Dogs: How we deal with their ear infections
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We own two chocolate labs. They are fun, easy going companions who love swimming in the creek and playing around our property. However, labs are notorious for having ear problems.
They have big ears and love sticking their heads under the water. We were always looking for signs of ear infections in our dogs. Our vet has given us numerous prescriptions for our dogs chronic ear infections including giving them Benadryl daily in case it was allergies. That just made for tired dogs. Our older dog has ruptured an ear drum and had to have surgery on his ear flap and other ear problems due to problems from recurring ear infections.
How do I know if my dog has an ear infection?
Signs your dog has an ear infection: We can always tell that one of our dogs has an ear infection from the constant head shaking or head scratching. When we look at their ears, they are frequently warm or red with yellow/brownish discharge.
Many vets will do testing to see if the infection is bacterial or yeast/fungal. They would prescribe ear drops…again and we would use them trying to cure our dog’s recurring ear infections. Eventually, a vet tech told us about these great over the counter cleansing drops that flush out the dog’s ear and give them relief. After using many products and prescriptions, we now have a dog ear infection remedy that works well and doesn't cost a fortune to use. While it isn’t a true home remedy for ear infections, it is easy and affordable. Ketoconazole has been a miracle for our dogs.
The hardest part is giving the dog the drops and then massaging it around their ear canal. It’s not something they enjoy, but it will make them feel better. The best option we have found for our large dogs is to straddle their back so we can quickly get to both ears. Our experience is that trying to give drops while the dog is laying on the floor results in the dog refusing to let us do the second ear.
We have found that we only need to use the product once a week to help maintain ear health even when swimming or with allergies.
Dog ear infection causes: Dogs with floppy ears, small ear canals, or who love to swim are more prone to ear infections. While every dog could have an ear infection, some dog breeds are more prone to ear problems or recurring ear infections.
Setters - English Setters, Irish Setters
Retrievers - Labrador Retrievers, , Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Golden Retrievers
Poodles, Goldendoodle
Saint Bernard
Weimaraner
Shar-Peis
Spaniels - Cocker Spaniels, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Springer Spaniels
Hounds - Basset Hounds, Foxhounds, Bloodhounds, Afghan Hounds, Coonhounds, Dachshunds, Beagles
Hairy-Eared Breeds - Shih Tzus, Bichon Frises, Schnauzers, Maltese
If you aren’t sure what type of ear infection your dog has, isn’t improving quickly, or keeps getting ear infections, be sure to see your vet.
(Updated 2020)
