Symptoms & Treatments for Poodle Ear Disease: A Compreh
Urgent Treatment for Dog Ear Diseases:
Dog ear infections are not contagious to humans. If you notice your furry friend experiencing a bit of discomfort in their ears, it's often more of a psychological reaction. Dog ear diseases can be categorized into three main types: otitis externa, otitis media, and ear mites.
1. Otitis externa, or external ear infection, involves inflammation of the outer ear canal. Symptoms include persistent itching, frequent head shaking, and the dog may scratch at their ears with their paws. Additionally, an unpleasant odor may be noticeable from the ear canal. Canine external ear inflammation might be caused by fungal infections, such as those resulting from penicillin or tetracycline use.
2. Ear infections in dogs can also be due to the presence of ear mites. Normally, a dog's ear should appear light pink and free of odor. If you observe your dog shaking their head constantly, scratching at their ears with their paws, and there's a foul smell, it could indicate an ear infection or ear mites. Ear mites are primarily caused by external parasites and can lead to an increase in dark discharge within the ear and cause itching.
3. Treatment typically begins with a thorough cleaning of the ear canal using a specialized dog ear cleaning solution. Once the ear is clean, a veterinarygrade ear drop can be administered. This usually resolves the issue with just one or two applications. During treatment, it's best to have your dog wear a cone to prevent them from scratching their ears, which can hinder the healing process.
Dogs with ear diseases do not transmit them to other dogs. During this time, it's heartwarming to spend extra time with your pet, keeping an eye on them to ensure they don't scratch their ears excessively, as this can negatively impact their recovery.
Pet Doctor's Tip: For more information on dog ear diseases, click to read our article, "Symptoms and Treatment of Dog External Otitis."
