Dog Ear Discharge: Symptoms & Treatment Methods Explain

It's quite common for dogs to exhibit a mild ear discharge, which is nothing to worry about. While some canines may produce more secretion than others, this is generally not a cause for concern. The key for pet owners is to maintain regular ear hygiene for their furry friends, as this can help prevent issues from arising. However, for some dogs, ear discharge can be a sign of underlying ear conditions, with the most common cause being an ear infection.

Dogs with ear issues often start by scratching their ears. Excessive scratching can lead to swelling and discharge, and secondary infections with bacteria or yeast may then develop. It's important to note that diseases that suppress the immune system and immunerelated skin disorders can also lead to ear problems. Moreover, dogs with floppy, furry ears and those that swim frequently may be more prone to ear infections and discharge.

Dog Ear Discharge Symptoms

Scratching at the ears

Constant head shaking

Red, swollen, or inflamed ears with an unpleasant odor

Dog Ear Discharge Diagnosis

Comprehensive medical history: Understanding the timeline of symptoms, past ear issues, and other skin conditions is crucial for diagnosing the potential causes of ear discharge.

Thorough physical examination: This includes skin and ear checks, with ear exams being particularly important. Your vet can assess the health of your dog's eardrum and determine if the issue is limited to the outer ear. Ear exams can also diagnose foreign objects or mites and evaluate changes in ear canal health due to chronic conditions.

Cytology tests: Using ear swabs, veterinarians can collect samples for analysis under a microscope to identify yeast, bacteria, ear mites, or inflammatory cells.

Bacterial culture analysis: This helps determine the type of bacteria present.

Additional diagnostic tests: For chronic or recurrent ear conditions, further tests may be necessary to pinpoint the root cause. It's important to note that bacterial or yeast infections are often secondary to ear disease, rather than the primary cause. Therefore, multiple diagnostic tests for allergies, hypothyroidism, autoimmune diseases, and other underlying conditions are essential.

Treatment for Dog Ear Discharge

Medications: Common treatments include broadspectrum antibiotics, antifungal drugs to kill yeast, and corticosteroids to reduce swelling, pain, and inflammation.

Regular ear cleaning: Thorough ear cleaning can effectively remove debris, allowing medications to make better contact with the ear canal skin.

AtHome Care

The best approach to treatment involves a combination of athome care and professional veterinary care.

Regular ear cleaning: Your vet will likely instruct you to clean your dog's ears regularly as part of prevention or treatment. Be cautious not to use cotton swabs to clean deep into the ear canal, as this can push debris further in and potentially harm the eardrum.

Follow veterinary instructions: Administer medications as directed and closely monitor for signs of recurrence. If you notice any signs of relapse, contact your vet promptly.