How to Treat Otitis Externa in Dogs

When you affectionately stroke a dog's head and accidentally notice that it frequently shakes its head, scratches its ears, and even has redness, swelling, and a strange smell around its ears, you will definitely feel heartbroken and anxious. This is likely due to the dog suffering from otitis externa, a common ear disease. Dogs cannot speak and can only convey discomfort in their ears through these abnormal behaviors. At this moment, as their guardians, understanding how to treat otitis externa is the key to providing them with timely help.

The external auditory canal of dogs is relatively narrow and L-shaped, which makes it easy for them to accumulate dirt and grime, creating conditions for the growth of pathogens such as bacteria and fungi. The symptoms of otitis externa are more obvious, with frequent shaking of the head and brain being the most obvious manifestation, which attempts to relieve itching and discomfort in the ear. At the same time, dogs frequently scratch their ears with their paws, and the hair around their ears may become messy or even shed due to scratching. Upon careful observation, it can be observed that the dog's external auditory canal is red and swollen, with secretions oozing out. The color and texture of the secretions vary depending on the type of infection, and may be yellow, brown, or black viscous liquid, accompanied by an unpleasant odor. Once these symptoms are detected in a dog, it is important to take them seriously and take timely measures.

There are various reasons that can cause dogs to develop otitis externa. Earwax accumulation is one of the common factors. Under normal circumstances, dogs' ears secrete earwax to protect the ear canal. However, if left uncleaned for a long time, earwax will accumulate more and more, providing a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. Accidentally letting water enter the ear canal while taking a shower and failing to dry it in time can also easily lead to inflammation, as a humid environment is conducive to the growth and reproduction of pathogens. In addition, allergic reactions are also a cause of otitis externa. Dogs may be allergic to food, pollen, dust mites, etc. Allergic reactions can lead to inflammation of the ear skin, which in turn can cause otitis externa. Parasitic infections cannot be ignored either. Ear mites parasitize in the ear canal and can irritate the ear skin, causing itching and inflammation.

Once a dog is diagnosed with otitis externa, treatment is urgent. Firstly, cleaning the ear canal is a crucial step in treatment. Choose a dog specific ear cleaning solution, whose gentle formula can effectively dissolve earwax and secretions without causing damage to the ear canal. Gently hug the dog in your arms, soothe its emotions, 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 secretions, softening them. 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 and secretions. Attention, wipe gently and avoid penetrating deep into the ear canal to prevent damage to the dog's eardrums.

After cleaning the ear canal, use appropriate medication for treatment based on the cause and severity of otitis externa. If otitis externa is caused by bacterial infection, veterinarians usually prescribe antibiotics such as ear drops containing ingredients such as ofloxacin and chloramphenicol. According to the veterinarian's instructions, drop ear drops into the ear canal and gently massage the base of the ear to evenly distribute the medication in the ear canal. If it is a fungal infection, antifungal drugs such as ear drops containing ketoconazole, clotrimazole, and other ingredients should be used. For otitis externa caused by allergies, in addition to treating ear inflammation, it is also necessary to identify allergens and avoid contact with dogs as much as possible. At the same time, some anti allergic drugs can be used to alleviate symptoms. During the use of medication, it is important to strictly follow the veterinarian's advice to take medication on time and in the appropriate amount. Do not arbitrarily increase or decrease the dosage or stop taking medication to avoid affecting the treatment effect.

Nursing work is equally important in the treatment and rehabilitation process of dogs. To prevent dogs from continuing to scratch their ears, in order to avoid exacerbating inflammation and damaging the ear skin. You can put an Elizabeth ring on your dog, which can effectively restrict its movements and prevent it from scratching its ears with its paws. At the same time, it is necessary to maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of the dog's living environment, regularly clean its kennel and toys, and reduce the growth of bacteria and allergens. It is also important to observe changes in the symptoms of the dog. If the symptoms do not improve significantly after a period of treatment, or if other abnormal conditions such as fever or mental fatigue occur, it is necessary to promptly take the dog to a pet hospital for follow-up and adjust the treatment plan.

Dogs suffering from otitis externa are a source of pain for them and a concern for their owners. During the treatment process, the owner's careful care, patient companionship, and strict adherence to the treatment plan are the key to the dog overcoming the disease. Every gentle cleaning of its ears, every timely drip of medicine, every gentle soothing of its emotions, are all manifestations of deep love for it. I hope every dog can stay away from the troubles of illness, grow up healthy and happy under the care of its owner, and continue to accompany us through countless beautiful days.