Dog Ear Infections: Natural Remedies That Work
Does your dog have itchy, gunky, smelly or even painful ears that dont seem to get better? Youre not alone. Dog ear infections are one of the main reasons people take their dogs to the vet.
But you can usually manage your dogs ear infections at home, So heres some information on how to treat dog ear infection without vet visits.
Treatments For Ear Mites
Ear mites are diagnosed by examination of discharge from the ear under a microscope. If found, they can be treated with 0.1% Ivermectin. To prevent the recurrence of ear mites, a dog should receive systemic anti-parasite treatment. These are usually administered topically and prevent infestation by fleas, ticks, or mites, or some combination of those. Popular and effective brands include Revolution, Advantage and Frontline.
Which Antibiotic Is Best For An Ear Infection
Two classes of antibiotics are commonly used to treat an infection.
Aminoglycosides
Aminoglycosides have been the main treatment for bacterial ear infections for decades. Two aminoglycosides used in ototopical preparations are:
- Neomycin
- Tobramycin
Though both of the above are commonly used in the United States, only neomycin has FDA approval. Neomycin is effective for gram-positive bacteria but its effectiveness against gram-negative bacteria has declined over years, especially against Pseudomonas, the most common bacteria in ear infections.
Tobramycin is effective for Pseudomonas and other gram-negative bacteria.
Quinolones
Quinolones are the most recently introduced ototopical antibiotics. Most quinolone antibiotics in use are fluoroquinolones, which also contain an atom of fluorine. Fluoroquinolones are considered the best available treatment now for ear infections for two reasons:
- Broad spectrum of activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
- Lack of ototoxicity
Following are some of the FDA-approved fluoroquinolone solutions for external ear infection from Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa:
Ciprofloxacin
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Homeopathy For Chronic Ear Infections
If your dog has chronic, recurring ear issues, its best to get help from a professional homeopath. Theyll do a complete analysis of your dog, then prescribe the appropriate remedy for all her symptoms. This approach will help get to the underlying cause of your dogs ear problems.
You can find a homeopathic vet at theavh.org. Most will do phone consults so they dont have to be local.
Now that you know how to handle an acute ear infection in your dog, its a good idea to keep reading, so you can prevent your dog from getting ear infections in future.
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What To Do If Your Dog Is Suffering From Ear Problems
If you think your dog may be suffering from ear problems then the most important first step is to take a trip to your vet.
Ear conditions are very unlikely to clear up on their own and the longer it remains untreated then the harder it is to clear up the problem. Its true that some breeds of dogs ones with long dangly ears such as Springer Spaniels are more prone to ear problems than others.
Dogs which spend a lot of time in water may also suffer from regular ear problems, as well as dogs with allergies. If your dog is the kind of breed that is susceptible to ear problems or has long ears make it a part of your grooming routine to check their the ears regularly. Keep the ears clean and if you spot a problem contact your vet to see if they think you further investigation is needed.
If you have any questions or concerns about your pets health, contact your local Calder Vets branch.
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Can Dogs Get Allergic Reactions To Antibiotics
Yes, dogs can get allergic reactions to antibiotic treatments. This is why its important to consult your veterinarian before antibiotics are administered and to monitor your dog while he or she is on them.
The cause and type of allergic reaction depends on how your pups unique biology mixes with the type and dosage of the antibiotic taken. Many symptoms occur within the first 24 hours and can include skin irritation, rashes, itching, trouble breathing, coughing, nausea, swelling, appetite loss, anaphylactic shock, and more.
After taking antibiotics, keep a close eye on your dog. Take them to a veterinarian immediately if you notice symptoms like these.
Can You Prevent Ear Infections In Dogs
As with most diseases, prevention is always best. Excess moisture is a common cause of ear infections, so be sure to thoroughly dry your dogs ears after swimming and bathing. If your dog is prone to chronic or recurrent ear infections, identifying and managing any underlying causes such as allergies can help prevent new infections from occurring.
Cleaning your dogs ears at home can also help prevent ear infections. Jeff Grognet, DVM, a columnist for AKC Family Dog, advises the following steps for ear cleaning: First, fill the canal with a dog ear cleaning solution and massage the vertical ear canal from the outside. Wipe out the canal with absorbent gauze. Dont use paper towels or cotton because these may leave fibers behind, and those could cause irritation. Cotton swabs may also be useful for cleaning your dogs pinnae but avoid using them in the ear canal, which may inadvertently push debris deeper into the canal.
Ear infections are a common and often recurrent problem in many dogs, but, with your veterinarians help, you can keep your dogs ears clean and comfortable. If your dog is showing signs of an ear infection, seek treatment right away to ensure the problem does not become serious.
AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc.org. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale.
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Minimize Pharmaceuticals And Other Chemicals
Dogs who live a more natural lifestyle are less likely to develop ear infections. Try to minimize exposure to chemicals in your dogs environment, indoors and outside.
Vaccines, antibiotics and other medications, and chemical pest preventives all harm your dogs gut health and disrupt her immune system. Make sure you only give the vaccines your dog really needs to protect her. Use natural alternatives to antibiotics and other medications when you can, and use natural pest prevention to keep the bugs off your dog.
You can also reduce toxins by minimizing chemicals at home and in your yard. Choose natural shampoos to bathe your dog, avoid toxic cleaning products in your home, including your own body cosmetics and other products with artificial fragrances.
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What Are The Signs Of An Inner Ear Infection
The signs of otitis interna depend upon the severity and the extent of the infection. Some dogs may show no outward signs at all, but you may notice your dog is reluctant to chew or seems to be in pain when opening his mouth. He may shake his head or paw at the affected ear.
Your dog may develop a head tilt, usually to the side of the infected ear, and he may even lean, fall, or roll toward the infected side. His balance may be completely altered making it difficult to walk properly, and he may even walk in circles toward the side of the infected ear. If both ears are involved, you may see him swing his head from side to side like an elephant swinging its trunk, and he may have a difficult time staying on his feet. Also, dogs with active otitis interna cannot hear on the affected side.
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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.
Which Otc Medications Are Safe For Dogs
If your pup isnt feeling well, you could be tempted to give him medication from your medicine cabinet, but in many cases, this isnt safe. Many human drugs can cause dangerous side effects in dogs. However, there are a handful that are generally considered safe for dogs. See our article on which OTC medications are safe for dogs to learn more.
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Antibiotic Therapy For Ear Infections
- Any pet can develop an ear infection underlying allergies or other illnesses are often the cause.
- Bacterial infection generally occurs secondary to the inflammation and unhealthy environment in the ear.
- A typical course of antibiotics can be as brief as 5 to 7 days, or as long as several months. It is best to give all medications as directed for the full course of treatment, even if the ears look better right away.
What Is an Ear Infection?
The medical term for an ear infection is otitis. Ear infections generally begin as inflammation of the skin inside the outer ear canal . Once inflammation is present, discharge, redness, and other characteristics of an ear infection become established. Inflammation of the canal leads to the overgrowth of normal bacteria and yeast that live in the ear other opportunistic bacteria can also take advantage of the inflammation and unhealthy environment inside the ear to establish infection. The overgrowth of these organisms causes more inflammation and other unhealthy changes inside the ear. In some cases, ear infections that start in the outer ear canal can progress to involve the middle ear and inner ear. Deep infections can lead to deafness and other complications.
What Causes Ear Infections?
- Allergies
- Ear mites
- Polyps or other growths in the ear canal
- Systemic illnesses such as thyroid disease and adrenal gland disease
- Foreign material in the ears, including dirt, sand, or plant material
How Are Antibiotics Given?
Why Are Antibiotics Necessary To Treat Ear Infections
Once the inflammation associated with an ear infection is established, bacteria can create secondary infections. These infections can be relatively straightforward to diagnose and treat with antibiotics or antifungal medications. Still, the underlying reason for the inflammation must be addressed or the secondary infections are likely to recur. Diagnosing the underlying cause can be challenging and may require additional testing.
During a physical examination, your veterinarian may use a cotton swab to collect some debris from your pets ear. This material can be placed on a slide and examined under a microscope to determine if the infection is due to yeast, bacteria, or mites. Your veterinarian may also recommend bacterial culture and sensitivity testing of the debris found inside your pets ear. This information can help determine the best medications to treat the infection.
Your veterinarian will also likely clean your pets ears to remove as much debris as possible before treatment begins. Cleaning begins creating a healthier environment inside the ear an environment that will not continue to support bacterial overgrowth.
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Causes Of Dog Ear Infections
Bacteria are most often the root cause of an ear infection in your dog. However, fungus, yeast or ear mites can all cause infection and pain in your canine companion’s ears as well. Some other causes of ear infections in your dog include: foreign objects lodged into their ears, physical trauma, polyps and tumors.
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What Are Symptoms Of Ear Infections
Symptoms of ear infections include:
Additional signs of ear infections in young children and infants may also include:
- Pulling on the ear/rubbing the ear
- Fussiness
Middle ear infection is usually caused by:
- Bacteria the most common bacterial causes include:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Haemophilus influenzae
- Flu
Infections of the ear canal are usually caused by water that remains in the outer ear canal for an extended period of time, which, when combined with the earwax and debris already present in the ear canal, provided a moist environment for bacteria or yeast to grow and cause infection. While its commonly called swimmers ear, diving or bathing and showering can also permit just enough water into the ear to create a fertile breeding ground for infection.
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Is It Time To Get A New Antibiotic Cream For Dogs
Youre looking for a new antibiotic cream for dogs. What do you think? Its difficult to predict future price changes. If there are no signs of production slowing, it can be worth buying now to enjoy your investment sooner. But if output is declining and prices are predicted to rise, you might want to wait until the buzz has died down before making a choice.
How To Prevent Ear Infections In Dogs And Puppies
Regular grooming, ear cleaning, and ear maintenance are important parts of pet care. Routine ear cleansing is especially important if your dog swims often.
Cleaning is best accomplished with a professional dog ear cleaning product. These typically have been specifically formulated for effective pH ranges for dogs and contain drying agents.
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How To Choose The Most Popular Antibiotic Cream For Dogs
The three most crucial criteria to consider are price, quality, and popularity.Price is an obvious factor to consider, as you want to ensure it is acceptable for your needs.Quality should also be examined because buying a low-quality goods will not help you achieve your main aim of obtaining the best product.Finally, while not as obvious as price or quality, popularity can be just as significant as both when it comes to attracting new customers.
Symptoms Of Dog Ear Infections
Some dogs show no symptoms of ear infection aside from a buildup of wax and discharge in the ear canal. But ear infections often cause significant discomfort and affected dogs may show signs such as:
- Head shaking
- Scratching at the affected ear
- Dark discharge
- Redness and swelling of the ear canal
- Pain
- Crusting or scabs in the ears
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How Much Is Antibiotic For Dog Ear Infection
antibiotic for dog ear infection come in a variety of designs and pricing ranges. Its difficult to predict product costs nowadays. You dont know how much something costs because the pricing range is so vast. For example, a pair of pants can range from $20 to $200 depending on where you buy them. Similarly, additional goods like as antibiotic for dog ear infection.
Symptoms Of A Canine Ear Infection
The most common symptoms for an ear infection are itching, ear discharge, redness, pain, swelling, smelly odor from the ear and head shaking. Whenever there is an accumulation of bacteria and moisture, there is a good chance for a bacteria or fungal ear infection, or a yeast one in the dog ear.
Infections can affect the outer, middle or inner ear of a dog. Infections of the inner ear can spread to the central nervous system and can ultimately led to death. Since there are two forms of canine ear infections, it is important to discern which type since treatments are different.
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