Did you know that dog ear infections are the number one reason behind canine veterinary visits? Just as with human children, our furry kids are at high risk for this troublesome, often expensive condition. But the good news is that by taking a few precautions, your dog (and your wallet) can kiss ear infections goodbye!

In 2016 ear infections were the number one reason for doggie vet visits, outnumbering stomach problems, allergies, tumors, and other infections combined.  What’s behind this common yet troubling problem?

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There’s no singular reason that dogs get ear infections, but the most prevalent cause is water trapped in the ear canal. Its’s easy for bacteria to grow in this moist environment, leading to pain for your pooch. Other causes include allergies, wax build-up, trapped bugs or foreign objects, even hypothyroidism.

So how do you know when your bestie is suffering from an ear infection? There are a few key symptoms to look for: swelling, redness, or blood in the ear; hearing loss; rubbing or scratching the ear; odor of, or discharge from, the ear.

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If you suspect that your dog could have an ear infection, don’t hesitate to consult with your vet since medicine may be needed to clear up the condition.

In the meantime, there are several things you can do to keep ear infections at bay!

First off, don’t let water or moisture linger in your dog’s ears. Always use a soft object such as a cotton ball or fluffy towel to gently dry his ears.

Drying your dog’s ears also provides the perfect opportunity to clean them with an over the counter product or one recommended by your vet. Even if moisture is not a problem for Fido, you’ll still want to clean his ears regularly to help prevent infection.

Lastly, be vigilant! It doesn’t hurt to take a look at, and inside, your dog’s ears periodically. If necessary, use a small flashlight to peer into the ear canal. If you spy signs of infection such as redness, or smell a foul odor, it may be time to seek medical attention.

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