How to treat ear dermatitis in dogs?

Whenever we see our dog shaking its head frequently, scratching its ears vigorously, and even the fur around the ears becoming messy and the skin turning red and swollen, as owners, our hearts are filled with distress and anxiety. Ear dermatitis in dogs is a common health problem. It not only makes the dog physically uncomfortable but may also lead to more serious health risks. Understanding the causes and symptoms of ear dermatitis and mastering scientific treatment methods are the keys to helping dogs regain their health.

The causes of ear dermatitis in dogs are complex and diverse. Infection is an important factor triggering ear dermatitis. Pathogens such as bacteria, fungi, and mites can all be the culprits. Ear mites are the most common parasites in dog ear infections. These tiny creatures parasitize in the dog's ear canal, using their feet with suckers to firmly attach to the wall of the ear canal and feeding on skin debris and tissue fluid. The activities of ear mites irritate the skin of the ear canal, causing an inflammatory reaction and making the dog's ears unbearably itchy. When the dog scratches its ears frequently, it is likely to cause skin damage, which in turn leads to a bacterial infection and aggravates the condition. Fungal infection is also a common cause. Fungi such as Malassezia multiply in large numbers in the moist and warm environment of the ear canal, disrupting the normal ecological balance of the ear canal and causing ear dermatitis. In addition, dogs have a special ear structure. The ear canal is in an "L" shape, which makes the ventilation in the ear canal poor, and water and dirt are likely to accumulate. If the owner does not clean the dog's ears regularly, it will create conditions for the growth of pathogens.

Allergic reactions can also lead to ear dermatitis in dogs. Dogs may be allergic to certain components in food, pollen, dust mites, cleaning agents, and other substances. When exposed to allergens, the dog's immune system will have an excessive reaction and release substances such as histamine, which will cause inflammation and itching of the ear skin. Some dogs may develop symptoms such as red spots and itching in their ears after eating food containing ingredients like beef and milk. During the pollen season, dogs exposed to a large amount of pollen may also have an allergic reaction in their ears. In addition, trauma should not be ignored. When a dog is playing, its ears may be accidentally scratched by sharp objects, or it may get injured in the ears during a fight with other animals. If not treated in a timely manner, the wound is likely to be infected, leading to ear dermatitis.

The symptoms of ear dermatitis in dogs are relatively obvious. In the early stage of the disease, the dog will shake its head and scratch its ears frequently in an attempt to relieve the itching in the ears. Upon careful observation, tan, black, or yellow secretions can be found in the dog's ear canal. These secretions may be as dry as scabs or moist and sticky in texture. As the condition progresses, the ear canal will become red, swollen, and inflamed, and in severe cases, an unpleasant odor may even be emitted. If you gently touch the dog's ears with your hand, it may resist due to pain. Long-term ear dermatitis will also cause the hair around the ears to fall off, and the skin will become rough and thickened, affecting the dog's appearance and health. Seeing our once lively and lovely dog becoming listless and suffering because of ear dermatitis, we desperately want to find an effective treatment method to relieve its pain.

When we find that the dog has symptoms of ear dermatitis, we should not blindly use medications on our own but take it to a pet hospital for treatment in a timely manner. The veterinarian will conduct a detailed inquiry to understand the dog's living environment, diet, the time when the symptoms appeared, and other information to initially determine the cause of the disease. Then, a professional ear examination will be carried out, including using an otoscope to observe the inside of the ear canal and collecting ear canal secretions for microscopic examination to determine what kind of pathogen is causing the infection. If an allergic reaction is suspected, an allergen test may also be conducted.

The treatment methods for ear dermatitis caused by different causes also vary. If it is an ear mite infection, the veterinarian usually prescribes special ear deworming medications, such as ear drops containing ingredients like ivermectin and selamectin. Before using the ear drops, the dog's ear canal needs to be cleaned first. Soak a cotton ball with a pet-specific ear cleaner and gently wipe the outer ear canal to remove earwax and secretions. Be careful not to insert the cotton ball too deep into the ear canal to avoid damaging the dog's eardrum. Then, drop an appropriate amount of ear drops into the ear canal and gently knead the base of the dog's ear to make the medicine evenly distributed in the ear canal to kill the ear mites. Generally, the medication needs to be used continuously for 2 to 3 weeks until the ear mites are completely eliminated.

For ear dermatitis caused by bacterial or fungal infections, the veterinarian will select appropriate antibiotics or antifungal drugs according to the type of bacteria or fungi causing the infection. In addition to using topical ointments or ear drops, oral medications may also be needed for systemic treatment. During the medication process, strictly follow the veterinarian's instructions, administer the medication to the dog on time and in the correct dosage. Do not stop the medication or change the dosage casually, otherwise, the condition may relapse. At the same time, keep the dog's ears clean and dry, and prevent the dog's ears from coming into contact with water. When bathing the dog, you can gently block the dog's ears with a cotton ball to prevent water from entering the ear canal.

If it is ear dermatitis caused by an allergic reaction, the primary task is to identify the allergen and keep the dog away from it. While waiting for the results of the allergen test, some anti-allergic medications can be used first to relieve the dog's symptoms, such as antihistamines. Once the allergen is identified, strictly prevent the dog from coming into contact with that substance. For example, if it is a food allergy, the dog food without the allergic component needs to be replaced; if it is a pollen allergy, try to reduce the dog's outdoor time during the pollen season, or put a protective mask on the dog.

During the treatment of the dog's ear dermatitis, nursing work is of great importance. Regularly clean the dog's ears to keep the ear canal hygienic. You can use a pet-specific ear cleaner 1 to 2 times a week for cleaning, but be careful not to over-clean, so as not to disrupt the normal flora in the ear canal.

Dogs are an indispensable part of our lives, and they bring us endless joy and companionship. When they suffer from the pain of ear dermatitis, we should use professional knowledge, careful care, and full love to help them overcome the disease. Every treatment and nursing for the dog is our commitment to this precious relationship.