How to Prevent Dogs from Getting Otitis Externa

When you affectionately stroke a dog's head, but it suddenly avoids due to ear discomfort, or frequently shakes its head and scratches its ears, as the guardian of the dog, you will surely feel heartbroken. Otitis externa is a common ear disease in dogs, which not only causes pain but may also affect their hearing and quality of life. However, as long as we master scientific prevention methods and integrate them with full care and patience, we can build a strong defense line against otitis externa for dogs.

Understanding the causes of otitis externa is the key first step in prevention. The dog's external auditory canal is L-shaped, and this special structure makes it easy for it to accumulate dirt and grime, creating conditions for the growth of pathogens such as bacteria and fungi. Accumulation of earwax is one of the common causes of otitis externa. Under normal circumstances, dogs' ears secrete earwax to protect the ear canal. However, if left uncleaned for a long time, earwax will accumulate and become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. If water accidentally enters the ear canal while taking a shower and is not dried in time, the humid environment is also conducive to the growth of pathogens, which can lead to inflammation. In addition, allergic reactions are also one of the causes of otitis externa. Dogs may be allergic to food, pollen, dust mites, etc. Allergies can cause inflammation of the ear skin, which may lead to otitis externa. Parasitic infections, such as ear mites parasitizing in the ear canal, can also irritate the ear skin, causing itching and inflammation.

Keeping the ears clean is an important measure to prevent otitis externa. Regularly cleaning your dog's ears, just like how we clean our room regularly, can effectively reduce the accumulation of earwax and pathogens. Choose a dog specific ear cleaning solution, whose gentle formula will not irritate your dog's delicate ear canal. Gently hug the dog in your arms, gently comfort it, and let it relax. Gently open the dog's ears and drop an appropriate amount of cleaning solution into the ear canal, usually 3-5 drops. Next, gently massage the dog's earlobe with your fingers for about 30-60 seconds, allowing the cleaning solution to fully apply to the earwax and soften it. During the massage process, you may hear a "gurgling" sound coming from the ear canal, which is a normal phenomenon. After the massage, gently wipe the external auditory canal with a cotton ball or soft tissue to remove the dissolved earwax. Attention, wipe gently and avoid penetrating deep into the ear canal to prevent damage to the dog's eardrums.

In daily life, try to avoid exposing your dog's ears to substances that may cause inflammation. For example, when taking a dog out, try to avoid it entering areas such as grass or forests that are prone to parasites and allergens. If a dog accidentally plays in these places, it is important to check and clean its ears promptly upon returning home. When taking a shower, gently block the dog's ear canal with a cotton ball to prevent water from flowing in. After taking a shower, gently dry the moisture around the ears with a clean towel to ensure that the ear canal remains dry.

Diet also has a significant impact on the ear health of dogs. Providing dogs with balanced and nutritious food can enhance their immunity and reduce the risk of illness. Choose high-quality dog food and avoid feeding it to humans, especially oily, spicy, and stimulating foods. Some dogs may be allergic to certain foods, which requires careful observation by their owners. Once they experience allergic symptoms such as ear discomfort after consuming certain foods, they should adjust their diet in a timely manner to avoid exposure to allergens again.

Regularly taking your dog to a pet hospital for ear check ups should not be ignored. Veterinarians can use professional equipment and experience to promptly detect potential problems in dogs' ears and provide corresponding advice and treatment. Just like regular physical examinations, ear examinations for dogs can help us detect, prevent, and treat them early, keeping their ears healthy at all times.

Preventing dogs from developing otitis externa is a manifestation of our deep care for dogs. Every gentle cleaning of its ears, every careful avoidance of contact with allergens, and every timely check-up are all part of our efforts to safeguard its health. Let us accompany our dogs through every healthy and happy day with love and patience, and let them continue to warm our lives with pure love under our care.