How can I help my dog with irritated ears?

Once an ear infection has been diagnosed it can be treated by cleaning the ears and supplying a prescription medication, often antibiotic ear drops of tablets. This condition can easily be treated with ear drops which are used with an ear cleaner but it’s important that the problem is professionally diagnosed by a vet before the relevant course of treatment can be decided. To successfully diagnose and treat problems with the ear it is always recommended to bring your dog to see us. If your dog is found to be suffering from an ear problem, the best course of treatment for the individual case will be prescribed, which may often be a course of antibiotics. Because there are so many different types of ear problems dogs can get the treatment varies from topical solutions and wipes to antibiotics and surgery. Vets can conduct simple tests to diagnose a bacterial ear infection and prescribe topical solutions and or antibiotics. Getting rid of foreign bodies in your dog’s ear, such as grass seed, can include your vet attempting to flush the ears or removing the items surgically while the dog is either under general anaesthetic or sedated. This will be followed with pain relief and antibiotics. If you think your dog may be suffering from ear problems then the most important first step is to take a trip to your local vet in West Yorkshire. Keep the ears clean and if you spot a problem contact your vet to see if they think you further investigation is needed.

If your dog scratches their ears or shakes their head regularly, it could be a sign of an ear or skin problem. Common causes include skin allergies, ear infections and ear mites. Contact your vet as soon as possible if you notice your dog head shaking/scratching their ears – the sooner the problem is diagnosed, the easier it will be to treat. If you’ve noticed your dog scratching their ears or shaking their head more regularly than usual, contact your vet as soon as possible. The sooner the problem is diagnosed, the easier it will be to treat. Let your vet know if you have noticed any other symptoms such as itchy skin or loss of balance.

To help your dog with irritated ears, you can start by cleaning your dog’s ears, which can make it easier for you to examine your dog’s ear canal, remove microbes and other small foreign objects that may cause dog ear infections, and clean and expose the ear canal for possible topical medication applications. Cleaning your dog’s ears can be done by gently wiping the ear with an absorbent gauze, avoiding cotton swabs, which can push debris deeper into your dog’s ear. It is also important to clean the external portions of your dog’s ears. After a swim or a bath, take care to thoroughly dry your dog’s ears, as ear infections are often caused by excess moisture. If your dog experiences chronic infections, talk to your vet about underlying causes such as allergies. Once your vet has determined the severity and type of ear infection your dog is experiencing, they will clean your dog’s ear thoroughly to remove debris, discharge, and ear wax, and may use a medicated ear cleaner or apply a topical medication. Your vet will likely prescribe a topical medication to your dog, and it is important for you to carefully follow your veterinarian’s exact directives and instructions. You may make the application process easier by keeping your dog relaxed with affection and treats, relying on a partner's help to hold and comfort your pet while you apply medication to the ear, and gently massaging the medication into the affected area. Always finish the full course of the medication, even if your pet seems to be feeling better.