear tumors or polyps

Diagnosis: How to Identify Ear Infections

1. Physical Examination: A vet will assess your dog's clinical signs, ear discharge, and medical history to make an initial diagnosis.

2. Observation of Discharge: The appearance of the discharge can help predict the cause of the infection. For instance, dark, greasy discharge may indicate Staphylococcus, ear mites, or Malassezia. Yellowishbrown discharge could be due to Staphylococcus, other yeasts, or Proteus. Greenish, thin discharge with a strong odor may suggest Proteus or Pseudomonas.

3. Otoscopy: This procedure allows the vet to examine the ear canal, checking for narrowing, thickening, and the condition of the ear canal lining and tympanic membrane for inflammation, congestion, perforation, growths, or tumors.

4. Cytology and Bacterial Culture: Collecting ear discharge for analysis can help identify the type of bacteria.

5. Microbial Isolation and Sensitivity Testing: This helps determine which antibiotics will be effective.

6. MRI and CT Scans: These imaging tests can reveal if the inflammation has affected the brain nerves.

Treatment Options

For mild outer ear infections, athome treatment can be effective.

1. Cleaning the Ear: Use an ear cleaning solution like Erfenfen (Pet Ear Care Solution) to clean the ear discharge once a day. If there's a lot of discharge, avoid pouring the solution directly into the ear to prevent pushing the infection deeper. Instead, use a tweezer to roll a medical cotton ball, dip it in a small amount of the solution, and gently wipe away visible discharge.

2. Applying Medication: After cleaning, apply a few drops of Erdi Ke (Fluoroquinolone Metronidazole Ear Drop) once a day. Alternatively, you can apply Xin'er Ning (Bifonazole Compound Ointment) every other day.

3. Oral Antibiotics: If there's a lot of discharge or your dog has a fever, oral broadspectrum antibiotics like Ke Nuo Jia (Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium) or Er Su Da (Cefadroxil Tablets) may be prescribed. These should be taken once a day until the symptoms disappear, followed by an additional week of treatment.

For middle or inner ear infections, a veterinary visit is essential. In cases where medication isn't effective or if your dog has tumors or narrowed ear canals, surgery may be necessary.