Animal Skin and Allergy Clinic | How to Spot Ear Infections in Dogs

Ear infections can cause a lot of discomfort for dogs, and if not addressed by a veterinarian, the infection could spread to the inner parts of the ear and lead to bigger health issues. The team at Animal Skin and Allergy Clinic wants to help you learn the signs of ear infections so you can get your dog quick treatment and relief:

Ear Infection Causes

Yeast and bacteria live in dog’s ears all the time, but at low concentrations. Since they have such long ear canals, it is easier for moisture and bacteria to get trapped inside, which could lead to an infection. Some other common causes of ear infections in dogs include:

• Allergies—at least 60% of dogs with allergic skin disease will be prone to ear infections. As many as 80 percent of dogs with food allergies will suffer from ear infections
• Endocrine disorders
• Autoimmune disorders
• Wax buildup, which can happen as a pet ages
• Foreign bodies
• Injury to the ear canal
• Excessive cleaning (some cleaning is okay, however)
• Moisture

Symptoms of Ear Infections in Dogs

Although some dogs don’t display any physical symptoms of ear infections, most of them will have at least one of the following:

• Head shaking
• Repeated scratching of the ear area
• An unusual odor around the head
• A dark discharge coming from the ear
• Redness or swelling inside the ear
• Head shy behavior

If you notice any of these issues, you should schedule an appointment with Animal Skin and Allergy Clinic or your veterinarian to make sure an infection is not the cause. 

Allergy Relief

Once the infection is treated, or even initially, it is a good idea to schedule an appointment with a veterinary clinic specializing in allergies. If skin or food allergies are contributing to your dog’s risk of ear infections, treating them directly can help reduce the risk of uncomfortable infections.

The talented team at Animal Skin and Allergy Clinic is here to help your pets find relief for allergies in the Lynwood area. We want to help them find long-term solutions for chronic allergies so you can all get back to enjoying your life together. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, please call (425) 742-0342.