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One of the most common reasons for a dog to visit their veterinarian is an ear infection. In fact, ear infections are the #1 reason why people take their dog’s to the vet. <\/span><\/p>\n \n The skin lining a dog’s ear canal is very similar to that on his body, which means that anything that affects his skin, may also have an effect on his ears. Any changes in the ear canal skin can allow bacteria and fungi to multiply and cause infection. Your dog will scratch his ear, shake his head and cry. If you look inside his ear, it’s often red, it may smell bad, and in some cases, you’ll see a discharge around the opening of his ear canal.<\/span><\/p>\n \n Ear Ye! Ear Ye!<\/span> <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n There are several causes of ear infections<\/a> in dogs.<\/span><\/p>\n \n \n Sore Ears Can Stick Around<\/span> <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Unfortunately, ear infections can be difficult to clear up, and may last several weeks. These more chronic infections are most likely to be caused by allergies, or by floppy ears.<\/span><\/p>\n \n You’ll <\/span> need to visit your vet to determine the underlying cause of your dog’s ear infection. He’ll look at the shape of his ears, and examine his outer ear canal. He’ll then look inside his canal with an otoscope, and have a close look at a sample of discharge under a microscope. This sample can tell him if there are any parasites present, and what bacteria and fungi are present. Depending on what he finds, he may recommend the sample be sent to a laboratory to find out what antibiotics could be used to kill the infection.<\/span><\/p>\n \n There are three steps to treating a chronic ear infection:<\/span><\/p>\n \n 1 Clean the ear gently, to remove any discharge in the canal. Clip the hair around the opening of the ear canal to allow air to circulate. Try all natural Ear Wipes<\/a> to make the job easier.<\/span><\/p>\n \n 2. Regularly use a product that dries out the canal. This helps prevent a moist environment which, as we’ve already seen, allows bacteria and fungi to multiply.<\/span><\/p>\n \n 3. Use a suitable antibiotic or anti-inflammatory ear drop as prescribed by your veterinarian, to kill the infection and ease your dog’s discomfort. In some cases, your vet may recommend antibiotic tablets as well as drops<\/a> .<\/span><\/p>\n \n\n
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