How To Deal With Dog Ear Infections
Ear infections in dogs are one of the most common problems treated at the vet. If you suspect that your dog has an ear infection, you should take them to the vet immediately. This is because ear infections can have far-reaching effects if not dealt with swiftly. If you are currently wondering whether or not your dog has an ear infection, take a look at the signs and what you should do about them.
Signs of an Ear Infection in Dogs
When your dog has an ear infection, they will start shaking their head or scratch at their ears more often than they normally would. If you notice this is happening, turn over the underside of your dog's ear flap. If it is red and a discharge or foul odor is coming directly from the ear, your dog has an ear infection. An ear infection that becomes chronic can lead to permanent alterations in the anatomy of your dog's ears. When this happens, it makes any infections that occur in the future more difficult to treat. The more difficult they are to treat, the more painful they will be for your dog.
Things to Avoid
Never use any products on your dog's infected ear that you have not discussed with your vet. Some topical medications can cause deafness if you use them in your dog's ear while they have an infection. Do not use cotton swabs or any other objects to poke into your dog's ears — this will push the infected matter deeper into your dog's ears, making the infection worse.
Get Your Dog's Ears Cleaned
Take your dog to the vet and allow them to safely clean out everything that is in your dog's ears. If the infection is severe, your vet may need to sedate your dog to flush out the ears. Once the ear is cleaned, your vet will do a thorough examination of your dog's eardrum. This will help them to find the cause of the infection and decide on the necessary treatment.
Discovering that your dog has an ear infection is not easy to deal with. This is especially true if your pet is in a lot of pain. While you may be tempted to take matters into your own hands to fix the problem, it is best to consult with your vet. Ear infections need to be treated by a professional to prevent hearing loss.
To learn more, contact a veterinarian.
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