Ear infections are very common in dogs and can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort for them. It is important to be able to recognize symptoms that would suggest that your dog may be suffering from some type of infection and it is also important to learn various ways to prevent and treat dog ear infections.
There are a number of things that can cause dog ear infections. The most common causes are yeast infections and bacteria but it is also possible that your dog could possibly have ear mites or even be suffering from allergies which can cause redness, swelling and irritation. If your dog is pawing at its ear, holding its head down or to one side, or shaking their head, these could be signs that they are experiencing some discomfort and may possibly have an infection. There can also be a brownish or blackish discharge that may look like dirt or even a moist slime. There may even be a noticeable, unpleasant odor.
If your dog is exhibiting any of these behaviors or symptoms you should take them to your veterinarian's office to have a proper diagnosis. However, for some people money is tight and they would rather avoid a trip to the vets office. One of the most common causes for dog ear infections is a yeast infection so you could try to treat this first and you may be able to avoid a trip to the vet's office. A home remedy for yeast infections uses a solution of one part water to one part white vinegar. Put this solution in a squeeze bottle and squirt it into your dog's ear. This will change the pH in your dog's ear canal and it may clear up a yeast infection.
If you try a home remedy and your dog is still experiencing discomfort or showing signs or symptoms mentioned above you will need to visit your veterinarian. It is possible that the infection has some other cause that would require medication for proper treatment.
To prevent dog ear infections it is important to keep your pet's ears as clean as possible. You can trim excess hair around the ear and use an ear wash that is designed specifically for cleaning dogs ears. An ear wash is simply a fluid that can help flush out the ear removing any foreign bodies and debris. Keeping your dogs ears dry is also very important because when water is trapped inside the ear it becomes a breeding ground for yeast and bacteria that can cause problems for your dog. Keeping things clean can help you avoid a lot of potential problems.