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Ear infections are a common problem many dogs face.
Their ears can get smelly and hot and can have a build up of wax. They are often red inside the ear, and are also very sore to touch. Dogs will rub, scratch and favour the ear, and will often have their head slightly tiled as they move around.
There are three main types of ear infections in dogs, which can affect the different parts of the ear.
Otitis Externa This is an infection or inflammation that is occurring in the outer, or external parts of their ear.
Otitis media Inflammation or infection occurring in the middle ear. This can occur alongside otitis externa, and can also lead to otitis interna if left unmanaged.
Otitis Interna This is infection or inflammation occurring down in the inner ear. This can be the most problematic of ear infections, as this is more likely to impact the areas that are responsible for hearing and balance. Otitis interna can progress to hearing loss, and impaired balance.
Dogs with floppy ears can be much more prone to ear infections, as can dogs with hair that grows in the ear. Both these things will reduce the airflow within the ear and creates the perfect environment for these infections to develop.
Allergies can also be a trigger for ear infections, with an increase in inflammation and irritation to the ear canal.
Yeast overgrowth can also occur with ear infections. Often yeast infections can lead to a yeasty smell, which can be sweet, and reminiscent of corn chips, or cheesy.
Dogs that spend a lot of time in the water can also be more prone to ear infections.
What can we do about an ear infection?
Address Allergies
Ear infections are much more common in allergic dogs, and these allergic dogs are already dealing with so much discomfort from being itchy all the time!
These are generally the dogs that have recurrent ear infections occurring all the time, and they can affect both ears simultaneously.
By addressing the underlying allergic response, we help to calm the inflammation and irritation in the sensitive tissues in the ears, and reduce the incidence of these ear infections.
Addressing allergies often includes a hypoallergenic diet, antiallergic herbs and nutrients, and also reducing the impact of environmental allergies. Supporting gut health will also be a big priority
Changing the environment in the ear
A moist and warm environment is perfect for the growth of bacteria and yeasts. If we can make this environment a little less attractive for these organisms, we will have more success at management and prevention of the infections.
Airflow
This can be difficult with dogs that have naturally floppy ears. The pinnae (flap part of the ear) sits over the ear canal and creates a lovely pocket of warmth, and moisture. There are often little hairs that can grow in the ear that further trap warmth and moisture.
Regular grooming, to keep the amount of hair on the ears short, and gently plucking the hairs out of the ear can help to improve airflow.
Drying the ears
Any time a dog prone to ear infections has a swim, or a bath It is important to dry the ears. Lift up the ear, and gently wipe out with a soft absorbent towel. I like to use an old flannelette sheet, cut up into small squares. If they are highly soiled, pop them in the bin. If they are just damp, they can be washed, dried and reused. I have an overlocker, and run around the edges to prevent fraying. You can also use pinking shears to prevent fraying.
I try to avoid baby wipes as they can have chemicals that may be irritating to the ear. If you do use a wipe choose unscented and low chemical ones.
On the final wipe, I will use a small amount of diluted apple cider vinegar. this can help to change the pH within the ear, which can make colonisation more difficult for the yeast and bacteria.
To help air the ears out, when they are resting, try to flip the ear up to allow some airflow. Some dogs will allow this. Others, especially with an active infection may be more reluctant to let you touch their ears, as they can be very sore.
There is also an ear drop we can use to help reduce the infection. This contains mullein, garlic, calendula. These herbs are antimicrobial and soothing to the ear.
Support the immune system
The immune system plays a very important role in addressing any kind of infection in the body, and ear infections are no exception.
By improving the immune system function, they are better able to overcome mild infections, and recover quickly. By improving lymphatic flow to reduce congestion, and improving blood flow to the inner ear can improve healing and recovery.
Prevention is better than cure
Ear infections can pop up unexpectantly, however, there is often underlying health issues which lead to the development of these. Many dogs that suffer, do so regularly, with frequent ear infections occurring throughout the year. Some will have them develop seasonally with environmental allergies, however food allergies can lead to year round occurrence.
Reducing the allergy load, supporting the immune system, lymphatic flow and circulation within the ear, making the ear environment less hospitable can all help to reduce the incidence of an ear infection, and can help to prevent recurrence.
If you have a dog that is suffering with ear infections and you need help to manage these with an individualised protocol, you can book in for a consultation below.
Give your dog a pat for me!
Kerrie
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