Whether caused by infections or injuries – there are a variety of ear diseases that your four-legged friend can catch. Here is an overview of the most common ear problems and how to recognize them:
Ear diseases are diverse and, if left untreated, can lead to severe complications. Therefore, a regular ear check on your dog once or twice a week is essential. Problems with the ears can be easily detected.
Bacteria, mites, etc., cause ear infections.
Ear infections are one of the most common ear diseases in dogs. The outer ear and the inner or middle ear can be affected. As an ear infection is often associated with itching, frequent scratching by the dog at the diseased ear can be the first indication of a disease. This can be triggered by bacteria and viruses, mites or ticks. Depending on the condition’s cause, the ear may be red or swollen and have a yellow or brownish discharge.
Puppy ears are susceptible to mites.
Puppies, in particular, often suffer from ear diseases caused by mites. The mites cause an allergic reaction in the ear so that the dog’s ears can become inflamed later on. This is extremely painful for the dog. To identify the infection as quickly as possible, you should notice unusual behaviour. Violent shaking of the head or constant ear scratching are common signs that something is wrong.
Chronic ear infection from allergies
If an ear infection doesn’t heal entirely or keeps coming back, it may be due to an allergy. In addition to food components, pollen, mould, or dust are also among the triggers of this hypersensitivity of the immune system. Try to find out with the vet what substances your dog reacts to. Once you have found the cause, you can change the diet or use appropriate medication to alleviate the ear disease.
Ear disease: blood ear
Another ear disease that occurs frequently is the so-called blood ear, a bruise on the dog’s ear. This can be the result of an ear infection. Because the affected dog scratches and rubs its ear, small blood vessels can be ruptured by the vibrations. If the blood collects in the cartilage or between the cartilage layer and the skin, bloody swelling occurs in the ear. A blood ear can also result from injuries caused by playing or bites and must be surgically removed by the doctor.
Which dog breeds are most prone to ear diseases?
Ear diseases in dogs usually occur in breeds with long, hanging ears or when the ear canals are very hairy. The ears are only insufficiently ventilated, and they form
faster infections. These often suffer from:
● Poodle
● Wire-haired terriers
● Schnauzer
● hunting dogs
● Basset hounds
● German shepherds
● Newfoundland
● Munsterlander
● Bernese Mountain Dogs
● St. Bernard
● Cocker Spaniels
Symptoms of ear disease in dogs
If you notice that your dog scratches its ears frequently, that its ears are red or swollen, or if you discover increased discharge in the ear, you should visit a veterinarian and have the symptoms clarified.
