Dealing with Dogs' Ear Inflammation and Discharge: Pet

Dogs have a unique ear structure, which makes their ears more prone to accumulating dirt and harboring bacteria compared to human ears. This is particularly true for breeds with abundant ear hair or larger, downwardfacing ears, such as Poodles, Golden Retrievers, and Shih Tzus. If your dog is suffering from an inflamed ear with discharge, it's crucial to treat it promptly. Left untreated, the inflammation can worsen, potentially leading to hearing loss or more severe complications.

What Causes Dogs' Ears to Discharge Pus?

Pus discharge from a dog's ears is typically a sign of an infection. If earwax is not regularly cleaned, or if water or foreign objects enter the ear without prompt attention, bacteria or fungi can thrive, leading to an ear infection. This can result in redness, swelling, discharge, and an unpleasant odor. The discomfort may cause your dog to scratch, shake its head, or walk with a head tilt. Severe infections can affect hearing, causing your dog to become less responsive, listless, and to lose appetite.

When this happens, you might notice your furry friend exhibiting signs of discomfort, such as scratching at its ears, shaking its head, or even tilting its head while walking. In more severe cases, the infection can impact your dog's hearing, leading to a lack of responsiveness, a lack of energy, and a decrease in appetite.

How to Clean a Dog's Ear When It's Inflamed and Discharging Pus?

First, use a pair of hemostats to gently grasp a medical cotton ball and suction out any pus from the ear canal.

Next, apply a few drops of Erbanol (pet ear cleaning solution) into the ear canal, then gently massage the base of your dog's ear for 1 to 2 minutes.

After that, let your dog shake its head to expel the ear cleaning solution, and use a medical cotton ball to wipe away any remaining residue.

If your dog has a lot of ear hair, it's also important to remove the ear hair first. This not only ensures a thorough cleaning but also helps maintain good ventilation in the ear canal, reducing the risk of bacterial growth.

Other Medications:

① Xin'er Ning (Mycostatin Ointment): This is a petspecific ear antibacterial ointment containing nystatin, neomycin sulfate, chlorfenapyr, and triamcinolone acetonide. It helps alleviate inflammation caused by fungal, bacterial, and mite infections, and also has antiitch and antiallergic effects.

② Erdi Ke (Fluoroquinolone Metronidazole Ear Drops): This contains fluoroquinolone and metronidazole, offering dual antibacterial action and particularly effective for ear canal inflammation caused by bacterial infections.

③ Systemic Antibiotics: Since a dog's ear canal is Lshaped, topical medications may not reach the inner ear. Therefore, it's recommended to use petspecific antiinflammatory drugs in conjunction with systemic antibiotics to control infections, such as amoxicillinclavulanate potassium and Aisuoda (cefadroxil tablets).

Preventive Measures:

To prevent ear infections in dogs, consider the following daily practices:

• Regular Checks: Get into the habit of regularly inspecting your dog's ears to catch any issues early.

• Proper Cleaning: Use petspecific ear cleaning solutions and clean your dog's ears every 1 to 2 weeks.

• Regular Deworming: Administer monthly internal and external deworming treatments and maintain a clean environment.

• Keep Dry: After bathing or swimming, make sure to dry your dog's ears thoroughly to prevent bacterial growth.

Remember, ear infections can be complex. If home remedies don't improve your dog's condition, it's essential to seek professional veterinary care promptly.