Introduction
The most common ear problems in dogs involve parasites, climate, and allergies. Many of the common ear problems in dogs begin as a mild condition, but if these ear problems are not treated in a timely manner they can quickly escalate into a big problem. If you notice any ear problems in your dog, have your dog’s ears examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Ear Problems Caused by Parasites
Parasites such as ear mites, fleas, and mange can cause nasty ear problems in dogs. Ear mites cause intense itching and large amounts of dark wax to build up in the ear. Fleas can cause problems everywhere, but when they get inside the ears they can be particularly upsetting to the dog. Some types of fleas live on the outside of a dog’s ear margin, and these fleas can actually cause tissue erosion on the ears in addition to intense itching. Mange mites seem to have a preference for the ears, and these mites can cause a number of problems on a dog’s ear including hair loss, itching, and severe skin problems.
Ear Problems Caused by the Environment
Other common ear problems in dogs, such as yeast and bacterial infections, are normally caused by high temperatures and humid environments. Moisture within the ear and the ear canal can be the perfect habitat for yeast and bacteria, and once they are established in the ears they can cause a variety of symptoms. Itchy and swollen ears, smelly and painful ears, and ears with sores are the result of yeast and bacterial infections. Dogs, such as Cocker Spaniels, with long and floppy ears tend to be prone to developing these types of ear problems.
Secondary ear problems in dogs can develop if the initial cause of the ear problem is not treated. A common underlying cause for ear problems are allergies, especially food allergies. Most dogs with ear problems shake their heads in an attempt to cleanse the ears and relieve itching, but frequent head shaking can damage the tissues of the ear and cause blood filled bubbles, known as hematomas to, develop; in most cases, hematomas need to be surgically repaired. Ear tissue is also often damaged by a dog’s claws in an effort to relieve itching as well.