Ear infections symptoms

"Dog ear problems"

Afraid your dog may be displaying ear infections symptoms? Here is some information tohelp you help your pet. Canine ear infections can be painful and even lead todeafness if not treated promptly. Make it a point to stay abreast on yourdog’s regular daily activities and behaviors, that way you will quickly pickup on any changes or apparent discomfort.

Isyour dog shaking its head or pawing at its ears? Does your dog shy away orattempt to nip when you handle its ears? Do you see your dog rubbing its head orears on the ground, or furniture? These can be the first visible symptoms thatyour dog is having some type of ear trouble.

Testing for dog ear problems

Feel your dogs’ ears. Are they hot or moist to the touch? Is there swelling in theear canal? This can indicate infection and pain. The swelling, left untreated,can lead to the necessity of surgery. This can also lead to permanent hearingdamage.  If you are able to handle your dogs ears, gently put your thumbbelow the ear canal and cover the flap with the rest of your hand. Now gentlyrub then release. Did your dog immediately begin to scratch his ears? This couldindicate ear mites rather than infection. However, ear mites can lead to aninfection if not treated soon.

Dog ear wax buildup

Is there a waxy, odorous discharge present in the ear canal or on the ear flap?This can be yellow or black and smell yeasty or just foul. This discharge canseep into the middle ear and cause an infection to move into this and the innerear. Then the infection moves into the inner ear and the ear infections symptomscontinue to progress.

Hearingproblems begin to occur with an inner ear infection. It may appear your dog isignoring your commands or misbehaving, when in fact your dog may not be able tohear you. When not treated promptly, this damage can become permanent.