It’s also important to note that chronic ear infections are often a symptom of a larger or systemic issue, such as allergies or hypothyroidism, which may require a change in your dog’s diet or environment. Medication and treatment options can then target the specific cause of infection. Your vet will use an otoscope to examine the ear and then perform a swab test to determine whether the underlying problem is related to bacteria, yeast, parasites or another issue. It’s important to start with an accurate diagnosis of the cause of the infection before attempting to treat it. Treating Ear Infections in DogsThere’s no shortage of over-the-counter products and natural remedies for treating ear infections in dogs, but you should always begin with a visit to your vet. They may even walk in circles, have balance issues or experience some hearing loss. Dogs with an advanced infection may have crusts or scabs inside their ears from scratching and the outer ear might be thickened or have a leathery appearance. Healthy ears look fairly clean inside, but a yellow, brown or bloody discharge or redness and swelling inside the ears or on the ear flaps signal a problem. Head shaking or a tilted head are other signs that you should take a closer look. They’ll frequently scratch their ears and you may notice an unusual odor or their ears might feel warm to the touch. Photo by Rina / CC BY-ND 2.0Your pup will usually let you know if there’s an issue with their ears.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |