As a Knoxville TN Veterinarian, we see ear infection problems in many dogs. Ear infections are a common problem in dogs. Often painful, they are the result of an overabundance of bacteria or yeast inside the ear canal. Afflicted dogs will shake their heads and scratch at their ears.

If you peek inside, you will often notice that the skin inside the ear is red. If the infection has been there for a while, it is common for the skin to be thicker than normal.

A yellow or black discharge will usually be present. Sometimes it will appear as crustiness inside the earflap, and sometimes it is a creamy substance in the ear canal. It may or may not have an odor.

Dog with long, floppy ears (think Cocker Spaniel, Beagle, & Poodle) tend to get ear infections most frequently, but it can happen in any breed. Possible causes of an ear infection in a dog include foreign objects or water in the ear canal and allergies.

Unlike us humans who get a runny nose and watery eyes, dogs often manifest their allergies in the form of skin problems.

Since the ear lining is comprised of skin, it will become inflamed and eventually infected. Ear infections in dogs make them miserable.

Left untreated, complications can occur. Chronic, recurrent infections can develop scar tissue that closes the ear canal completely.

The consequence of vigorous head shaking can lead to ruptured blood vessels inside the earflap, known as a hematoma. This condition requires surgical intervention in order to drain the accumulated blood.

Signs of an Ear Infection

• Constant tilting, or shaking of the head

• Unpleasant odor

• Sensitivity to touch (head and / or ears)

• Excessive scratching or pawing at the ears

• Loss of balance

• Redness or swelling inside the ear canal

• Discharge

In my experience as a Knoxville TN Veterinarian, the important thing to remember about ear infections in dogs is that there is often an underlying trigger. If the infection does not clear up, or comes back frequently then you will have to figure out what is causing it.

Food allergies are a well-known culprit, so you may consider a diet change once you have treated the infection.