The ear canal and the ear flap itself can both be affected. Ear infections can also cause lasting damage when untreated. Swimmers Ear can affect dogs, too. Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? After a dog swims, allow them to shake out any excess water and dry their ears carefully. We especially like that its safe for routine use which is perfect if your dog goes swimming a lot. The water your dog swam in can contain bacteria that can cause an infection, and the moisture trapped in their ears provides the perfect environment for that bacteria to grow. The best way to prevent your dog from developing an ear yeast infection is to keep its ears clean and dry. There are a few different options for ear cleaners for dogs, but not all of them are equally effective. Dogs with pendulous ears or hairy inner ear flaps are more prone to ear infections. This usually means the inner ear is affected. Try stopping swimming and see if that helps. Its designed to clean, deodorize, and dry your dogs ears, and it also contains aloe vera to help soothe any irritation. It can be tricky to get to the bottom of your dogs ear problem, but doing so is essential to prevent them from occurring. It may help to have an extra person around to help hold your dog in place and keep his head still. Well, here's a fact: dogs can get swimmer's ear too, and it can be just as annoying as it is with people. Unfortunately, its not as simple as a magic powder or cure-all cream that will keep your dog ear-infection free. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional. Animal proteins and dairy products in food are more likely to cause allergies for pets than grains are, despite the popularity of the notion that grain free diets are better for dogs with food allergies. 59, no. Always check with your veterinarian before feeding your dog supplements. One in five dogs suffers from ear disease. If you spot oily ear debris in your dog's ears, it means its canals are inflamed and the possibility it has an infection. Keeping your dogs ears dry and clean can help prevent infections. % of people told us that this article helped them. Malassezia dermatitis. An ear infection is typically a sign that something else is going on with your dog, says Dr. Alexandra Gould, a veterinarian with Dermatology Clinic for Animals in Tacoma, Washington. If ear plugs were used, a dog would need to tolerate them. There are two big tips for preventing water from getting in your dogs ear canals because of swimming. If your dog has sensitive skin, Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleaner is a great option. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale. If your dog has allergies, your veterinarian may recommend certain foods and supplements to help support the skin and decrease inflammation. A vet's guide to helping a stinky dog, Does cat food expire? Ear infections are listed as among the 6 most common health problems in dogs. In addition, dogs that like to play in water are also potentially more likely to experience a recurring yeast overgrowth and infection. Allergen testing can be done to help you work out what is wrong. Why does my dog walk sideways with his head tilted and keep falling down? Remedies for Dog Ear Infections - WebMD Pet Health Center If your dog is acting sick or aggressive please consult with a qualified professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. Keep reading to learn more about the types of dogs that are prone to ear infections and what you can do about it. Dr. Bryant is a Veterinary Review Board Member for The Spruce Pets. Ear Infections and Otitis Externa in Dogs. If a dog has healthy ears and has not had infections, she often advises pet parents not to pluck. If you are worried that your pet is having an emergency or if you have specific medical questions related to your pets current or chronic medical conditions, please contact or visit your veterinarian, an animal-specific poison control hotline, or your local emergency veterinary care center. Whilst these infections are rarely as severe as that of a foreign body or allergy, they can still be uncomfortable, causing ongoing inflammation and large amounts of wax, which can be irritating for dogs. This ensures the moisture is adequately removed to prevent yeast and bacteria from getting a chance to colonize the ear canals., Dr. Jill Abraham, a board-certified dermatology specialist with Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners in Midtown, New York, suggests placing a cotton ball in the ears during bath time to keep them dry. If you suspect your dog has an ear infection, call your vet. Painful Ears: A dog with a yeast infection can develop painful ears. Ear cleansers specifically made for pets are recommended. Currently, ear plugs are not commonly sold in the market, especially for preventing water from accumulating in a dogs ears. Preventive Vet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If your dog has allergies, your veterinarian may recommend certain foods and supplements to help . The confined space of the ear canal breeds yeast and bacterial growth that further increases the inflammation, and can lead to ear infections explains Dr. Michael Lund, veterinary staff manager for ASPCAs Community Medicine Department in New York. Whilst antibiotic ear drops from the vet will treat most ear infections, getting to the bottom of whats causing the ear infections is the only way to stop them from coming back for good. How to Prevent Ear Yeast Infections . https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php. Keep reading for advice from our Veterinary reviewer on preventing ear infections in dogs. Want us to review your product or service. She smartly married a Veterinary Technician, who helps keep the fur kids happy and healthy, and provides a quick resource for articles. However, if your dog's ears remain moist after a bath or after a swim in the lake, this moisture provides the ideal environment for yeast and bacteria to thrive, and soon, their numbers may get out of hand. Lund advises against home-made ear-cleaning solutions like diluted hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, and rubbing alcohol. Failure to tackle the root cause, will cause repeated ear infections which can become rather annoying and make the poor dogs quite miserable. Based in Tustin, Calif., animal lover Kristina N. Lotz is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) and works as a full time trainer. Some of the symptoms include: By now you may be asking yourself how do I protect my dogs ears while swimming? As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a poun. You could also take a look at our list of the best dog food for allergies. The moist environment created is a favorable environment for yeast and bacteria, which can then lead to the development of an ear infection, also known as otitis externa. It will also help them check the shape of the ear canal and whether the eardrum is intact. How Do I Protect My Dogs Ears When Swimming - CrittEar Get ready for summer, swimming, and all of the fun that awaits you and your dog! Even though its budget-friendly, this ear cleaner is still effective at breaking down any debris and its also safe for daily use. The same medications that protect your pooch from fleas and ticks are often enough to repel these parasites. This is due to the irritation and inflammation that the infection causes. Some tumors in the ear block the opening to the ear canal. What Are Some Ways to Prevent This Type Of Ear Infection? Keeping Water Out Of Your Dogs Ears While Bathing, How To Keep Your Water Dog Ears Infection Free. Its designed to be gentle on your dogs ears while still being effective at breaking down any debris. What to look out for, Five signs of dog allergies you really need to know, Food vs environmental dog allergies: signs, symptoms and how to get a diagnosis, Healthy dog gums vs unhealthy: what to look for. Patting your dog's ears with a towel will work. For many dogs, part of a great summer is a good swim. Why does my dog smell? Perhaps they're scratching their ear or rubbing their head on the ground? There are several good ear cleaners/dryers out there for such routine cleaning. Instead, your veterinarian can get medications for your dog. Overly-aggressive plucking could lead to pain and cause more ear problems. So do what you can, when you can, to prevent water from getting into your dog's ears, and then always clean and dry them after bathing or swimming. One consideration you may not have thought about is, how do I protect my dogs ears when swimming? Not sure how a dogs ears factor into swimming? Cleaning & Grooming & Potty Pads for Dogs, Coffee Mugs & Wine Glasses for Dog Lovers, Show Your Love For Dogs with Garden Stakes & Signs, Happy, Healthy Aloe Vera & Eucalyptus Ear Wipes, 7 Best Dog Weight Loss Supplements for Shar Peis, Know the Signs: 5 Most Common Health Issues in Shar Peis, 8 Foolproof Steps To Prevent Ear Infections In Dogs. These ear wipes are formulated to gently clean, deodorize, and dry your dogs ears. Americas favorite breed, the Labrador Retriever, adores splashing in the water and has a propensity for allergy-related skin and ear infections. Many groomers pluck this hair as part of their routine, especially in hairy-eared breeds like Spaniels, Poodles and Shih-Tzus. They are a simple solution to your question, how do I protect my dogs ears while swimming? Dog earplugs also have the benefit of protecting your dogs ears from loud summer time noises like fireworks or thunderstorms. See additional information. A few drops can be instilled into the dog's ears every 8 hours. Fortunately, there are ways to treat swimmer's ear in dogs, but most of them require medications. @2023 Dogaspet - All rights reserved - contact@dogaspet.com. Very often, allergies are responsible. 8 Foolproof Steps To Prevent Ear Infections In Dogs - iHeartDogs Many people use a cotton ball or gauze square to gently dry the pinna (ear flap) and opening of the ear canal after exposure to water, but there may be a better solution. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. When in doubt, seek veterinary attention before attempting to treat ears that may be infected. Well, here's a fact: dogs can get swimmer's ear too, and it can be just as annoying as it is with people. Visit our corporate site. Before making any major changes to your dogs diet, consult your vet. Is clicker training for cats recommended? Because the ear canal is L shaped, foreign objects may be deep in the ear, out of plain sight. And what are the benefits? If your pet still isnt better after trying the above, thinking about environmental allergies may be a good idea. What should you do with a loose dog tooth? If you do decide to pluck hair from your dogs ears, this is probably not something you want to try at home, unless youre experienced. References A note for our readers: If you have an urgent question and are unable to ask your veterinarian, you can use the Ask a Vet service that will give you access to a veterinarian for 7 days for $1. Unfortunately, dog ears come in different sizes due to the variety of breeds that exist. Adrienne Kruzer is a veterinary technician with more than 15 years of experience providing healthcare to domestic and exotic animals. Not only does this routine build their confidence and reduce the likelihood of behavioral disorders, but it can also result in a longer, healthier life! Disclaimer: this article is not meant to be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice or behavioral advice. If your dog suffers with ear infections, youre probably fed up of them. In this case, 99% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. How Do Vets Diagnose Ear Yeast Infections in Dogs? If you see an object in the dogs ear, have a vet restrain or sedate your dog and remove the object for you. These deformities usually make it difficult for an ear to stay dry and instead trap moisture that helps to create an environment for yeast to grow in. Remember that even the sweetest animals can and may bite when they are in pain. Approved. You don't have to push the cotton ball in deep, it can rest at the opening of the ear., After the bath, remember to remove the cotton ball and dry the ears. Here's what a vet had to say, Three home remedies for dog allergies (and they're all pretty simple), Can dogs be allergic to grass? "Recurrent yeast and bacterial infections are typically either due to underlying allergies or due to moisture remaining in the ear after swimming or bathing." Merck Veterinary Manual. This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Ear mites, which feed off of a dog's ear wax, can cause irritation and inflammation in the ear. It may look swollen, red, and full of moist discharge.. Squeeze out 2-3 drops of olive oil into your dog's ears. Dr. Pitcairn in the bookDr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats, instead suggests mixing a cup of water with the juice from a half lemon or a tablespoon of white vinegar to a cup of water to flush the dog's ears after a swim. Your email address will not be published. The anatomy of your dog's ear is different from your ear. While there has been some argument in the veterinary community on whether or not to pluck canine ears, the general consensus is that dogs prone to ear infections should at least have their ear hair kept at bay through trimming. If an ear becomes infected, veterinary care should be sought for proper treatment. Why Your Dog's Ears Smell and How to Clean Them, 6 Pet Safety Tips for After a Hurricane Hits. Some dogs have food allergies or food sensitivities, which can predispose them to ear infections. And then check out this article to learn when NOT to clean your dog's ears. Ear infections can be caused by a number of factors, including allergies, hormonal conditions, nutrition, and autoimmune diseases as well as a buildup of wax and debris. At the vet's office, the veterinarian will look into the ear to ensure the dog's ear canal is not damaged and that there aren't any foreign items stuck in there (fox tails, grass seeds etc.). 2 Big Tips For Preventing Water In Your Dog's Ears There are two big tips for preventing water from getting in your dog's ear canals because of swimming. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Heal-Ear-Infections-in-Dogs-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Heal-Ear-Infections-in-Dogs-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Heal-Ear-Infections-in-Dogs-Step-9.jpg\/aid1475436-v4-728px-Heal-Ear-Infections-in-Dogs-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"