EAR INFECTION IN DOGSBy John Reynolds

IntroductionAfter research on allergies that trouble dogs, I have now focused on Dog Ear Infections.

I have seen many dogs suffering from ear infections and they are usually left untreated because of ignorance. This presentation provides a summary of various causes, treatments, and preventive measures for ear infections in dogs.

Dog Ear InfectionDog Ear Infections occur within the ear, although they can start on other parts of the dogs body. The deeper the infection lies, the more difficult to reach for treatment. Ear infections are most commonly caused by bacteria and yeast.Ear mites, excessive hair, moisture, or wax can be factors in development of an ear infection.

Types of Ear InfectionsOtitis ExternaBacterial InfectionsPseudomonasProteus Mirabilis InfectionsEar Mite InfectionsYeast InfectionsAllergens

Otitis ExternaOtitis Externa is characterized by inflammation and redness of outer ear. Otitis Media is aggravation and infection of the dogs middle ear, and Otitis Interna is infection of the dogs inner ear.

If pus or blood is not present, the infection is likely Otitis Externa.

Bacterial InfectionsBacterial infections are caused by Staph bacteria.Staph bacteria are gram-positive and anaerobic.Staphylococcus is group of bacteria that can infect all parts of your dogs body. Treatment should include ingredients which have disinfectant properties.

PseudomonasPseudomonas is a group of 200 different species of bacteria which can cause ear infections in dogs.They are gram-negative infections.Treatment should include compounds which are effective on gram-negative bacteria.

Proteus Mirabilis InfectionsThese organisms are present in the intestines of dogs.They can also infect the ear and cause ear infection symptoms and other problems.They are gram-negative and anaerobic.

Ear Mites InfectionsThe presence of ear mites is indicated when your dog scratches his ears.

Mites are microscopic, so positive identification normally requires viewing under a microscope.

Yeast Infections in DogsYeast infections are caused by growth of Malassezia, a type of fungus found everywhere.If the dog is more exposed to water, he is likely to get a yeast infection.These infections are treated with antifungal ointments and creams.

AllergensAllergens which can affect a dogs ear include mold, dust, pollen, and food.

These things may also have adverse effects on the dogs health apart from being a cause of ear infections.

Symptoms of Dog Ear InfectionEar ScratchingOdor in EarRednessSwellingHair Loss around EarRubbing Ear on FloorHearing LossHead ShakingBlack Discharge in Ear

Dogs Prone to Ear InfectionDogs who are mostly prone to ear infections are golden retrievers, Labradors, and poodles.Dogs which tend to grow hair in the inner ear canal are susceptible to ear infections. Puppies are at greatest risk.During summer, Labradors like to swim and may develop chronic swimmers ear if precautions are not taken.

Causes of Ear InfectionsDogs can develop ear infections for many different reasons:

AllergiesHormonal AbnormalitiesParasitesExcess MoistureInfections bacteria and yeastImmune Condition

Prevention of Ear InfectionsCheck your dogs ears every week.If your dog swims a lot or has a history of ear infections, routine cleaning is recommended.Follow your vets recommendation on how to treat ear infections.

Cleaning Your Dogs EarsTo remove the debris, apply an ear cleaner to the dogs ear canal.Massage the base of the ear for 20 seconds and allow the debris to soften.Cotton swabs can be used to clean the inside of the ear flap but should not enter the ear canal.

DiagnosisA vet can take swabs of the ear to smear on a microscope slide and examine for bacteria, yeast. and mites.

A physical exam may determine whether the ear infections cause is hormonal, allergic, or hereditary.

Findings about Dogs Suffering from Ear Infections50% of dogs which suffer from skin disease and 80% of dogs which suffer from food hypersensitivity also suffer from ear infections.

Treatment for Ear InfectionTreatment of Ear infection will depend on what has caused the infection.

Antibiotics are taken for bacterial infection and anti-fungal treatments are called for in cases of yeast infection.

How to know if the Ear Infection has clearedVets used to believe that most ear infections clear up with treatment within 7 days. But this is still unclear, since the dogs ear canal cannot be seen directly.Taking your dog for a re-examination, allowing the doctor to look down into the ear canal, is the best way to be sure an infection is completely gone.

Sourceshttp://pets.webmd.com/dogs/dog-ear-infectionshttp://www.vet-organics.com/dog-ear-infection-symptoms/http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2095&aid=273http://www.puppyeducation.net/taking-care/treat-dogs-ear-infections/http://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/dog-health/Ear-Infections-in-Dogs-Symptoms-Causes-and-Treatmentshttps://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/ear-infectionshttp://www.slideshare.net/johnreynoldsus/dogs-and-their-allergiesppthttp://www.sheaanimalhospital.com/pet-care-resources/pet-care-articles.php?news=How_to_Treat_a_Dog_With_an_Ear_Infection&news_id=31&start=0&category_id=2&parent_id=2&arcyear=Y&arcmonth=M

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