Effective Remedies for Itchy Dog Ears: Medication Guide
It's not uncommon for a dog's ears to feel itchy, and this discomfort can be attributed to a variety of factors such as ear mites, fungal infections, bacterial infections, and more. It's crucial not to resort to selfmedication in such cases. Instead, it's essential to observe the symptoms, diagnose the underlying cause, and then proceed with targeted treatment. In this article, we delve into the common reasons for a dog's itchy ears and offer solutions to help fellow pet owners navigate this issue more effectively.
What Causes a Dog's Ears to Itch?
▷ Ear Mites: These tiny parasites feast on earwax, blood, and dander within a dog's ear canal, triggering a significant IgE response that leads to severe itching.
▷ Fungal Infections: Conditions like ringworm, candidiasis, and yeast infections (such as Malassezia) can lead to increased ear discharge, a sour smell, and pronounced itching.
▷ Bacterial Infections: The "L" shaped ear canal in dogs can harbor moisture and bacteria, causing inflammation and infection, which in turn can lead to itching.
▷ Foreign Bodies: Hair, grass seeds, small insects, and earwax buildup can all cause irritation.
▷ Tumors: Squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, and other growths can also cause itching.
▷ Allergies: Dogs can be allergic to certain foods, or to environmental allergens like pollen, dust mites, and flea saliva, leading to redness and itching in the ears.
How to Handle a Dog's Itchy Ears?
1. If your dog is constantly scratching or shaking its head due to itching, it's advisable to fit them with an Elizabethan collar to prevent further damage to the ear skin and to avoid infection.
2. Inspect your dog's ear canal for any abnormalities. If you notice a lot of brownish discharge, it might indicate an ear mite or Malassezia infection. You can use Ear Clear (pet ear care solution) to clean the ear canal daily, followed by applying HealEar (miconazole nitrate ointment). Once the discharge decreases, reduce the cleaning and medication to once or twice a week. Additionally, use DropPet (pyriproxyfen moxidectin drops) to deworm your dog promptly, eliminating ear mites and other parasites.
Ps: These treatments are particularly effective against ear mites, but they require consistent use for 21 to 28 days to prevent recurrence.
If Malassezia infection is present, the effect might be slower, and you might consider combining oral ivermectin, 5 to 10 mg/kg, once daily for 7 to 10 days.
3. If your dog's ears show signs of redness, pain, discharge, or fever, it could be an indication of otitis externa or otitis media, requiring immediate veterinary attention for diagnosis and treatment.
4. In cases of severe itching, you might consider giving your dog a dose of Newmone (chlorpheniramine maleate tablets), an antihistamine that can help alleviate itching and allergic reactions.
In summary, there are many reasons why a dog's ears might itch. For issues caused by foreign bodies or tumors, professional intervention is necessary. It's vital not to selfmedicate before determining the cause, as this could lead to further harm to the ear canal environment.
