It is common with dogs to have the urge to scratch their ears, and this is normal because it sometimes comes and goes. However, when it does so regularly, then there is a certain problem. Itchy ears of dogs may be inconvenient to your furry friend and a cause of concern to you as a pet parent. When medical attention is not taken early, the irritation may aggravate, culminating in infections.
This article will discuss the usual causes of dog itchy ears, the best indicators and acceptable ways of treatment, including some home remedies for itchy ears in dogs.
Table of Contents
The Reason Why Dogs Have Itchy Ears
Your dog has several reasons as to why it may be scratching at its ears. There are the ones that can be treated at home easily and some that might need veterinary treatment.
1. Allergies
Dogs too are exposed to allergies similar to human beings. These can be either environmental (pollen, dust mites) or food related (grains, chicken, dairy). The allergies can result in inflammation and excessive scratching of the ears.
2. Ear Infection in Dogs
One of the most popular reasons for itchy ears in dogs is an ear infection. It is bacterial, fungal or normally the accumulation of moisture in the ear canal.
3. Ear Mites
Ear mites are small parasites that can invade the ears of your dog, causing him to be very itchy. They are very infectious and are usually found in shelters in puppies or dogs.
4. Debris or Foreign Bodies
This might occasionally happen when your dog has a few grass seeds, dirt or even other debris that comes into your dog’s ear canal, leading to irritation and itching.
5. Yeast Overgrowth
The inner parts of the canine ear provide the perfect habitat, which favours the growth of yeast because it is warm and humid. The yeast infection is almost always accompanied by a bad odour and brown secretions.
Illness to be Wary Of
To know if something is wrong, look out for when your dog keeps itching its ears or shaking its/head. Symptoms to look out are as follows:
- Constant scratching of ears by the dog.
- Dog shaking his head and scratching his ear.
- Heightened redness or swelling of the ear.
- Excreta (yellow, brown or black diarrhoea).
- Sensitivity of listening to ears or whining by touching ears.
- Inward growths of the ear canal in the form of crust or scabs.
When these symptoms occur, particularly when they last longer than a few days, it is advisable that you visit your vet.
Natural Remedies of Dog Ear Itching
These home remedies for itchy dog ears should aid in alleviating your dog’s itchy ears. It is either to use as a first aid or when the condition of your dog is not severe.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar Solution
One part apple cider vinegar mixed with one part water. Clean the dog ears using a cotton. The vinegar is used to aid in pH and in limiting yeast. Do not apply when there are reddening, open wounds of the ear.
2. Coconut Oil
Naturally, coconut oil is antifungicidal and antimicrobial. Heat a bit, then put in a dropper and use a drop or two into the ear.
3. Green Tea Rinse
Bring a cup of green tea and cool it. Apply it in the form of a natural rinse to relieve the inflammation and eradicate bacteria.
Precaution: Home remedies apply only to mild irritation. In case of aggravation or chronic nature of the symptoms, address a vet.
Veterinary Treatments
Your veterinarian may recommend the following, in the event that a more serious attack occurs like a full-blown ear infection on dogs:
- Drugs (antibiotic/Antifungal ear drops to be prescribed).
- Oral medication (in case of severe infectious problems or allergies).
- Sedation ear cleaning (chronic/ deep infection).
- Diet modifications and allergy alterations.
Follow-ups will be necessary to maintain good progress of the treatment and to ensure your dog fully recovers.
Preventing Dog Itchy Ears
A lot can come out of preventive care. Some tips come as follows:
- Every week, clean the ears of your dog with veterinarian-approved solutions.
- Ears should be kept dry most of the time, particularly after showering or soaking.
- Look out and see signs of mites, wax accumulation or irritation regularly.
- Eat healthy food so as to alleviate allergies.
When to Visit a Vet?
Although home care and treatment can be sufficient in case of mild cases of dog itchy ears, professional services might be required in case:
- Symptoms do not relieve within a few days.
- There is a foul smell or drainage.
- Your dog is sensitive or painful. Your dog is sensitive or in pain.
- It has swelling or crusts at the ear.
Treatment, of course, needs to come as early as possible, and failure to do this may cause more significant conditions such as loss of hearing or infections in the inner ears.
Conclusion
The dog itchy ears may appear as a minor problem at first; however, they may show the absence of various problems, such as mites, infections, or even allergies. The way to the right solution is to know the symptoms and causes. By taking immediate action, proper hygiene and the assistance of a vet, as required, your dog will very soon be its old, carefree, itch-free self again.
Can I apply olive oil on the itchy ears of my dog?
Of course, olive oil may be used to loosen the wax and ease pain sensation, but it is not a treatment to fight infection. Never talk to your vet last.
How frequently must my dog be cleaned of the ears?
Usually, once weekly is sufficient, but in case of long-eared dogs, or dogs that get infections most of the time, more frequent cleaning is necessary.
Are there dogs with itchy ears more than others?
Yes. Before a breed has floppy ears, the breeds like Golden Retriever, Beagle and Poodle become prone to having ear problems easily due to lack of air circulation in their ears.
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