How to treat dog ear skin diseases

When the owner finds that the usually lively dog ​​frequently shakes its head, scratches its ears with its claws, and even emits an unpleasant odor, the owner's heart is instantly tightened. When you open the dog's ears and see the red, swollen, scabby, and secretion-covered skin, the heartache and self-blame are beyond words. Dogs cannot use words to express the discomfort in their ears, and can only ask their owners for help through these behaviors. Ear dermatitis not only tortures dogs, but may also affect hearing and even cause systemic infection. As the closest guardian of dogs, we must master scientific treatment methods, use love and professionalism to dispel their pain and regain health. ​

The causes of dog ear dermatitis are complex and diverse, and accurately determining the cause is the key to effective treatment. Parasitic infection is one of the common causes, and ear mites are the most typical. These tiny parasites parasitize and reproduce in the dog's ear canal, and their excrement and secretions will irritate the ear canal skin and cause severe itching. Dogs will frequently shake their heads and scratch their ears to try to relieve discomfort. In severe cases, black or brown waxy secretions will appear in the ear canal. Bacterial and fungal infections should not be ignored either. Pathogens such as Staphylococcus and Malassezia multiply in the moist and warm ear canal environment, destroying the skin barrier and causing inflammatory reactions. The dog's ears will become red, swollen, and painful, with increased secretions and odor. In addition, allergic reactions may also cause ear skin diseases. Food allergies, pollen allergies, dust mite allergies, etc. may cause symptoms such as erythema and itching on the dog's ear skin. Behind each cause of disease is the pain that the dog is suffering, and we need to unravel the root cause before we can prescribe the right medicine. ​

Once a dog is found to have symptoms of ear skin disease, it should be taken to a pet hospital for professional examination as soon as possible. Doctors usually determine the specific cause of the disease and the degree of infection by otoscope examination and observation of secretions under a microscope. While waiting for the test results, the owner is full of torment, worrying that the dog's condition is serious, and hoping to find a cure as soon as possible. After receiving the examination report, the doctor will develop a personalized treatment plan based on the cause of the disease. ​

For ear mite infection, special ear deworming drugs are needed for treatment. Common ear drops contain ivermectin, doramectin and other ingredients. When using, first gently open the dog's ears, soak the cotton ball with pet-specific ear wash, carefully wipe the external ear canal, and remove earwax and secretions. Be gentle when wiping to avoid damaging the ear canal skin. Then drip the ear drops into the ear canal according to the doctor's instructions, gently rub the ear roots, so that the medicine is fully distributed in the ear canal, so that the medicine can work better. Generally, it needs to be used continuously for 2-3 weeks, 2-3 times a week, to ensure that the ear mites and their eggs are completely killed. In the process of giving the dog medication, the dog may resist because of discomfort. The owner should comfort it softly, gently touch it, give encouragement and a sense of security, and let it cooperate with the treatment. ​

If it is a bacterial or fungal infection, the doctor will prescribe the corresponding antibiotics or antifungal drugs. Topical medications such as ointments and ear drops containing antibiotics or antifungal ingredients need to be applied or dripped into the ear canal strictly according to the dosage and frequency of use. For severe infections, systemic treatment with oral medications may also be required. During medication, closely observe the changes in the dog's symptoms, such as whether the redness and swelling subside, whether the secretions decrease, etc. If the dog has adverse reactions such as loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea, contact the doctor immediately to adjust the treatment plan. Every time the ointment is carefully applied and every time the medicine is dripped patiently, it is the owner's expectation for the dog's health, hoping that these drugs can drive away the disease as soon as possible. ​

In addition to drug treatment, daily care plays a vital role in the recovery process of dog ear skin diseases. Keeping the ears clean and dry is the basis of prevention and treatment. Clean the dog's ears regularly with a pet-specific ear wash solution, generally 1-2 times a week. When cleaning, drip the ear wash solution into the ear canal, gently rub the ear base, then let the dog shake out the liquid in the ear canal by itself, and then wipe it clean with a cotton ball. Avoid water entering the ears when bathing, and use cotton balls to absorb moisture in the ear canal in time after swimming. In addition, pay attention to the dog's living environment, clean the doghouse and toys regularly, keep the environment clean and hygienic, and reduce the chance of bacteria and parasites breeding. When seeing the dog uncomfortable because of ear discomfort, the owner wants to bear the pain for it, and can only relieve its discomfort through meticulous care. ​

Treating dog ear skin diseases is a "battle" that requires the owner's patience and persistence. In this process, the owner needs to pay attention to the changes in the dog's condition at all times and strictly follow the doctor's instructions for treatment and care. When you see the dog gradually calm down from the initial pain, no longer scratching the ears frequently, and the ear skin slowly recovers and becomes clean and pink again, the joy of relief and a full sense of accomplishment will surge in your heart. All the hard work and dedication, at this moment, turned into comfort and blessings for the dog's health. This experience of defeating the disease together with the dog also deepened the feelings between each other and became an unforgettable warm memory in life.