Treatment For Ear Infections In Dogs
Treating ear infections in dogs usually consists of your vet cleaning your dog’s ear with a medicated cleanser and prescribing any antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications required. Your veterinarian may also prescribe a topical medication and instruct you on how and when to apply it to your dog’s ear at home.
With treatment, early-stage ear infections will usually clear up within a week or two. If your dog’s ear infection is more severe or is caused by an underlying health condition, treatment may be more challenging and may take months to resolve. More severe cases could result in chronic ear infections in your dog and increase the chance of repeat infections over their lifetime.
Carefully following your veterinarian’s instructions will be essential to clear up your dog’s ear infection as quickly as possible. Not finishing prescriptions, or stopping treatment before the infection has completely cleared can lead to a recurring infection that becomes increasingly difficult to treat.
It is highly recommended you book a follow-up appointment with your vet after the course of treatment is complete so they can assess your pup to ensure the infection is completely cleared up and repeat treatment is not need it.
The Importance Of Antibiotics For Dog Ear Infection
Your veterinarian may prescribe an antibiotic for treating a dog ear infection to kick-start the healing and pain relief for your pet. Antibiotics attack any bacterial infection present and help with the immediate relief of any inflammation. Vet prescribed antibiotics may be topical in the form of ear drops or given orally in capsule or tablet form.
Dogs can also be affected by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, so it is important that the right antibiotic is used.
Next: Can Manuka Honey Make My Skin Less Red And Irritated
My experience: I have rosaceaan inflammatory skin condition that causes rednessand though its not severe, I do experience acute flare-ups now and again. At the start of the honey cleansing trial, my skin was exhibiting its usual degree of low-grade inflammationa small rosy patch on my upper cheek. Unfortunately, after using the honey cleanser for a full week, there was minimal reduction in my redness.
What the science says: Since rosacea may be triggered by Bacillus oleronius bacteria and the Demodex folliculorum mite, honey has been of interest as a possible treatment due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, Dr. Chang says.
She notes a pilot study published in BMJ Open in 2015 in which 138 participants with rosacea applied either a cream containing kanuka honey or a control cream to their faces twice a day for eight weeks. Results showed that 34 percent of those in the honey group showed improvements in redness after eight weeks compared to just 17 percent in the control group, suggesting that the honey cream may have been more effective at reducing the symptoms of rosacea than a placebo.
For this reason, I again had high hopes that manuka honey could help my skin. However, I didnt see much of a difference at the end of the week.
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When To Contact Your Vet
Contact your vet for an appointment ASAP if you suspect your dog has an ear infection – its a very painful problem that needs prompt treatment. If you notice any signs of a middle or inner ear infection , this is more serious and requires a same-day appointment. Be sure to tell your vet if your dog has regular ear infections or has had more than 2-3 in its lifetime.
Find out whether you are eligible for free or low cost PDSA veterinary treatment using our checker.
Antibacterial Activity Of Manuka Honey
3.2.1. Effect of honey on bacterial growth and cell morphology
Honeys antimicrobial activity has been attributed to its MGO and hydrogen peroxide content ,. Other factors such as osmotic pressure, pH, low protein content, bee defensin-1, the hyper-osmolality effect, different levels of flavonoids and phenolic complexes, as well as its high carbon to nitrogen ratio have also been taken into consideration for contributing to its activity . There are publications from recent studies, which have indicated the antibacterial activity of honey in terms of minimum inhibitory concentration , that is the minimum concentration of honey required to inhibit the microbial growth ,. Manuka honey has proved the front-runner of honeys for non-peroxide antimicrobial activity. Tonks et al. have reported that Manuka honeys antibacterial activity is independent in inducing inflammatory cytokines during an innate immune response . They identified a component, which is heat-sensitive, protease-resistant and did not express antibacterial activity but can induce cytokine production through interacting with TLR4 on macrophages. Depending on the bacterial species, Manuka honey can alter a bacteriums shape and size such as affecting the septal ring, which mediates the cell division .
3.2.2. Effect of honey on biofilms
3.2.3. Effect of factors on antibacterial property of honey
3.2.4. Honeys use for resistant bacteria and biofilms
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What Is An Ear Yeast Infection In Dogs
An ear yeast infection occurs when yeast over populates the ear of a dog. Malassezia pachydermatis is the species of yeast that is typically seen in dog ears an infection is referred to as yeast otitis. This type of yeast is different than the yeast that is used to bake bread or that is found in probiotics. It is naturally found on the skin and ears of dogs in very small amounts but if the right conditions are present, it causes an infection. The ear canal and the ear flap itself can both be affected.
Benefits Of Manuka Honey In Bacterial Infections
Bacteria are single celled organisms which are present almost everywhere. Some bacteria are good for health while some are responsible for causing dreadful diseases.
Bacterial infections are caused due to disturbance in balance between host resistance system and bacterial virulence. If harmful bacteria invade the human body then it multiply in the body and release toxic substances which are harmful for body. If host resistance falls weak then the capability of bacteria to multiply then it results in disease.
Host has several barriers to resist the bacterial infection which include both physical and chemical barriers. But most effective and primary barrier to bacterial infection is skin. Skin prevents penetration of the bacteria through it in to the sensitive tissue of the body.
Invaded bacteria encounter soldiers of body which kills the bacteria and prevent further infection. If bacteria pass this barrier and human immune system falls weak then person suffer from ill health.
Most common bacterial infections are:
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Diagnosis Of Outer Ear Infection
Your GP will usually be able to diagnose an outer ear infection by asking about your symptoms and examining your ear. They may also ask about your medical history to check if theres anything that could have caused your symptoms.
Your GP may look into your ear using an instrument called an otoscope to check for any signs of infection. They may ask you to move your ear or jaw to see if you feel pain.
If your symptoms are particularly severe or they dont get better after treatment or they come back, your GP may collect some discharge using a cotton swab. This will be sent to a laboratory for testing to find out whether the cause of your ear infection is bacterial or a fungus.
What Is An Ear Infection
The medical term for an ear infection is otitis. Ear infections typically start as inflammation of the skin inside the outer ear canal . When inflammation exists, discharge, soreness, and other qualities of an ear infection end up being established. Swelling of the canal causes the overgrowth of typical bacteria and yeast that live in the ear other opportunistic bacteria can likewise make the most of the inflammation and unhealthy environment inside the ear to establish infection. The overgrowth of these organisms causes more swelling and other unhealthy modifications inside the ear. Sometimes, ear infections that start in the external ear canal can advance to include the middle ear and inner ear. Deep infections can cause deafness and other complications.
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Antibiotic Therapy For Ear Infection In Dogs
Any family pet can develop an ear infection underlying allergic reactions or other diseases are typically the cause. Bacterial infection usually occurs secondary to the swelling and unhealthy environment in the ear.
A typical course of antibiotics can be as short as 5 to seven days, or as long as several months. It is best to give all medications as directed for the complete course of treatment, even if the ears look much better right now.
Dog Ear Infection Home Remedies
Dog ear infection home remedies can be relatively inexpensive and offer a more natural approach to keeping ear infections under control.
Some of the many ingredients used in home remedy applications for dogs include vinegar , coconut oil, calendula flowers and other herbs, olive oil, garlic oil or Vitamin E oil, tea tree oil, lemons, yogurt, Epsom salts, baking soda and green tea. Home remedies may also include ingredients such as boric acid and hydrogen peroxide.
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The Marvels Of Manuka Honey
Honey has been used since ancient Egyptian times to treat multiple conditions but it wasnt until the late 19th century that researchers discovered that honey has natural antibacterial qualities and an ability to protect against bacterial damage. In addition, honey has an inflammatory action that can reduce pain and inflammation usually quickly once it is topically applied.
But not all honey is created equally. Some kinds of honey may be 100 times more potent than others. This appears to be the case with Manuka honey, which is produced in New Zealand by bees that pollinate the native manuka bush also known as the tea tree.
The honey is distinctively flavoured, darker and richer than other honey.
Research shows that Manuka honey stimulates production of special cells that can repair tissue damaged by infection. Like other honeys, Manuka also has hydrogen peroxide as one of its components giving it antibiotic properties. But the major antibacterial component that it has in high quantity is methylglyoxal . MG comes from the conversion of another compound dihydroxyacetone that is found in high concentration in the nectar of manuka flowers. The higher the concentration of MG, the stronger the antibiotic effect.
The main medical use for manuka honey is for treating minor wounds and burns but has been known to help in many other conditions, including:
- Preventing and treating cancer
Are Some Dogs More Susceptible To Inner Ear Infection
Dogs with long, heavy ears seem to be predisposed to chronic ear infections that can ultimately lead to otitis interna. Spaniel breeds, such as the Cocker Spaniel, and hound breeds, such as the Bloodhound and Basset Hound, are the most commonly affected breeds. Regardless of breed, any dog with a chronic ear infection that is difficult to control may develop otitis interna if the eardrum is damaged, as a damaged ear drum allows bacteria to migrate down into the inner ear.
“Dogs with long, heavy ears seem to be predisposed to chronic ear infections that ultimately lead to otitis interna.”
Excessively vigorous cleaning of an infected external ear canal can sometimes cause otitis interna. Some ear cleansers are irritating to the middle and inner ear and can cause signs of otitis interna if the eardrum is damaged and allows some of the solution to penetrate too deeply.
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What To Avoid Home Remedies For Dog Ear Infections That Can Be Dangerous
Never, ever, try to put anything directly inside your dogs ears unless your vet has directed it is safe to do so!!
That includes pouring in any liquids or trying to insert cotton buds or Q-tips. You may push bacteria further down your dogs ear canal or damage their eardrum or create a middle ear infection.
Also be wary of applying any home remedies to your dogs ears if they have any sores, open wounds or open scratches. Some ingredients in home remedies, such as cider or white vinegar, can sting and hurt your dog.
Other ingredients such as gentian violet, boric acid, are dangerous to your dog if it enters their system through their bloodstream. Ensure also that you dont use any products that may result in further allergies.
Food Or Environmental Allergies
Dogs who suffer from both food and environmental allergies are more likely to develop ear infections. About half of the dogs who have skin allergies and up to 80% of dogsTrusted SourceAmerican Kennel Club Registry of purebred dog pedigrees.Go to source with food sensitivities will develop ear infections during their lives. The most common food allergens in dogs are proteins, including chicken, dairy products, beef, eggs, and lamb.
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Signs Of Dog Ear Infections
A healthy dog ear is clean and dry. It is normal for small amounts of microscopic bacteria and yeast to live in the outer ear canal, but when a buildup of debris occurs, or the normal, healthy ear canal is compromised, those bacteria and yeast can overgrow and create an infection.
Common signs of dog ear infections include:
-
Redness
-
Head tilt
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Discharge
Occasionally, dogs can experience hearing loss or balance issues. Rarely, an ear infection may affect a dogs appetite if the pet is having system-wide effects. This is seen more often with otitis media or interna.
What Does The Discharge Look Like In Cases Of Pseudomonas Otitis
Infection with Pseudomonas typically produces a haem-orrhagic green/yellow, mucoid malodorous discharge, although on occasions it can present with a dark brown mucoid discharge . Although the clinical appearance of the discharge is very characteristic in cases of Pseudomonas infection, it should not replace cytological examination and subsequent culture and susceptibility when rods are identified .
Figure 1. Pseudomonas infection in a cocker spaniel.
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Why Is Tris Edta Recommended As A Cleaner In Cases Of Pseudomonas Infection
Ear cleaners containing Tris EDTA are recommended as part of the therapeutic regimen in Pseudomonas otitis. Tris EDTA has been shown to have anti-Pseudomonas action in its own right as well as having the ability to potentiate the activity of chlorhexidine and both aminoglycoside and fluoroquinolone antibiotics . Proprietary formulations of Tris EDTA tend to have a neutral or slightly alkaline pH making them less irritating in a delicate ear. Several studies have also shown that Tris EDTA can be used off license if the ear drum is ruptured . Several products are available as ear cleaning solutions that contain Tris EDTA.
Dog Ear Yeast Infections: Causes And Solutions
If your dogs shaking his head or scratching his ears constantly, it could be a dog ear yeast infection. One or both of his ears might have a yeasty smell, or black-brown gunk caking the insides. When your dogs ears are crusty, smelly and inflamed, its a warningsign of a bigger health issue
Heres how to look beyond your dogs ears to find the problem and the solution.
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Symptoms Of Ear Yeast Infections
- Shaking head
- Ear skin scaling
- Drooped ear
Similar to a bacterial infection of the ear, a yeast infection usually causes a dog to shake its head and scratch at its ears. This is due to the irritation and discomfort that the infection causes. Your dog may also be reluctant to have its head and ears touched if they are experiencing ear pain or drooped ears as symptoms.
Inside the ear, redness, swelling, and thickening of the skin may be seen in a dog with a yeast infection. Scaling or crusting of the skin on the ear flap is also common, especially in severe or chronic cases. An odor that is often described as smelling like corn chips may be present alongside excessive, oily ear debris.
Expert Tips To Prevent Ear Infections In Dogs
Once the main causes of ear infections in dogs are clear, we can talk about preventive measures. Below are the most popular recommendations among veterinarians:
1. Proper hygiene: clean your dog’s ears carefully and with suitable products.
Ear hygiene is vital to prevent ear infections in dogs. Frequency and technique are important. The best way to clean your dogs ears is to lift the ear, spray or flush the ear canal with an approved solution, and then massage the base for 20 to 30 seconds. After that, your dog will shake its head to remove the fluid and debris.
Although swabs can be used in the folds inside the ear, its best to avoid inserting them into the ear canal. As in humans, this can push wax inside, cause plugging, and have the opposite effect.
Its also important to use suitable solutions. Homemade ones, such as dilute hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, and rubbing alcohol, are discouraged because of their abrasiveness and high-water content. Therefore, its best to consult with a vet for the most effective and safest option.
2. Keep your dog’s ears dry.
In addition to the special washing of the ears, keeping them dry is a priority. One option is to place cotton balls inside them to prevent moisture from getting inside during bathing.
3. Avoid removing hair from the ear canals unless necessary.
4. Use appropriate supplements for healthy skin and hair.
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