Treatments for Dog Ear Infections

"Treatments for Dog Ear Infections vary based on the cause of the infection. Common underlying causes are ear mites, allergy and yeast. Treatment options range from prescription anti-biotics, ear cleansers and natural ear drops."

There are three main types of ear infections and each requires different type of treatment.

1. Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis): This is the most common type of ear infection. Usually both ears are affected. To treat it, the ears are first cleaned thoroughly. Then a medication such as ivermectin is massaged into the ear. A second treatment may be performed in two to four weeks, just to make sure all the mites have been killed. It is generally recommended that all pets in the home be treated at the same time.

You may also want to clean the rooms where you dog lives to make sure that no mites remain and then cause reinfection. A good choice for indoor mite removal is Benzarid. They also sell a power steam cleaner for effective outdoor mite removal.

Secondary infections in dogs with ear mites are common and generally involve bacteria or yeasts.

Photo Dog Ear Mites

The affected ear is cleaned daily. The cleanser may contain a topical steroid to reduce inflammation and/or an antibiotic to fight infection. Oral antibiotics may also be given, particularly if your dog has a fever, which would indicate a bacterial infection.

3. Chronic, repeat ear infections: The ear tissue becomes thicker, spongier, and more productive (produces more wax and other discharge). These infections improve with treatment but keep coming back. Both ears are usually affected. These are most common in dogs with pendulous ears like cocker spaniels and basset hounds.

When dogs have repeat ear infections, it’s often due to allergies. There are mast cells concentrated in the dog’s ear canals, just like the mast cells in humans’ respiratory tracts. These mast cells produce histamines and other inflammatory chemicals in response to allergens. When these chemicals are released in the ears, they stimulate the production of excess ear wax and other secretions.

The waxy, gooey ears provide an ideal place for skin bacteria to grow. They also attract yeast spores. To treat these infections, it is necessary to deal with the underlying allergies, the bacterial infection, and the yeast infection.

Treatments for dog ear infections begin with cleaning the ears every day. Chlorhexidine can be used to clean the ears and treat the yeast infection. Oral antibiotics are used to treat the bacterial infection. Topical antibiotics can also be used. To keep the ears clean consider a product such as AloeClens.

Treating allergies can be tricky, but it is an important part of chronic treatments for dog ear infections. Many dogs are allergic to fleas, so if your dog has fleas, getting those under control may solve the allergy problem. Otherwise, you’ll need to look at possible food allergies. Hill's Prescription Diet d/d makes several food choices for dogs with allergies. Try feeding your dog one of these. Of course, work closely with your vet to treat your dog’s allergies as well.

Dog Ear Infections Natural Remedy

Sources

HealthyPet

Diseases of the Outer Ear
Haar, G. Ter DVM

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