Dogs ears are anatomically different than human ears. The human ear has just a single canal that is typically on the short side. A dog's ear has two compartments. A deep canal that travels down then takes a sharp 45 degree turn that travels upwards. The extra turn and the length of a dog's ear makes visibility and treatment more difficult and predisposes the dog to ear infections that humans are not prone to. The moist warmth of the dark, poorly ventilated inner ear of a dog is an ideal environment for many organisms to grow.
This is especially the case for the many breeds with ears that fold over themselves. The breeds with ears that are standing up at all times will fare better since they receive the most light and air flow. Problems are much more likely to develop going down the line until you get to the long flop eared breeds like spaniels and bassets that have their ears constantly covered keeping the ear damp.
Signs of Ear Problems in Dogs?
• Odor in the ear is sign of a problem.
• Signs of redness, soreness or any discharge.
• Shaking or scratching of the ears.
Any of the signs from this list is a good indication of a problem and a trip to the vet is in order.
Causes of Dog Ear Problems?
• Trauma
• Allergies
• Parasites - ear mites
• Microorganisms like bacteria and yeast
• Foreign bodies
• Tumors or Heredity
Trauma:
Self inflicted ear trauma is a common cause of ear problems for dogs. A sharp nailed paw going after an itch or a thorn can cause a scratch that might become a yeast or bacterial infection. Just as common is a trauma created by ear cleaning. As the saying goes "nothing smaller than an elbow should enter the ear" This includes cotton stick swabs on a stick. Careful selection of products used to clean the ear is important. Any product that over dries the ear is likely to make the dog scratch the area risking possible trauma.
Allergies:
An ear problem can be the first sign that a dog is dealing with an allergy. An allergy that affects the ear is the type that is inhaled or is from a food source. The poor condition of an ear affected by allergies can also cause secondary yeast and bacteria infections which can make the diagnosis of the original problem difficult.
Parasites:
Ear mites, numerous types of bacteria and yeast infections
A healthy ventilated ear has a good defense against parasites.
Foreign bodies:
As already mentioned self induced ear traumas (scratching) are responsible for most ear problems for dogs. Briars, ticks and fleas are all going to make a dog scratch and that can cause a yeast and bacterial infection if a self induced trauma scratch becomes infected.
Factors Predisposing Dogs to Ear Problems?
• Ear design. The more the ear is covered the more likely your dog will have a problem.
• Humid climates. Moist environments encourage the growth of parasites, bacterial and yeasts.
• Exposure to other infected pets.
• Dogs that swim.
Solving Dog Ear Problems?
An ear with a healthy environment is fairly well defended against a majority of problems. Mild
prevention with a minimum of effort will avoid most ear problems.
• Keep what goes in one ear out of all others including the other. Using the same cotton ball or uncleaned tip of ear cleaning solution in another dog's ears or even in a dog's other ear is just likely to spread the bad stuff. Always use a new cotton ball or wipe clean any applicator tips.
• Remove excess ear hair, and create an "air channel" by trimming the hair if there isn't one already. Hair inside on the ear can be plucked out. The outer hair should be trimmed in such a way that you will be able to see how air will get in when you look at your dog. The majority of the ear care battle is fought between a fresh, dry environment or a warm, moist one.
• Schedule a once a week ear cleaning. There are so many great ear cleaning products available commercially that are effective, convenient and fairly inexpensive I would suggest one of those. Otherwise here is a recipe: Moisten a piece of cotton with apple cider vinegar and water (equal parts). Wipe out the ears. Apple cider vinegar controls unfriendly bacteria or yeast (common culprits for causing ear infections). Remember to treat the ears outside. Otherwise your dog will shake any liquid out of his ears all over your belongings!
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