【VMC Vets Tips! | Pet ER: Ear Infection】
Ear infections are common amongst furry friends, especially those with long ears. Dogs and cat’s ear canals are shaped like a long ‘L’, which makes it easy to trap debris and moisture. Ear infection can occur in any breed, but those with floppy or hairy ears like Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, or Golden Retrievers, can be more prone to this health issue.
Causes
The most common causes of ear infection are related to allergies, heat, trapped moisture, excessive earwax, ear mites, new growth in the ear, injury to the ear canal, etc.
Symptoms
- ears appear red/inflamed, and a black/brown or yellow/green discharge may be seen
- strong odour
- constant ear scratching or shaking of the head
- swelling around the ear
- whimpering due to discomfort
What to do?
If your pet shows any of the common signs of ear infections, do visit the clinic as soon as possible. Quick treatment is necessary to prevent the spread of infection to the middle and inner ear. Please do not try to treat ear infections at home by yourself.
Before visiting your vet, you can try to gather the following information:
- What are the symptoms? pain, swelling, discharge, and odor
- How often do you clean your dog’s ears and which products do you use?
- Recent activities that might provoke ear infection such as bathing, grooming, or swimming.
How to clean your pet’s ears properly
- Gently wipe around the entrance of the ear with damp cotton wool – this will remove dirt or excess wax.
- Fill the ear canal with pet ear cleaning solution by directly inserting the nozzle into the vertical ear canal, or by squeezing dampened cotton ball against the ear pinna to allow ear cleanser to flow slowly into the ear canal.
- Massage the base of the ear to help the solution pass into the horizontal ear canal
- Let your pet shake its head so that the dirt or debris could be removed
- Wipe out the ear with absorbent gauze. Paper towels or cotton swabs are less preferred as they may leave behind fiber which could cause irritation.
- If your vet has given your pet ear drops to use, you should apply them after you clean the ears.
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