Canine External Ear Infection Symptoms

When a dog has an external ear infection, symptoms include a buildup of earwax and debris in the external ear canal, with a surface coated in secretions and emitting a foul smell. The type of infectious agent determines the appearance of the earwax, with dark brown waxy earwax seen in ear mite infections and yellow-brown earwax in yeast and other fungal infections. The dog may also frequently shake its head and scratch at its ears due to itching, causing injuries to the outer ear skin and even bleeding or hematomas. In this case, the owner should take the dog to the hospital for treatment.

Causes of External Ear Infections

Various factors can cause external ear infections. As ear canals often contain dirt and debris, they provide an ideal environment for bacterial growth and reproduction. Particularly susceptible are dogs with large ears. Bacterial infections include species such as Enterobacter, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Clostridium, and Escherichia coli. Fungal infections include Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Rhizopus, as well as Chinese mitten crabs and candida. Ear mites can also cause external ear infections in dogs.

Treatment for External Ear Infections

The main treatment involves alleviating itching, regularly cleaning debris and moisture from the ear canal, and消炎杀菌. For dogs that are uncooperative during treatment, it should be performed under anesthesia. For bacterial middle ear infections, gentamicin can be used to clean the ear canal with a cotton swab soaked in the medication. If the middle ear infection is caused by mites, the ear canal can be cleaned with an insecticide solution (2 grams of dichlorvos in 100 ml of water) on a cotton pad, along with external parasite prevention.

Preventing External Ear Infections

Some dog breeds are more prone to external ear infections, typically those with long ears and thick ear hair, such as cockers, beagles, and poodles. If you own a dog of these breeds, it's essential to take daily preventive measures to protect your pet from external ear infections. First, keep the dog's ears clean and dry, cleaning them at least monthly with dog ear cleaner and regularly checking for any crusts, discharges, or foul smells.