How do I know if my Labrador has an ear infection?

Labrador Retrievers are deeply loved by people because of their friendly nature, boundless energy, and loyal character. As the owner of a Labrador, what you earnestly hope for is, of course, to give this furry little guy the most comprehensive care. And the health of the dog's ears is precisely one aspect that we need to focus on. Ear infections are quite common in Labradors, and detecting the related signs as early as possible is of great significance for the dog's comfort and health.

The drooping ears of Labradors form a warm and humid environment in terms of their structure, which is simply an excellent breeding ground for bacteria, yeasts, and other pathogens. Coupled with their lively and active habits, such as their enthusiasm for swimming and playing in the mud, all these greatly increase the risk of their ear infections.

If your Labrador suddenly starts shaking its head frequently and vigorously, you should be on high alert, as this is likely the first sign of an ear infection. The usually well-behaved dog is now shaking its head continuously as if desperately trying to shake something off. This head-shaking behavior is often the dog's attempt to relieve the itching and discomfort in its ears. At the same time, you may also notice that it always tilts its head, as if one ear makes it particularly uncomfortable, and it seems that the pain in that ear is more intense.

Frequent scratching caused by ear itching is also an obvious symptom. You will notice that the Labrador scratches the side of its head with its hind legs more frequently than usual. Sometimes, they scratch so hard that the skin around the ears becomes red and swollen, and they may even scratch until it bleeds. This undoubtedly clearly indicates that there is something wrong in the dog's ear canal.

Take a closer look at the dog's ears, and you may find some discharge. The color and texture of the discharge vary. It may be a yellowish-brown, thick substance that gives off an unpleasant smell, which usually means a bacterial or yeast infection. In some cases, the discharge may be relatively thin and watery, which may be a manifestation of the early stage of the infection or caused by an allergic reaction. As long as any discharge is found in the ears, it is an abnormal situation, and you must not take it lightly.

If the ears of a Labrador emit a pungent odor, that is also a sign of something wrong. The ears of a healthy dog should smell clean with a slight waxy odor. However, once infected, the ears will give off a foul and stuffy smell. This unpleasant odor is precisely produced by the massive reproduction of bacteria or yeasts in the ear canal.

Ear infections can also cause changes in the dog's behavior. The originally lively and carefree Labrador may become irritable, short-tempered, and less energetic than before. It is no longer as enthusiastic about playing or going for walks as it used to be. The pain caused by the ear infection will make the dog upset and uncomfortable, and naturally, it will lose its former good mood. Moreover, when you try to touch or check its ears, the dog may show aggression, such as growling in a low voice or directly avoiding your touch.

If you suspect that your Labrador has an ear infection, you must take it to see a veterinarian immediately. The veterinarian will conduct a comprehensive and detailed examination. They may use an otoscope, a professional instrument with a light and a magnifying glass, to deeply observe the inside of the ear canal. Through the otoscope, the veterinarian can clearly see the state of the eardrum, as well as whether there is inflammation, redness and swelling, or whether there are foreign objects in the ear canal. Sometimes, the veterinarian will also take a little ear discharge and send it to the laboratory for analysis. In this way, it is possible to accurately determine whether the infection is caused by bacteria, yeasts, or other factors, such as allergies. According to the diagnosis results, the veterinarian will give an appropriate treatment plan, which may include prescribing some ear drops, oral medications, and if the infection is severe, even surgical treatment may be required.

As the owner of a dog, prevention is always better than treatment. In order to reduce the probability of ear infections in Labradors, it is necessary to clean their ears regularly. Use the ear cleaning products recommended by the veterinarian and follow the instructions strictly. When giving the dog a bath or taking it swimming, pay attention not to let water enter the ears. If it gets wet accidentally, be sure to dry it thoroughly. In addition, pay attention to the dog's diet, because certain food allergies may also cause ear problems. As long as we remain vigilant at all times and take good care of the Labrador's ears, we can help this lovely little guy grow up healthily and happily.