Ear Infections in Dogs

Ear infections in dogs are common in some dog breeds, especially breeds like the Bichon Frise. If your dog has ears with limited air circulation in the ear canal, she could get an ear infection.

The moist, dark environment of your dog’s ears is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, fungus or yeast—which is why it is very important for you to make sure that your pet’s ears are routinely cleaned and groomed!

While all dogs can get dog ear infections, dogs with floppy ears (like spaniels) and dogs who have furry ears (like Bichon Frises) are most often the victims.

So, no matter what kind of dog you have, if you pay close attention to his ears and his behavior, you can save yourself and your dog, lots of grief and pain from ear infections later.

Zymox Otik Pet Ear Treatment>is an effective and inexpensive way to clear up your Bichon Frise’s ear infection.

How to Identify Ear Infections in Dogs

How can you tell that your dog has an ear infection? There are a number of symptoms to watch for.  Note that some canine ear infection symptoms are behavioral and some are physical.

Signs of Ear Infection

• Sore or red ears
• If a dog is constantly shaking his head, something is bothering him.
• When a dog constantly scratches her ear or ears, they are either itchy or sore.
• If your dog has an ear infection, she will tilt her head in the direction of the affected ear. Her eyes may also flick in the same direction.
• Your pet may be unsteady on her feet or bump into things. Inner ears control balance, and an infection can affect your dog’s equilibrium.
• Discharge of thick yellow pus or liquid from her ear or ears
• Ears have a strong, bad odor. Yeast infections smell like dead fish.  Odor is often the most obvious sign of an ear infection.

When to Call the Vet

Especially if you notice discharge from the ears and/or a bad ear odor, you should consider taking your pet to the veterinarian.

Your vet may prescribe something for nausea, something to help control balance and an antibiotic to fight the infection. Occasionally, the vet will need to drain the infected ear.

If your dog is prone to ear infections, it would be wise to keep a product like Zymox Otic Pet Ear Treatment on hand, just in case. Be aware that this product has hydrocortisone in it, so you should not use it if your dog has broken skin areas.

In that case, Zymox has an Otic Pet Ear Treatment without Hydrocortisone that is safe to use in ears that are irritated and have broken skin.

By catching the early signs of a dog ear infection, you will prevent a lot of pain and really serious complications like loss of hearing.

How to Prevent Canine Ear Infections

It is important to clean your Bichon Frise’s ears at least once a week, make sure that hair is removed from inside his ears and to keep your pet’s ears dry.

Use a cotton swab moistened with vinegar to clean your dog’s ears. Do this carefully, making sure that you don’t injure his ear. Vinegar will help to make the environment for bacteria and yeast less favorable.

Keep the hairs plucked from your dog’s ears to allow air to circulate in them and keep wax build up down.

By taking these few simple precautions you will likely be able to avoid ear infections in your dog!