While dogs can’t directly tell you what’s troubling them, you can look for symptoms that indicate they are suffering from certain aliments. Such is the case with dog ear infections. Dogs will exhibit unnatural movements showing something is bugging them. The most common symptoms of dog ear infections are:
Headshaking mannerism
Does your dog shake its head frequently? If so, this is a symptom of something in your dog’s ear that it is trying to get rid of. Sometimes, it could be something as simple as a trapped object. Or it could be water that has dripped to its ears during its last bath. A careful examination of your dog’s ears may indicate what causing the abnormal headshaking gesture and lead to a quick resolution to the problem.
Cocking the head
If your dog cocks it head in unusual manner and angle, this is a symptom of an ear infection. Like the headshaking mannerism, dogs will do anything they can to try remove that something that blocks their ears. In cases of an ear infection, it is most likely a high volume of ear wax that is bothering your dog.
Consistent ear rubbing
Dogs scratch a lot. But rarely do they do it on one particular area alone – unless there is an infection in that area. Excessive scratching is a symptom of a problem. Things that can cause dogs to scratch their ears are mites, bacterial infections, and skin disorders. And all of these are causes of ear infections in dogs.
Foul-smelling ear wax discharge
It is normal for dogs to have earwax. However, if the earwax your dog excreted is too much and has a foul-smelling odor, this is a symptom of a dog ear infection. To be sure and to provide immediate help for your dog, take it to the veterinarian. The vet could prescribe ear drops to your pet. Just apply it on problem ear regularly for a quick recovery.
Inflammation, redness, and tenderness in the area
These symptoms are direct indications that there’s a problem in the skin of your pets. The skin won’t get red, inflamed, or tender unless it has been splintered, wounded, or cut. There are quite a number of reasons why dogs develop skin erosions in their ears. And unless attended to right away, they could develop into a severe case of dog ear infection. Dog owners are advised to always check the ears of their dog after bath. Or take them to the grooming center as frequent as possible.
Balance problems
This particular symptom of a dog ear infection shows that the dog is suffering from the worst case of the disease. Rarely does mild ear infection trigger balance problems. But if it does, then your dog needs immediate help from a pet expert near you.
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