Ear infections are common in dogs, especially for puppies with floppy ears. Ensuring you know how to determine such problems is vital to quickly improving them. If you live with your pooch at home, you should be able to tell if your dog has an ear infection, the necessary steps you must take, and potential treatments.
Signs of an Ear Infection on Dogs
Some puppies might not demonstrate signs of ear infection aside from wax buildup and discharge in the ear canal. However, these infections trigger noticeable discomfort. Your beloved dog has an ear infection if they show the following symptoms:
- Itchiness
- Pain
- Odor
- Dark discharge
- Head shaking
- Scabs or crusting in the ears
- Redness or swelling of the ear canal
Diagnosing Canine Ear Infections
It’s vital to visit your pet doctor immediately if your dog has an ear infection. Also, addressing the problems early makes your dog comfortable since ear infections can be painful. This will also prevent the infections from spreading to the inner and middle ear. Most importantly, you will need to provide your pet’s comprehensive history at your vet’s. Call Alexander Animal Hospital at 410-777-8678 if you notice any of the activities below:
- Your dog’s diet
- The duration of the symptoms, including swelling, pain, odor, and discharge
- If your dog is on medications
- Your pooch’s recent activities such as grooming, baths, or swimming
- If your pet has an ear infection history
- How frequently do you clean your dog’s ears
Treatment for Canine Ear Infections
Moreover, the above information will allow your vet to complete a physical examination. They can utilize technology like a video otoscope where you can view your dog’s ear condition in the examination room. Additionally, your veterinarian can use an endoscope to perform numerous tasks like deep cleaning your dog’s ears or flushing behind ruptured eardrums.
Support Your Pet’s Wellness at Alexander Animal Hospital
Alexander Animal Hospital is a full-service animal hospital located in Severna Park, Maryland, serving the Severna Park, Pasadena, and Arnold Areas. Our goal is educating clients on the needs of their pets and understanding the importance of individualized veterinary care in order to strengthen the human-animal bond between owners and their pets.
We understand you have a choice when deciding on the care for your pets, and we strive to provide you with unparalleled services including wellness exams, vaccines, lost pet microchip ID, dental care, surgical services, digital radiography, and in-hospital laboratory services and diagnostics. Other highlights of Alexander Animal Hospital are the separate cat and dog waiting and exam rooms, as well as after-hours on-call emergency services.
Please take a look around our website and then give us a call at 410-777-8678 to set up an appointment. We’re social! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest for all the latest updates!