Types of Dog Ear Infections

Types of Dog Ear Infections

There are several types of ear infections that could be affecting your dog.

Otitis is a general term for inflammation or infection of the ear, and it can show up in your dog in several different ways.

Otitis externa is commonly diagnosed by redness or swelling on your dog’s outer ear and the outer part of the ear canal. Essentially swimmer’s ear for dogs, this type of infection is often caused by water getting trapped in the ear canal. This moist environment is ripe for breeding bacteria, and can cause pain and swelling, as well as a spreading of the infection into the bones and cartilage around the ear if left untreated. If your dog’s eardrum is not punctured and no pus or blood is present, the infection is most likely otitis externa, which is good news, because it’s the easiest type of ear infection to treat. Typical signs of an external ear infection include discharge from the ear, often brown or black in color, and a bad odor.

A similar, but less common type of infection is otitis media, which is inflammation of the dog’s middle ear, which is located just behind the eardrum. Otitis interna (also known as labyrinthitis), is perhaps the most severe of these basic inflammations, as it is an infection of the inner ear, which connects to the brain and contains nerves for balance and hearing.

A good way to figure out where the infection is coming from is to identify where the swelling’s concentrated and the state of the eardrum, whether it’s punctured or intact.

Common symptoms of any kind of otitis-related (ear) infection include

  • a bad smell,
  • itchiness,
  • ear sensitivity,
  • inflammation of the ear or surrounding area, and
  • redness.

It’s particularly important to treat any kind of ear infection as soon as possible, especially because if the infections reappear constantly, they can create serious complications and cause long-term damage to your dog’s ear.

What Causes Ear Infections in Dogs?

In general, dogs with floppier ears and longer hair are more susceptible to ear infections, as their ears provide a welcoming atmosphere for bacterial growth. Below are particular culprits that can be the original cause of your dog’s ear infections and pain:

Bacterial infections caused by Staphylococcus bacteria may be the main problem, or a secondary infection affecting your dog’s ears. Staphylococcus, or “staph,” as it is commonly known, is a group of bacteria that can infect various places of your dog’s body. When your dog’s ear is infected by staph, you will notice that the standard symptoms of dog ear infections apply. Puppies or older dogs are particularly susceptible to staph infections, as they have less developed immune systems. Vets often prescribe antibiotics but many strains have become resistant.

Pseudomonas are a group of 200 different species of bacteria which cause dog ear infections. An ear infected with this type of bacterium will typically be swollen and often filled with fluid. If you see a vet, he would likely treat the problem with topical antibiotics, along with multiple other treatments, such as solutions to clean and flush out the ear, and a host of other preparations such those including silver sulfadiazine.

Proteus mirabilis infections are a common bacterial infection in dog ears. These organisms are commonly found in the intestines of humans and dogs, however they can also infect the ears and cause the same symptoms as other ear infections. Treatment by a vet can include anesthesia, flushing out the ears, use of steroids and multiple antibiotics.

Ear mite infections in dogs are less common than they are in cats, but these tiny parasites can cause serious irritation and inflammation. especially if they are not treated and controlled. If your dog is constantly scratching at his ears, and if you find a brown substance resembling coffee grounds inside your dog’s ears, mites may be the problem.  While mites are in the same class of parasites as ticks and fleas, ear mites are microscopic, so identification normally requires viewing a sample of the discharge under a microscope. Ear mites spread rapidly between animals and just a brief encounter with an infected pet can cause an infection in your dog’s ears.

Unfortunately, ear mites have become resistant to various insecticides including pyrethrins, thiabendazole and carbaryl. Use of Ivermectin is common in the veterinary community as a solution for ear mite infections, and they are sometimes treated with home remedies such as borates. If ear mites are found in one pet, then all other pets should be checked as well!

Yeast infections in your dog’s ears have many of the same characteristics as other dog ear infections, but are characterized by itching and flaking as well. Yeast infections are often caused when a common yeast called Malassezia, which is found everywhere, starts growing out of control. Often yeast infections happen as a secondary infection, and they set in following primary bacterial infections or other conditions, such as allergies. (Be aware that sometimes yeast infections may symptoms of larger concerns, blockages such as tumors or polyps in the ear canal.) If your dog is frequently exposed to water, yeast infections are likely to occur. Ear yeast infections in dogs are often treated with topical antifungal ointments and creams such as miconazole and ketoconazole. Natural alternatives are also extremely effective on yeast infection symptoms and have few or no side effects. As with most dog ear infections, long-eared dogs are more susceptible to ear yeast infections than others.

Some pets are hypersensitive to flea bites. Your dog can develop various infections when he or she has a compromised immune system. If your dog’s infested with fleas, we suggest that the fleas be treated in tandem with the dog’s ear infection.

Allergens in the environment make some dogs prone to ear infections. Allergens which can affect your dog’s ears include mold, dust, pollen, and certain foods. There is a lot of information on the internet which claims food allergies cause ear infections in dogs, however there is no scientific proof available to back up this claim.  While humans often react to molds, dust and pollen with respiratory problems, dogs often reaction to allergens with skin, anal-gland, and ear problems. A dog’s reaction to allergens can create an ideal environment for infections. Even though EcoEars can eliminate the symptoms, you should be aware of which allergens your dog is exposed to and remove them from his environment.

Infographic Dog Ear Infections EcoEars for Dogs

Here’s How to Win Against All These Types of Ear Infections

You shouldn’t have to waste your time or money on unnecessary lab testing, or stress out your dog by dragging them to the vet only to plunk down an average of $150 for every ear infection.  EcoEars Dog Ear Infection Formula & Cleaner is used by the pet owner at home to eliminate the problem and restore your dog’s ears to their natural, clean, healthy state.

For only $22.88 (plus a discounted $2.99 for shipping), your dog will have clean, symptom-free ears in a few days, Guaranteed!

EcoEars® is specially formulated to eliminate the symptoms and get rid of the causes of all of the main kinds of dog ear infections. Our special formula includes several all-natural disinfectants that are safe not only for your best friend but also for you and your home as well!

  • Natural broad-spectrum antimicrobials prevent bacteria from checking in and staying in your dog’s ear canal.
  • Little-known botanical extracts relentlessly fight ear mites, bacteria, fungus, and yeast—eliminating the causes of most dog ear infections.
  • In addition to killing parasites and bacteria, EcoEars® lowers the pH inside your dog’s ear, which balances the environment, helping your best friend be less susceptible to recurring infections.

Yes, you read that right. EcoEars® helps to eliminate and prevent new problems associated with dog ear infections, and it does so without the use of chemicals and pesticides found in prescription treatments.

It takes just two minutes per day.  Once you begin treatment with EcoEars® your dog’s symptoms will improve in 24 to 48 hours, and in most cases, they will be totally eliminated in less than 72 hours. (But keep using it for the full 10 days to make sure all the bacteria are gone!)

Treatment is very simple and is the same no matter what type of ear infection is bothering your dog:

Simply recline your dog on her side, gently fill the ear with EcoEars, and massage the base of her ear for 90 seconds. That’s literally all it takes.

EcoEars and Vet Organics’ Satisfaction Guarantee:

Rest easy. EcoEars is covered by Vet Organics’ 100% Satisfaction Guarantee:

1 Full Year, 100% money-back guarantee: If EcoEars® does not work to eliminate your dog’s symptoms and eliminate the infection, we’ll refund every penny. No Questions Asked!

EcoEars® has been successful on tens of thousands of dogs whose owners reported mites, yeast infections, fungus, and a wide range of bacterial infections.

Ready to get started eliminating your dog’s ear infection quickly, inexpensively, and in the comfort of your home? Just click the Order Now button below. We’ll have EcoEars on it’s way to your home in 1 business day or less. And your dog will thank you!

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