by Jonathan C Halpert

Ear infections are a common ailment for many dogs. From struggles with ear-mites, fungus, and allergies, to more serious inner ear infections, some dogs seem to fight a never ending battle that has them – and their owners – constantly scratching their heads. Many common outer ear problems can be prevented with a little extra effort and vigilance.

Veterinarians use antibiotics to treat severe ear infections, these may include antibiotic/anti-fungal/anti-inflammatory medicines like Otomax or Malotic. Some owners also choose to take a more holistic approach to dealing with their pups infections before resorting to medicines

The easiest way to reduce the number of ear infections your dog has is to keep the ears clean and free of dirt and other gunk. Especially for long haired dogs, keep the hair around the ears trimmed and clean, Long hair can be a magnet for debris which can get carried into the ear canal leading to infection. Dogs with long, floppy ears are also at a higher risk of picking up dirt than are dogs with pricked ears.

Washing the ears is the next level of prevention. A simple solution of diluted white vinegar is a great way to eliminate common allergies. Use a solution of 1 part vinegar and two parts water to rinse the ear thoroughly before rinsing again using plain clean water. A 1:1 Hydrogen Peroxide/water solution also makes a good rinse and will sting less if your dog has been doing a lot of scratching. Be sure to dry your pups ears gently after youve cleaned them.

Commercial ear cleaners are often a step up from home-made solutions and for troublesome infections may go a step further to help keep your dogs irritations at bay. Many of the commercial varieties also come with an applicator which can make ear cleaning much easier on both the dog and their owner. Check with your local pet store.

A healthy diet is a great way to help your pup fight off infections of all kinds including ear infections. Many commercial foods use lots of fillers that add bulk to the product without providing much nutritional content. Do a web search for healthy or organic pet food options and treat your pet to a healthier lifestyle.

In spite of looking and smelling terrible, most ear infections only affect the outer ear. Keeping the ears clean and groomed will help reduce both the discomfort of common problems as well as the risk of greater infection. More serious infections to exist and you should be aware of the symptoms. If you notice your dog tilting their head more than normal, walking in circles, or showing signs of general clumsiness, it may be a sign of a more serious condition and you should schedule a trip to your local vet.

About the Author:
To learn more about how to help your dog live a happier, healthier life visit the Canine Health Care web site.

Related posts:

  1. Canine Urinary Tract Infections
  2. The Most Common Causes of Ear Infections in Dogs
  3. Common Causes of Ear Infections in Canines

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