Treating Middle and Inner Ear Infections in Dogs

Anyone who has ever experienced a middle or inner ear infection knows the pain and uncomfortable feelings associated with it. Now imagine not beginning able to communicate this pain with others. This is exactly how your dog feels when he has an ear infection. The first and often most difficult step in treating a middle or inner ear infection in a dog is identifying the signs and symptoms that indicate that your dog has one. If left untreated, these infections can lead to much worse issues.

The first signs to look for that suggest your dog may be experiencing ear pain are head shaking, scratching at the ear, discharge from the ear, or inflammation of the face and side of the head. Any of these signs may indicate that the dog has an ear infection. Abnormal earwax build up that has a foul odor often indicates that an infection inside the ear is present.

Middle and inner ear infections in dogs are caused by some form of infection that started on the outer ear and then progressed inward to the inner ear. Anytime that an obvious infection exists on the outside of the ear, be certain to treat it promptly before the infection moves to the inner ear. Infections from ear mites, allergies, improper hygiene, and poor environmental conditions can all lead to middle and infer ear infections in dogs. In most cases, these infections are not caused by bacterial infections as seen in humans.

Any time that there is infection inside of the ear, it is considered a more severe case than an outer ear infection. These infections seem to be more prominent in dogs with floppy ears, such as cocker spaniels. It is important to keep the ears of these breeds groomed. It is also important to periodically examine the inside of the ears of these dogs.

Once you notice signs of an ear infection, contact your vet for an appointment. A veterinarian will examine your dog's ear with an otoscopic exam and possibly even x-ray. In many cases, the doctor will recommend that the dog be anesthetized so that the ear can be carefully examined and flushed out for treatment.

Treatments for mild infections usually include some form of oral antibiotic along with the treatment of a topical antifungal cream or antibiotic ointment. Eardrops may also be used.

Before treating your dog's ear with medicine, it will likely be recommended that you gently clean the ear. You will need to treat any ear mites that are present. To prevent re-infection, continue to carry out good hygiene practices of keeping the dog's ear clean and neatly groomed from longer ear hairs.

Inner or middle ear infections that go untreated for lengthy amounts of time may result in the need for surgical procedures for the dog. Identifying the need for medical attention and making a trip to the vet's office as soon as possible is the best method for treating a dog with an inner or middle ear infection.