Meds for Dog Ear Infection

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Meds for Dog Ear Infection

Curious about meds for a dog ear infection? Wondering how to treat canine ear problems? If you have ever suffered from an ear infection yourself, then you will be able to understand the immense pain that ear problems can cause. As your pet will not be able to communicate effectively that it is suffering, you should as an owner be able to find it out.

What are the symptoms of ear problems in dogs?

• Shaking their head quite frequently in an attempt to knock out the pain
• Scratching the head and ear repeatedly
• Discharge from the ear
• The head appears swollen and inflamed
• Bad odor from the infection

If you see any of these signs, immediately take your pet to the veterinarian, who will be able to determine the exact reason. If your dog has an inner or middle ear infection, it is most likely to have spread from the outer to inner ear.

Causes

• Poor hygiene
• Allergies
• Ear mites
• Bad living conditions

Prevention

If you have a breed of dog whose ears flop over, like a cocker spaniel or basset hound, then you will need to take greater care of its ears. Every time you (or your groomer) groom your pet, check for any signs of infection (discharge or bad odor) in the outer or inner ear. Should you use Q-tips for your dog? No. Use cotton balls instead.

Your vet will be able to provide a complete diagnosis. In certain cases an X-ray may be ordered to determine the exact cause and extent of the infection. The vet may refer to the problem as either acute (quick-onset) or chronic (long-term) “canine otitis,” a medical term for ear infection.

Treatment

The vet may give you a prescription for an oral pet medicine (such as Baytril, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic) along with a cream or lotion to the applied to the infection. Brands include Zymox Otic Enzymatic Solution and Panolog, as well as Otomax, which is a combined antibiotic, antifungal and anti-inflammatory pet med.

In addition, over-the-counter drops will be given (as advised by your veterinarian). Ear mites can be treated with 0.1 percent Ivermectin as per your vet’s instructions. Always clean the ears completely before applying any sort of medicine.

We do not recommend “natural” or home remedies for a dog ear infection, such as apple cider vinegar or rubbing alcohol and witch hazel. Instead, remember that your vet should be involved immediately. If left untreated, an infection could lead to serious complications that would require not only meds but surgery.

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