4 Ways to tell if your dog has an ear infection

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Many dogs will experience at least one ear infection in their lifetime. Others will have several and are plagued with chronic ear infection problems. Yeast or bacteria can cause ear infections. A dog's ear anatomy is the perfect place for yeast organisms to grow and thrive. Since a dog's ear anatomy is the perfect place for yeast, ear infections are a common occurrence in many dogs.

Other than a dog's ear anatomy, there are some other ways that dogs can get ear infections. Allergies, more specifically to food, are one of the main culprits that cause ear infections in dogs. If your dog has chronic ear infections, it could be a sign that they are allergic to their food or something else in their environment. Dogs who swim a lot may also get more ear infections.

Ear infections can be quite an unpleasant experience for dogs and knowing the signs and symptoms of one can help you identify the problem early on. This way you can get your pooch to the vet sooner and provide them with faster relief. Here are four ways to tell if your dog has an ear infection.

01. Itchy Ears

Ear infections are very itchy. A dog may excessively scratch their ears, shake their head, or rub their ears on the floor of furniture if they are experiencing an ear infection.

02. Stinky ears

Ear infections stink - literally. If your dog's ears smell bad, this is a classic sign of infection. Many veterinary professionals will even sniff a dog's ears if they are suspicious of an infection.

03. Dirty ears with debris

Another classic sign of an ear infection is dirty ears. If your dog's ears get dirty no matter how often you clean them, they could be infected. The debris inside the ears will typically be a reddish or brownish color.

04. Ears that are sensitive to the touch

A dog that yelps, when his or her ears are touched, could have an ear infection. Infections can be painful. They may also appear inflamed and red.

How can ear infections be prevented? Regular cleaning and maintenance of a dog's ears can help prevent ear infections in the future. There are a number of ear cleansing products on the market. A veterinarian can help you find one that's right for your pet. Also, always remember to dry out your dog's ears after a swimming session or bath. If you believe your dog is allergic to their food, you can talk to a veterinarian about a change in diet and see if that helps with chronic ear infections.

If you think that your dog may have an ear infection, please contact a veterinarian so that it can be properly diagnosed and treated.