How to treat dog ear scabs?

When we see our beloved dogs scratching their ears frequently and scabs appear on their ears, we will feel distressed and worried. Dogs cannot express the discomfort of their ears in words, and can only relieve it by scratching constantly. Ear scabs are often a signal that their ear health is in danger, and we need to pay enough attention and deal with them properly. ​

There are many reasons for scabs on dogs' ears. Parasitic infection is one of the common factors, and ear mites are the culprit. These tiny parasites live and multiply in the dog's ear canal. Their activities will irritate the ear skin and cause inflammation, which will lead to itching in the ear. The dog's ear skin is damaged by scratching, and scabs gradually form.

In addition, bacterial or fungal infections should not be ignored. A humid ear environment, such as a dog's ear canal not being dried in time after swimming, or living in a humid environment for a long time, provides a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. After infection, the ear will produce secretions, and as the disease progresses, scabs will also appear. Allergies may also cause ear problems. Food allergies and environmental allergies, such as pollen and dust mites, may cause inflammation of the dog's ear skin and eventually form scabs. ​

When facing the scabs on the dog's ears, you must not deal with them blindly. First, take the dog to a professional pet hospital for a detailed examination. The veterinarian will use an otoscope to visually observe the situation inside the dog's ear canal and determine what causes the ear problem. If a parasitic infection is suspected, ear canal secretions may be collected for microscopic examination to determine whether there are parasites such as ear mites. If a bacterial or fungal infection is suspected, bacterial culture or fungal testing may be required to clarify the source of infection and provide a basis for subsequent precise treatment. ​

In terms of treatment, the treatment method varies according to different causes. If the ear scabs are caused by ear mites, the veterinarian will usually prescribe special mite removal drugs. These drugs can effectively kill ear mites in the ear canal and solve the problem from the root. When using drugs, you need to strictly follow the veterinarian's instructions. Generally speaking, the secretions and scabs in the dog's ear canal should be cleaned first. The cleaning action must be gentle to avoid damaging the fragile skin in the dog's ear canal.

You can use a pet-specific ear canal cleaning solution, drop an appropriate amount of cleaning solution into the ear canal, gently massage the ear root, mix the cleaning solution and secretions thoroughly, and then let the dog shake out the liquid in the ear canal by itself. After cleaning, drip the mite removal medicine into the ear canal to ensure that the medicine can cover all parts of the ear canal to achieve the best treatment effect. During the treatment process, take the dog to the hospital for regular check-ups to observe whether the ear mites have been completely removed, and adjust the treatment plan according to the recovery situation. ​

For ear scabs caused by bacterial or fungal infections, treatment requires the use of corresponding antibacterial or antifungal drugs. These drugs may be ointments applied to the skin of the ear, or they may be drops of medicine dropped into the ear canal. Similarly, before using the medicine, the ears must be cleaned. During the treatment period, pay attention to keeping the dog's ears dry and clean, avoid the dog from contacting a humid environment again, and prevent the disease from recurring. If the infection is more serious, the veterinarian may also use some oral antibiotics or antifungal drugs to enhance the treatment effect. ​

If the ear problem is caused by allergies, it is key to find out the allergens and avoid contact with the dog. Allergen testing can be used to determine what the dog is allergic to. In daily life, try to avoid contact with known allergens. At the same time, the veterinarian may prescribe some anti-allergic drugs, such as antihistamines, based on the dog's allergic symptoms, to relieve inflammation and itching symptoms in the dog's ears. The scabs on the ears also need to be cleaned and cared for to prevent secondary infection. ​

In addition to drug treatment, daily care is also crucial for the recovery of dog ear scabs. Check the dog's ears regularly to observe whether there are abnormal conditions such as redness, swelling, increased secretions, and odor. You can use pet-specific ear cleaning solution to clean the dog's ears 1-2 times a week to keep the ears clean and hygienic. After the dog takes a bath or swims, use a clean cotton ball or towel to gently dry the ear canal in time to avoid moisture residue. In addition, providing dogs with a balanced diet and enhancing their immunity can also help recover from ear problems. For example, choosing high-quality dog ​​food rich in vitamins and minerals, and appropriately supplementing the dog with some nutritional supplements such as fish oil, can help maintain the health of the skin and ears. ​

Dogs are close companions in our lives, and their health concerns us. When scabs appear on the dog's ears, we should accompany them through the treatment process with patience and love. Take the dog to the doctor in time, strictly follow the veterinarian's instructions for treatment and care, and give the dog more care and companionship.