Reasons for Ear Infections in Dogs

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If your pup seems to always get ear infections, you’re not alone. Dogs do typically have more ear infections than humans, but why?

Ear Canal Shape

Dogs are more susceptible to ear infections than humans due to their L-shaped ear canals, which tend to hold in fluid more than the human ear canal. This is because the human ear canal is more horizontal, so fluid can flow out easier. But ear canal shape is only part of the story.

Moisture Buildup

Ear infections are usually caused by bacteria or yeast sitting in moisture that has built up in the dog’s ear canal. The ear canal shape helps hold the moisture in, allowing the bacteria or yeast to proliferate.

Predisposing Factors

While an ear infection can happen anytime, there are some factors that seem to predispose dogs to getting them:

  • Physical trauma to the ear
  • Cleaning the ears too much
  • Not cleaning the ears enough/wax buildup
  • Some endocrine disorders
  • Some autoimmune disorders
  • Foreign objects in the ear canal
  • Allergies, especially allergic skin disease and food sensitivities
  • Ear mites or other parasites
  • Hormone imbalances
  • Elongated or floppy ears
  • Other ear abnormalities

Signs of Ear Infections in Dogs

The signs and symptoms of an ear infection may vary from dog to dog, but there are some telltale signs that most dogs exhibit:

  • Excessive shaking of the head
  • Scratching at one or both ears
  • Rubbing the head against objects
  • Whining
  • Difficulty chewing
  • Odd eye movements
  • Ear discharge
  • Odor coming from the ear
  • Redness in the ear canal
  • Swelling of the ear canal
  • Crusting or scabbing in the ear canal
  • Balance and coordination problems

Ear Infection Treatment in Tampa Bay

If you think your dog has an ear infection, getting treatment quickly is essential to prevent the infection from causing other issues, such as hearing loss. If you’re in Tampa Bay, you can get quality care for your pup at Affordable Pet Hospital on Cross Creek Boulevard in Tampa. Just give us a call at 813-991-9898 or request an appointment online to get your furry friend back to 100% today!