Having a dog can be an extremely wonderful thing, but if we want to have a dog we must bear in mind that we have to satisfy all your needs and what better than an infinite source of affection, since dogs represent a responsibility. Health is extremely important and like us, dogs can get sick too. This is especially the case with ear infections. In fact, ear infections belong to the group of conditions that dogs complain about the most, along with skin allergies.
Ear infection in dogs
Various types of allergies are the main source of ear infections of dogs, although it is not the only source, since many breeds are genetically predisposed to suffer from ear infections.
Other reasons for an ear infection can be:
- Foreign objects in the ear
- Ear mites
- Tumors
- Endocrine disorders
Ear infection problems can vary from dog to dog, as well as the symptoms, since it will depend on the bacteria that is affecting you.
The most common condition in the dog is otitis
Otitis is a condition that directly affects the middle and inner ear, which generates otitis media and internal otitis respectively. Even though it is a treatable condition, otitis can pose a danger if it affects the nerves.
The different diseases that affect the middle and inner ear are otitis media and internal otitis And it can be a big problem if they affect the nerves. As we have mentioned before, ear infections are a consequence, in most cases, of seasonal allergies.
But how can allergies cause an ear infection?
When the allergy spreads through the dog's skin, can reach the ear and reach the ear canal, where bacteria and fungi begin to grow. The first symptoms of these infections are unpleasant odors coming from the dog's ear and movements or tilting of the head to one side.
It can also be noted that ear wax is yellow or dark brown and that the ear tissues are red, swollen and appear to be painful for the dog.
Then there are dogs that are genetically predisposed to ear infections often. For example, the Shar-Pei breed of dogs has a certain type of very characteristic ear and this breed of dog often has a very reduced or collapsed ear canal. This can cause wax to build up., this being the perfect place for bacteria and fungi to grow.
Even there are dogs that have a lot of hair in the ear canal. This is not a problem, but for breeds that suffer from allergies, hair in the ear canal can encourage it to accumulate. ear wax, which can be conducive to the cultivation of bacteria. The same happens with dogs that have their ears pulled out, since that can cause bacteria to grow and an ear infection is caused.
Consequences
Depending on the region of the ear affected by the infection, the consequences can be painful and unpleasant.
In external otitis, pain and swelling may cause the dog to shake its head several times, something that can hit the pinna and cause bleeding under the skin of the ear (aural hematoma). Even the affected ear may swell like a marshmallow and feel some discomfort.
Chronic infections of the outer ear tissues can lead to thickening and stenosis of the canals and even lead to ruptured eardrum and temporary deafness And if this occurs, the dog may develop a certain head tilt, dizziness, uncontrolled rocking, or other signs of vertigo.