Dog Ear Infections: An Overview

Dog Breeds

Canine ears are susceptible to infection and inflammation from a number of different causes, either at the very outer edge of the ear flaps or all the way down into the very inner ear canal. Ear problems are some of the most common reasons that owners take their dogs to a veterinarian.

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Definition

Hearing is one of the keenest senses in dogs, together with smell. Most dogs rely upon hearing and scent,much more than they do upon eyesight, to navigate their way through the world. The canine ear is made up of the external or outer ear, the middle ear and the internal or inner ear. Each of these distinct anatomical parts can become inflamed, irritated and/or infected, causing distinct symptoms in the affected dog that are referred to as otitis externa, otitis media or otitis interna, respectively. “Otitis” simply means inflammation of the ear. Canine ears are susceptible to infection and inflammation from a number of different causes, either at the very outer edge of the ear flaps or all the way down into the very inner ear canal. Ear problems are some of the most common reasons that owners take their dogs to a veterinarian.

Causes of Ear Infection

The most common ear disorders in companion dogs are caused by parasites, foreign bodies, climatic conditions and allergies. Many of the common canine ear conditions begin with few or no observable symptoms. However, if they are not treated in a timely manner, ear disorders can quickly become quite severe.

Parasites can cause extreme irritation in domestic dogs. Fleas cause a multitude of problems, but when they infest a dog’s ears they are particularly disturbing. Some fleas live on the outside of a dog’s ear flap and can actually cause tissue erosion, in addition to intense itchiness, which leads to scratching and self-inflicted wounds. Mites, such as otodectic, demodectic and/or sarcoptic mange mites, often have a preference for the ears; these mites can cause hair loss, itchiness and severe skin irritation and inflammation. They also commonly contribute to abnormal waxy build up in the ear canals.

Foreign objects that find their way into the ears are other common causes of irritation and, subsequently, infection. Grass seeds, grass awns, “foxtails” and other weeds or plant material frequently cling to the skin and hair around a dog’s ear openings, eventually working their way into the ear canal. They can become lodged in areas that are very difficult to detect. When that happens, the foreign material usually is extremely irritating and can create wounds that make excellent areas for abnormal microorganism overgrowth.

Climatic conditions - especially unusually hot temperatures and high humidity - are other key contributors to canine ear disorders. Moisture inside the ear creates a prime habitat for yeast and bacterial proliferation. This can cause a number of adverse symptoms, including ears that are itchy, swollen, smelly, sore and painful. Dogs with long, low-set and low-hanging ears, such as the Cocker Spaniel, Bassett Hound and Bloodhound, tend to be prone to developing these types of ear infections.

Allergies, especially food allergies, are frequently associated with canine ear disorders. Secondary ear problems can develop if the underlying cause of an ear disorder is not treated appropriately. Most dogs with ear problems shake their heads in an attempt to relieve itchiness or pain. Frequent head-shaking can damage the sensitive ear tissue and cause blood-filled blisters, known as hematomas, to develop. In most cases, hematomas need to be surgically removed and repaired. Ear tissue can also be damaged by a dog’s nails, as they try to relieve itching by vigorous scratching.

Other causes of canine ear inflammation and/or infection include fly or other insect bites, wounds from animal fights, frostbite, ticks, polyps, tumors of the wax-producing glands in the ear canal (ceruminous gland tumors) or other forms of cancer of the ear.

Prevention of Ear Infection

Dogs exposed regularly to water or wet environments should have soft cotton balls or padding placed into their ears to reduce the influx of moisture into their middle and inner ear canals. If water does enter the ears, it should be dried gently with cotton balls. Topical drying agents are commercially available to facilitate drying of the ears, but they should not be used if the eardrum has ruptured. Routine ear cleaning is not normally required in companion dogs, unless the particular dog is prone to developing waxy build-up. When cleaning is appropriate, owners should avoid using irritating substances such as alcohol, ether or hydrogen peroxide. Owners should not insert cotton swabs (“Q-Tips) into their dog’s ears, as this can force debris and foreign material down into the ear canals and can cause or contribute to ear infections. It also can actually rupture the tympanic membrane (ear drum).

Special Notes

Obviously, the parasitic causes of canine ear disorders can best be prevented by eliminating contact with the causative parasites. Food allergies and other causes of ear conditions must be addressed on a case-by-case basis. Usually, ear inflammation or infection in dogs is not especially difficult to diagnose or to treat.

Preventing Dog Ear Infections