3 Types Of Ear Infections In Dogs
3 Types of Ear Infections
Dogs have three types of ear infections:
Otitis externa: inflammation of the ear canal
Otitis media: inflammation of the middle ear
Otitis interna: inflammation of the inner ear
Otitis externa is the most common dog ear infection, as this part of the ear is most exposed to the outside world. Ear infections can be acute (quick onset) or chronic (recurrent).
What Causes An Ear Infection?
Bacteria
Yeast
Wax buildup
Moisture in the ear
Excess hair
Allergies – both environmental and food
Ear mites and fleas
What’s the Difference Between a Dog Yeast Ear Infection vs. Bacterial Infection?
A yeast infection and a bacterial infection in dogs can look the same to the naked eye. Your veterinarian can take a sample of the ear discharge to determine the difference. When examined under the microscope, your vet can distinguish between a bacterial and yeast ear infection by the microbes they see.
Yeast ear infections tend to have a distinct odor and have a darker brown discharge. Bacterial ear infections are usually a lighter brown or yellow color. Most dogs have a yeast infection when they have an otitis externa. Infections of the middle and inner ear are usually bacterial.
Know Your Dog’s Risk
While any dog can develop an ear infection, some breeds are more susceptible than others. Floppy ear dogs (such as Poodles, Labs, Hounds, Beagles, Spaniels, etc…) top the list. Having that enclosed ear canal creates a perfect moist environment for bacterial and yeast growth. Plus, floppy ears help to trap dirt, debris, and wax buildup.
Tips To Prevent An Ear Infection
1. Keep Your Dog’s Ears Dry
Moisture is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. While you certainly don’t need to stop your water-loving pooch from taking a dip in the pool on a hot summer day, it’s important to dry her ears afterward. The same thing goes for bath time! Use either a cotton wipe or a piece of gauze to gently dry the ear flap and around the opening of your dog’s ear canal after exposure to water.
2. Pluck Excess Hair
Have a breed where hair grows inside the ear (like poodles)? Then make sure to pluck it! If not, that excess hair in the outer ear canal will act as a trap for debris and moisture. And you know what that can lead to … infection!
This fine hair is usually easy to pull out with your fingers. But, you can also use a little ear powder and a hemostat. Important Note: Don’t stick the hemostat down into the ear canal because you can cause more harm than good. Just grab the hairs that you can easily see. Think of it like tweezing your eyebrows – grab onto a hair with your hemostat and pluck.
3. Gently Clean Your Dogs Ears Regularly
Use these steps as your guide:
Use a soft cotton wipe, cotton ball, or cloth.
Dampen the wipe with an ear-cleaning solution (do not spray directly in the ear).
Using your index finger and the wipe, gently wipe away ear wax build-ups.
Get into every little crevice, cleaning out all the wax.
Do not push your finger too deep into the ear, as you may cause damage to the eardrum. Just focus on the surface level of wax.
Finish with a dry cotton wipe to dab away any leftover moisture gently.
Want to read more about pet health, check out my previous blogs here:
Pig Ears and Salmonella Poisoning
Vestibular Syndrome In Dogs And Cats
Two Adorable Labs has become a collection of all that I love. I’ll send one post each week on things that bring me joy on animal health, home decor, and food recipes for humans and our furry friends. I hope you enjoy these posts and much as I do creating them!
I love hearing from all of you and do my best to respond to each and every one of you. I always enjoy your comments, feedback, and suggestions so keep them coming! If I’ve posted a recipe (for our human and our furry friends) and you try it, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @twoadorablelabs and use #twoadorablelabs.
If you do try and love my recipes, I would greatly appreciate a comment and rating. I read every single one and respond to them. It also lets Google know that the website contains quality content. The more comments and 5-star ratings, the more Google will show my blog in search results! Thank you so much!
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Jake and Maggie are now proud Ambassadors for Ava’s Pet Palace.
Log on to avaspetpalace.com/twoadorablelabs for “free shipping” off your order!
Love, Jake and Maggie
You Might Also Like
20 Fascinating Dog Facts
Happy Wednesday, everyone! I thought it would be fun to post these 20 Fascinating Dog Facts and see if you have heard of these before. I hope everyone had a nice Easter and spent time doing something fun. I cooked, and everything went as planned. I made it easy...
Can Dogs See In The Dark?
Happy Wednesday, everyone! Can Dogs See In The Dark? I was walking with Maggie into the house this morning. It was dark outside, and I had forgotten to turn the lights on in the garage and mudroom. She was walking ahead of me with no problem at all, and I was...
Maggie’s Nystagmus And Osteoarthritis
Happy Wednesday, everyone! On Monday, we took Maggie to the Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center for our surgeon to evaluate her ankle. Before leaving for Columbus, Maggie had a transient episode of Nystagmus. Nystagmus in dogs is an involuntary,...
What Is the “777” Rule For Dogs?
Happy Wednesday, everyone! What is the "777" rule for dogs? The 777 Rule for Dogs is a simple guideline that helps adopters understand what to expect when bringing a new dog home—especially from a shelter or rescue. It reminds you that adjustment takes time and...
What Are The Health Hazards Of Walking A Dog During Winter?
Happy Wednesday, everyone! What Are The Health Hazards Of Walking A Dog During Winter? Maggie loves playing in the snow, but the major snowstorm that rocked our area on Sunday made it hard for us to stay out and play as long as we normally do. We got about 14...
30 Tips And Statements On What Pup Parents Wish They Knew Before Getting A Dog
Happy Wednesday, everyone! I’ve been volunteering at the Hancock County Animal Shelter and spending time with my cousin’s dog, Jasmine (yes, she is still there). As I watch people come in, I wonder whether they are seasoned dog owners looking for another addition to...
Amazing how important ear health is for our pups. Love the post!!!
Thank you! Yes, maintaining the health of your pet and having a great vet you trust is important.