All About Treating An Ear Infection Of A Dog
Dog ear infections should not be ignored. If left untreated, they can cause permanent damage to a dog’s hearing. A dog’s ear can be divided into three sections: the inner, middle, and outer parts.
In dogs, the canal of the ear starts off horizontally and drops vertically, creating a perfect place for moisture to pool and get trapped. It is why so many dogs develop ear infections. The most common location for an ear infection to develop in dogs is in the outer ear.
You should check your dog’s ears frequently for signs of redness and swelling. You will know your pet has an infection if you see excessive fluid in the ear, smell a foul odor or if your dog scratches the ear or shakes its head frequently. You should treat an infection immediately.
Visit your veterinarian for a consultation. They will most likely prescribe a liquid medication to be administered into the ear daily. Make sure the ear canal is clean before doing this, or the medication will not work effectively.
Cleaning the ear requires an effective liquid solution. Insert just a few drops of liquid inside the ear, flip the ear flap over and start massaging the ear with your hand. This will cause the liquid to disperse properly within the ear in order to break up the dirt and junk.
Now that the foreign matter has been broken up sufficiently, you can remove it properly. To do it, use a cloth, cotton swabs or Q-tips. Your dog will be rather sensitive at this time, so do it carefully and gently. You might want to have another person on hand to help you hold your furry friend in place.
The next step is to insert the medication. Pay close attention to the dosage recommended by the veterinarian and only administer that amount. Your veterinarian will have determined what type of medication is necessary based on what type of infection your dog is suffering.
This could be either a yeast or bacterial infection. For a bacterial infection, an antibiotic would be prescribed. A yeast infection requires an antifungal treatment. Either type is usually a liquid that is to be placed in the ear unless the infection is severe or involves the middle or inner ear. In that case, you may need to administer a oral medication as well as the ear treatment. If your dog does get an infection, the best thing to do is not panic. Seek the care they need immediately. A certain degree of responsibility on your part is required to ensure a safe recovery for your pet. Follow the directions provided by your veterinarian and your pet will be healthy again in no time.
If you want to find out more about dogs, make sure to check out How To Train Your Dog To Fetch.
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