Signs of an Ear Infections in Dogs: Treatment At Home
Dog Ear Infections: Symptoms, Causes, and Easy Dog Ear Infection Treatment
Ask any veterinarian about the most common medical problem that dogs experience, and the answer is likely to be canine ear infections.
This uncomfortable condition, characterized by itching, stinking, and a brown discharge, affects one in five dogs, according to the AKC.
But your dog does not need to be in that number, suffering in itchy, painful silence! Understanding the causes, recognizing the symptoms, and taking a proactive approach to both prevention and treatment of ear infections with Banixx Pet Care Spray, can leave your floppy-eared furry friend permanently itch free and tail a-wagging.
Understanding Ear Infections in Dogs: Symptoms and Causes
Recognizing the symptoms is vital. If your dog exhibits any of the following, it may be a sign of an irritating ear infection in your dog:
- Itchy ears, pawing at the ear
- Head shaking
- Smelly, brown discharge
- The ear is hot to the touch and is red or inflamed.
- Crusts or scabs in the ears and hair loss around the ear
Early intervention is key, and seeking an accurate diagnosis from your veterinarian is recommended.
Causes of Canine Ear Issues
The unique shape of a dog's ear canal makes them more susceptible, especially breeds with long, heavy ears or those who are frequent swimmers.
Identifying the underlying cause is essential for effective treatment. Factors which contribute to ear infections in dogs include:
- fungal (yeast) infections,
- bacterial infections, and
- ear mites.
1. Yeast Infection (Ear Fungus) in Dogs’ Ears
Your dog may have an ear yeast infection which is a common culprit in canine ear problems. Remember Yeast is simply a Fungus! Most often, this infection is linked to underlying causes such as allergies. If your dog experiences recurrent fungal/yeast ear infections, addressing potential allergies – whether food-related or environmental – is crucial for a lasting cure.
Dogs with long, floppy ears seem to suffer more often. Many of these are Retrievers (Labradors, Goldens, etc) that are frequent swimmers. The reduced airflow due to their longer ears allows moisture to build up inside the ear. Moisture accumulation along with the warmth of the inside of the ear leads to fungus. This develops into a stinky, itchy ear yeast infection. These ear types provide the ideal environment for bacterial or fungal growth.
2. Bacterial Infections
Apart from yeast, bacteria can also lead to ear infections, either acquired from external sources or originating from within the dog's body. Again, breeds with pendulous, heavy ears are particularly prone to infections due to the closed environment of the ear.
Since excess moisture is a common cause of bacterial or fungal infections, it’s essential to thoroughly dry your dog’s ears after baths and swimming. Follow this drying procedure with the use of Banixx antimicrobial ear wipes for dogs as a perfect finish.
Regardless of breed, when harmful bacteria become trapped, it can lead to an infection and possibly inflammation of the inner ear — known as otitis interna. It’s important to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as symptoms are detected to identify the type of infection and treatment. Furthermore, if the infection does not clear up after following treatment for a few days, a follow-up examination may be necessary with your vet.
3. Ear Mites
Frequent scratching or head shaking may indicate the presence of ear mites. Unfortunately, these microscopic parasites are often not easy to identify. They burrow into the ear tissue, which causes severe itching and discomfort, leading to open sores as your dog scratches feverishly for relief. Then, you guessed it, these subsequent sores get infected if left untreated.
If ear mites are the issue, your vet will prescribe a simple, fast-working antiparasitic formulation to get rid of the problem. Then, Banixx Pet Care Spray, will take care of the infected sores. Our pet spray works well when used in conjunction with the antiparasitic prescription that your vet provides. Your Ver’s prescription will kill your dog’s ear mites while Banixx clears up the infection and damaged tissue left behind by the mites. Banixx is especially soothing on the ravages resulting from your dog's intense scratching with his claws, which may have even caused the ear tissue to bleed.
Not sure if your dog’s itchy ears are caused by yeast, bacteria, or ear mites? Find more answers here!
Home Remedy for Dog Ear Infection with Banixx Pet Care
Regardless of the cause, speedy, effective treatment of your dog’s ear woes is important. Left untreated, ear infections can even lead to hearing loss. If you think your dog is suffering from an infection, or if you know your dog is prone to recurring ear infections, there are a couple of steps you can take to ensure their ongoing ear health.
Step 1: Seek veterinary assistance. Your Vet may examine run tests and prescribe medicated ear drops. You can safely use Banixx in conjunction with any veterinary prescription; there is no contraindication.
Step 2: Take a proactive approach to canine ear health with Banixx. Banixx Pet Care offers a non-toxic, rapid, 100% safe solution for treating canine ear infections at home:
- As both an antibacterial and antifungal agent, Banixx provides a gentle yet potent home remedy.
- It can be used daily as a routine ear cleaner for dogs to prevent and halt infections.
- For added convenience, homemade pet wipes soaked in Banixx can be applied up to three times daily without harming your dog's eyes.
How to Use Banixx for Dog Ear Infections at Home
Follow these 5 simple steps for using Banixx as a home remedy.
- Gently wipe the inside of your dog's ear with a cotton ball saturated with Banixx, 2-3 times daily.
- Ensure thorough coverage with the product and massage it into the ear tissue.
- Use treats or toys to distract your dog post-application, allowing Banixx to work effectively.
- Results should be visible within a few days, providing relief without the side effects associated with some traditional dog ear medicines or medications.
- Should the condition persist even after consistent use of Banixx, seek veterinary assistance.
Preventing Dog Ear Infections
While effective home treatment is crucial, prevention remains the best strategy.
- Regularly cleaning your dog's ears with Banixx can help prevent chronic outbreaks. Banixx is potent yet tender on tissue, meaning it can be used daily as a routine dog ear cleaner to halt any infection in its tracks. It's the ideal, easy daily-use ear wash for dogs.
- Swift action, such as drying your dog's ears thoroughly after baths or swimming, is essential to minimize the risk of bacterial or fungal infections.
- At the first signs of itchy ears, do a thorough inspection to find the cause. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if cleaning, drying, and treating your dog’s ears with Banixx do not seem to offer immediate relief.
Banixx emerges as a cost-effective, pain-free alternative to traditional ear medications, offering the ideal solution for treating and preventing dog ear infections at home.
What NOT to do with Dog Ear infections
To ensure the welfare of your dog and to sustain their ears in tip top shape, avoid the following practices:
- Don’t delay in seeking veterinary help – early intervention is critical.
- Never use Q-tips, they can and will damage delicate ear tissue.
- Avoid applying oily substances that may exacerbate the infection and attract dirt and mess up your house.
- Shun choosing products with alcohol or hydrogen peroxide– these can not only cause a painful burning sensation, but they can also dry out and damage sensitive ear tissue.
- Steer away from products containing mineral oil or lanolin, these attract dirt and bacteria and end up all over your rugs, carpets and furniture.
By combining proactive care, effective treatment, and responsible practices, pet owners can ensure their dogs' ear health and happiness. And for more information on ear infections, including natural treatments and home remedies, visit our blog post here.
Finally, as a responsible pet health-care product manufacturer, we must stress again. If you use Banixx and, after a few days, you do not get the desired results, consult your Veterinarian. If your Vet has any questions about Banixx, we are happy to help, here is our toll-free number 877-944-0795 or, your professional can reach us via help@banixx.com.
Customers 5-star Comments Saying Banixx is the Best Treatment for Dog Ear Infections
My dog Jazzy suffered with ear infections for years. We had tried everything, including multiple trips to the Vet. A friend suggested Banixx and it's changed Jazzy's life! She didn't even mind when we applied it directly into her ears!Larissa F. (via FaceBook)
I have been dealing with my dogs ear problems for years. Used this twice and have not had any further problems. She is no longer miserable. Definitely worth the price and then some.By T. S. (Amazon Customer)
I use it when my dog has an ear infection. He has a tendency to get yeast infections in his ear often. This help heal it without hurting him. Also, helps heal any scrapes or wounds he gets as well!By Amazon Customer