Why is my dog Shaking his Head and Scratching his Ears? | Ear Infections in Dogs
Is your dog scratching and shaking his head or whining? These are the telltale signs of an ear infection in dogs, which affects twenty percent of dogs - especially those with floppy ears like Basset Hounds and Cocker Spaniels.
Types of Ear Infections in Dogs
There are three common types of ear infections in dogs – otitis externa, otitis media and otitis interna.
Otitis externa
Most common
Dog becomes inflamed in the cells lining the external portion of the ear canal
Otitis media / Otitis Interna
Refer to infections of the middle / inner ear canal, respectively
Often occur as a result of infection from external ear spreading to the inner parts
Can be very serious and result in deafness, facial paralysis, and vestibular signs
Your dog may also be experiencing ear infections in relation to allergies – for more info, please read this article on Zoetis Petcare.
Diagnosing Ear Infections in Dogs
If you suspect your dog of having an ear infection, you should visit your veterinarian for an exam as soon as possible. If they are diagnosed with one of the above conditions, treatment should be administered as soon as possible for your pet’s comfort and to avoid the spread of infection.
How are Dog’s Ear Infection’s Treated?
Your vet will clean your dog’s ears thoroughly with a medicated cleaner and may provide cleaner and topical medication for you to administer at home. The veterinarian may also prescribe oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications. In most uncomplicated situations, the infection can resolve within 1-2 weeks from the start of treatment.
How to Prevent Dog’s Ear Infections
In order to prevent an ear infection in your dog, we recommend you clean your dogs’ ears after swimming and bathing as excess moisture is a common cause. For steps on how to clean your dog’s ears, visit this guide on Hill’s.
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