Otitis In Dogs: What Are The Causes And How To Treat It?
Otitis in dogs is a fairly common problem, especially in some breeds with large, drooping ears. In fact, due to their morphology, the ear area is poorly ventilated.
This condition can cause a lot of itching and discomfort to the animal. For this reason, it is important for dog owners to ensure regular cleaning of their dog’s ears.
Likewise, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian if an outbreak of infection is detected. In this space we present the possible causes of otitis in dogs and how to treat it.
Symptoms of Otitis in Dogs
The symptoms of otitis in dogs are quite obvious, so you won’t have a problem identifying them. Below we list the most common clinical signs of this pathology:
- Dark discharge from the ear canal. The ears are stained with a sticky, sometimes brown and foul-smelling substance.
- Signs of pain. Otitis can cause considerable discomfort to the animal and it is seen that it tilts its head to one side, which coincides with the affected ear. He can also change his behavior and become irritated or even aggressive.
- He shakes his head. With these movements, dogs can shed some of the ear secretions.
- Moderate or severe itching. The dog scratches his ear continuously.
- Inflamed ear canal. Commonly, it is detected by the veterinarian in the clinic with the help of an otoscope.
In light of these signs, it is important to see a veterinarian. In this way, he will be able to carry out an examination and identify the cause and type of otitis that the animal is suffering from. A quick detection will always facilitate the treatment and recovery of the dog.
What Causes Otitis in Dogs?
Otitis can have many different causes, and depending on the trigger, the treatment can change. For this reason, it is very important to go to the veterinary clinic to receive a correct diagnosis. Below we show you the most common reasons that generate canine otitis.
Infectious causes
There are multiple infectious agents that can slip into the dog’s ear. Among them, we find the following:
- Mites. The proliferation of some mites can cause otitis in dogs. The main species that attack dogs’ ears are Otodectes cynotis , Demodex, and Sarcoptes scabiei . These invertebrates are characterized by producing a dark brown and odorous secretion.
- Yeast and fungal infections. Malassezia fungus naturally resides on the skin of animals, but its uncontrolled proliferation can cause an ear infection.
- Bacterial infections. Bacteria of the genus Staphylococcus or Pseudomonas cause otitis in dogs and also produce a bad smell.
Presence of a foreign body in the ear canal
It is very common that the cause of otitis is an ear that went into the ear canal during a walk, in which case it will need to be removed. Don’t try to do this at home, as you may push it deeper into your ear. Your vet will remove it using the appropriate technique and tools.
Breed predisposition
Otitis externa is inflammation of the mucous membrane of the external auditory canal and is common in dogs with drooping and heavy ears. In fact, the poor ventilation of the area favors the proliferation of bacteria and yeasts. It can also be common in dogs with small ear canals or with heavy fur on their ears, such as the Yorkshire terrier.
Other causes
In addition to the previously described reasons, there are also other causative agents that can cause otitis in dogs. Here are a few briefly:
- Allergy. Otitis is usually related to allergy cases. In this case it can be accompanied by itching, redness, scabs and secretions.
- Moisture in the ear canal. Humidity and temperature are key factors for the growth of microorganisms. Big ears retain more moisture, as they are more difficult to dry.
- Diseases of various kinds. Endocrine diseases, reactions to toxic products or hypertrophy of the auditory tissue.
Treatments for otitis in dogs
If there is an otitis problem, the vet will clean the pet’s ear and can take a sample of the discharge. He will later examine it under a microscope to determine the agent causing the otitis.
Depending on the cause of the condition, antibiotics, acaricides, or antifungal ear cleaners may be applied depending on whether it is bacteria, mites, or fungi. The vet may also prescribe an anti-inflammatory to reduce inflammation or an analgesic to relieve pain.
In some cases, otitis can have complications and some dogs live with this chronic disorder for life. As a result, they need more frequent cleaning and check-ups at the vet. Sometimes, excessive scratching of the ear or excessive shaking of the head can cause internal bleeding in the ear, called otohematoma, which requires surgery.
Can otitis be prevented in dogs?
As a preventative measure, the pet’s brace should carry out regular ear cleaning to avoid relapse. As in many other cases, good hygiene is the best treatment.
Remember that ear cleaners are specific for dogs, so they can’t be used for people. Furthermore, to remove the remains that the ear cleaner leaves, it is not recommended to use the classic cotton buds, but a clean gauze.
