Inflammation and discharge in a dog’s ears can cause chronic infections requiring veterinarian attention.

One of the most common problems I see everyday in dogs as a veterinarian is ear infections.

Some breeds, such as those with floppy ears or hairy ears like cocker spaniels and poodles, may be more prone to ear infections.

Ear infections are painful and many dogs shake their heads or scratch at their ears.

The ear usually becomes red and inflamed and often produces a black or yellow discharge.

As the condition becomes chronic the ears will thicken and the ear canal narrows due to inflammation.

Often owners think the dog has ear mites. Ear mites are a tiny insect that can live in the ears. But, it is more common in kittens and puppies and less common in mature dogs.

Treating the problem involves a veterinarian having a good look in the ear with an otoscope, to examine for any foreign bodies, and to determine if the eardrum is intact.

Dogs that have ruptured eardrums usually shake their heads severely and need a longer course of treatment to prevent the infection from travelling deeper.

A sample of the ear discharge is often examined under the microscope to see if there are bacteria or yeast present.

Yeast infections are by far the most common and they create very smelly and itchy ears.

It is essential that the ears be cleaned thoroughly to remove all the wax and discharge so the medications can reach the deeper areas of the ear canal.

In severe cases this may need to be done under a general anesthetic.

I always try to determine what the underlying reason may be if a dog keeps getting recurrent ear infections.

Chronic food allergies or inhaled allergies or even hypothyroidism may predispose a dog to having ongoing ear problems.

With appropriate cleaning of the ear and the proper medication for the riInflammation and discharge in a dog’s ears can cause chronic infections requiring veterinarian attention.

One of the most common problems I see everyday in dogs as a veterinarian is ear infections.

Some breeds, such as those with floppy ears or hairy ears like cocker spaniels and poodles, may be more prone to ear infections.

Ear infections are painful and many dogs shake their heads or scratch at their ears.

The ear usually becomes red and inflamed and often produces a black or yellow discharge.

As the condition becomes chronic the ears will thicken and the ear canal narrows due to inflammation.

Often owners think the dog has ear mites. Ear mites are a tiny insect that can live in the ears. But, it is more common in kittens and puppies and less common in mature dogs.

Treating the problem involves a veterinarian having a good look in the ear with an otoscope, to examine for any foreign bodies, and to determine if the eardrum is intact.

Dogs that have ruptured eardrums usually shake their heads severely and need a longer course of treatment to prevent the infection from travelling deeper.

A sample of the ear discharge is often examined under the microscope to see if there are bacteria or yeast present.

Yeast infections are by far the most common and they create very smelly and itchy ears.

It is essential that the ears be cleaned thoroughly to remove all the wax and discharge so the medications can reach the deeper areas of the ear canal.

In severe cases this may need to be done under a general anesthetic.

I always try to determine what the underlying reason may be if a dog keeps getting recurrent ear infections.

Chronic food allergies or inhaled allergies or even hypothyroidism may predispose a dog to having ongoing ear problems.

With appropriate cleaning of the ear and the proper medication for the right length of time, it is not too difficult to clear up an ear infection in most dogs.

If they tend to produce a lot of wax they may need to have regular cleaning with a proper ear cleaner at home once or twice a week.

Your veterinarian can show you how to do this easily at home.

Always be sure to have a look at your dog’s ears regularly and if they seem red or itchy or producing a lot of wax then it is best to have them seen by your vet as soon as possible to prevent the discomfort of a chronic ear infection.

- Dr. Michael Orser is a veterinarian and owner of Alouette Animal Hospital. He’s happy to answer questions at info@alouetteanimalhospital.ca.

ght length of time, it is not too difficult to clear up an ear infection in most dogs.

If they tend to produce a lot of wax they may need to have regular cleaning with a proper ear cleaner at home once or twice a week.

Your veterinarian can show you how to do this easily at home.

Always be sure to have a look at your dog’s ears regularly and if they seem red or itchy or producing a lot of wax then it is best to have them seen by your vet as soon as possible to prevent the discomfort of a chronic ear infection.

- Dr. Michael Orser is a veterinarian and owner of Alouette Animal Hospital. He’s happy to answer questions at info@alouetteanimalhospital.ca.