A waxy, yellow, or reddish-brown ear discharge can also be a sign your dog has an ear infection, which can be a result of allergies, mites, polyps, overproduction of ear wax, excessive bathing or swimming (which can leave too much moisture in the ears), or other problems.
How are Dog Ear Infections Treated? Your veterinarian will thoroughly clean your dog's ears using a medicated ear cleanser. Your vet may also prescribe an ear cleanser and a topical medication for you to use at home. In severe cases, your vet may prescribe oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications.
Vinegar and WaterTo make this mixture, combine one part apple cider vinegar with one part spring water (or filtered water). Add it to a dropper or fill a cotton ball with it, and put a full dropper onto your dog's ear. Then massage it into the ear gently. Apple cider vinegar is often used as an antiseptic.
If left untreated, your dog's ear infection can spread and cause permanent damage. In some instances, the damage can lead to permanent hearing loss. Because of these risks, visiting the veterinarian immediately if your dog is showing signs of an infection is imperative.
The Cockapoo is so intelligent that he's easy to train with positive reinforcement. Cockapoos have a moderate energy level but still need daily exercise. Expect to give him at least 15 minutes per day and offer a variety of activities, such as games of fetch, walks, and good runs.
It's not uncommon for cockapoos to have sensitive stomachs, so we can create a recipe that's balanced with fibre and prebiotics to help with digestion. Or we can try a hypoallergenic recipe that leaves out common allergens and problem ingredients. Happy tummy, happy cockapoo.
It is important to determine whether the infection is caused by yeast, bacteria, or both. If your dog has a yeast infection of the outer ear canal, the vet might prescribe a topical antifungal ointment or cream. Miconazole and ketoconazole are two antifungal medicines that are often effective.
Dogs that suffer from allergies, either environmental, such as pollens (grasses, trees and weeds), dust mites, molds or food (beef, chicken, fish, soy, etc.) are predisposed to ear infections.
There can be many reasons your dog continues to get recurrent ear infections. The most common cause is allergies, which are usually caused by food or environmental allergies. But we'll focus on those later. Endocrine (hormonal) disease can also be a trigger for recurrent otitis.
FOR EAR CAREClean your dog's ears by dampening a cotton ball with a solution of equal parts apple cider vinegar and water, and use it to swab the inside of the ear.
Some breeds, particularly those with large, floppy or hairy ears like Cocker Spaniels, Miniature Poodles, or Old English Sheepdogs, appear to be more prone to ear infections, but ear infections may occur in any breed.
Ear-Cleaning SuppliesYou only need a few supplies to successfully clean your dog's ears: a cotton ball or gauze, dog ear-cleaning solution, and a towel. Avoid using cotton-tipped swabs (Q-tips) or anything with a pointed tip.
When the ear becomes inflamed and the canal environment changes, the yeast overgrow and create a brown or gray, greasy ear discharge. It is especially itchy and somewhat smelly. It isn't long before the pet is seen scratching at his ears, shaking his head, or holding one ear slightly dropped.
Pets are susceptible to ear infections caused by bacteria, yeast and ear mites. Apply a few drops of coconut oil to your pet's ears each day to soothe itchiness, clear up infection, kill mites, and keep their ears clean and healthy.
How to Treat Ear Infections in Dogs and Cats
- 1-800-PetMeds Ear Cleansing Solution.
- Zymox Otic Enzymatic Solution with Hydrocortisone.
- Zymox Otic Enzymatic Solution Hydrocortisone Free.
Give antihistamines as directed.Most pets can take (human) Benadryl. Call our office to see if this medication is okay to give to your pet. If so, Benadryl 25mg (adult) Tablets is given at 1mg per pound of their weight (small dogs and some cats can take Children's Benadryl Liquid which is 12.5mg per 5mL).
We call this skin allergy “atopy”, and Pit Bulls often have it. Commonly, the feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most affected. Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year. Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs.
Mix Witch Hazel, aloe vera gel, and lavender oil to clean your dog's ears. This should be used at least weekly on your dog to keep it's ears squeaky clean!
The regularity with which you clean your dog's ears depends on your pet's breed, coat, level of activity, age, and ear wax production. We recommend that most dogs with normal ears have cleanings at least once a month. Others may need more frequent cleanings, especially those that regularly swim or get their ears wet.
Itching: The first sign of an ear mite infestation may be your dog scratching his head. Dark, crumbly reddish-brown discharge: This is often composed of dried blood and will resemble coffee grounds. Wounds, inflammation, and infections: The scratching may lead to cuts and infections in the ear.
Floppy-eared dogs like Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, and other long-eared dogs tend to have more ear infections than dogs with upright ears. So do dogs who swim a lot. In both cases, it's because they have too much moisture trapped in their ears, leading to formation and growth of bacteria.
Ear infections are often a secondary symptom of underlying allergies, especially allergies to dust mites, molds, pollens, and animal proteins in dog foods.
Common Reasons Dogs Shake Their HeadsItchiness due to skin allergies. Irritant trapped in ear such as grass seeds, water or insects. Bacterial or yeast infection. Inflammation of ear canal.
