Dogs are family members, friends and heroes packaged as furry and fluffy four-legged creatures. They are so full of energy that it is hard to imagine them as sickly critters. They are such happy pets that you can see how excited they are as they are playing with a toy you got them from a cheap dog supplies online store in Australia. But as invincible they may seem, they are actually quite prone to sickness. As dog owners, it is understandable that it is heartbreaking to see your pup in pain when they are normally bursting with enthusiasm and joy.
One of the most common and recurring conditions that your dog would experience in their lifetime is the dreaded ear infection. How do you know if your pup is experiencing discomfort due to an ear infection? You would notice that your furball is scratching their ears quite often. However, this symptom can also be just a sign of a bad habit or mannerism. Fret not as there are other symptoms that you can look out for when checking if your dog has an ear infection.
It is important that you spot these symptoms right away since your dog can be experiencing extreme discomfort and pain. And in worst case scenarios, your little fluff of joy can possibly lose their hearing. This is something that would greatly affect their quality of life. That is why immediate medical attention should be given to them if needed.
How does your dog get an ear infection?
To be able to avoid or resolve a problem, you need to understand what it is first. And you also need to be able to know that the problem exists. After all, you cannot solve a problem that you are not aware of.
Dogs are actually pretty prone to ear infections. One out of five dogs develops this condition. However, some breeds get them more often than the others. There are some external factors that contribute to the development of ear infections, but it is mostly about the structure of our canine friends’ ears. If only there is a magic accessory that you can get from a cheap online pet store in Australia that would prevent infections from happening. Sadly, this accessory does not exist yet.
Dogs with floppy ears are cute and the way their ears are soft and fluffy is simply adorable. But, unfortunately, this cute pair of assets comes with a terrible curse. Floppy-eared dogs tend to get ear infection more often than upright-eared pups. This is because their ear structure keeps their ear canals damp and dark which is what bacteria are looking for as a nice cozy home.
This does not mean that dogs with upright ears are safe from this condition. Although their ears would have better air circulation, having them in an upright structure makes their ears a perfect target for foreign objects and bugs which cause ear problems as well.
No furball is safe from the wrath of an angry ear infection. But you can be the hero that saves your pup! They already think that you are one, so you might as well play the part.
What are the signs of an ear infection?
Does your dog have a terrible mannerism of scratching or do they actually have an ear infection? Much like humans, some dogs have their own quirky mannerisms and habits. Some dogs like to scratch themselves the same way some humans like touching their nose or touching their hair. So how do you know if it is just a mannerism (that you need to train your dog to stop doing) or an ear infection?
Dogs experience infections differently from human beings. One of the most apparent signs of an infection is the constant scratching. But there are other signs that you could look out for to know if your pup has a bad case of an ear infection such as:
- As mentioned before, constant and persistent scratching of one or both ears is a sign of an infection.
- If your dog frequently shakes or tilts their head, then they may be experiencing some discomfort due to an ear infection
- Be mindful of the sounds they make since they may whimper out of pain due to some unpleasant sensation on their ears
- If your dog is rubbing their head on the furniture, then they may be trying to relieve the itchy feeling from their ears
- You can also check if your pup’s pupils are in different sizes or if your furball is having some strange eye movements. If they are, then this is a sign that you should definitely bring your pup to a vet.
As mentioned previously, if an ear infection is not treated right away, then this may lead to more serious situations. It may even get to the point where your pup loses their hearing.
What are the causes of ear infections?
Aside from the natural ear structure of dogs, here are some of the common causes of ear infections:
- Bacteria
- Yeast
- Hormone imbalances
- Allergies
- Autoimmune diseases
- Natural buildup of dirt and wax
- Nutrition
- Mites or other pests
Dog Supplies Online | How to prevent ear infections from developing?
You know what they always say, “Prevention is better than cure”. Once your dog develops an ear infection, your immediate course of action should involve consulting with a vet. If your dog has already been cured or if your dog has not developed an infection yet, then it is a smart move to do everything within your powers to prevent the infection from happening.
- When you give your dog a bath, make sure that you are keeping their ears clean and dry. Do not let them dry on their own because chances are they will remain damp. Keep Your Dog’s Ears Clean and Dry.
- Every time your dog plays with the toy you got them from a dog supply store online outside the house, then you should clean your dog’s ears. You can ask your vet to teach you the right way to do it.
- Make sure that you clean your dog’s ears regularly especially on days that you have not given them a bath.