Ear infection is a common condition in dogs, it can cause impaired hearing and intermittent mild hearing loss. Ear infections will eventually clear up after the appropriate treatment method has been followed.
In today’s article, we’ll be discussing how to treat a dog’s ear infection without vet. Treating a dog’s ear infection without a vet is actually something that can be more difficult to achieve in the long run. You’ll have to know the type of ear infection before you can go ahead with treatments without a vet. Perhaps the ear infection reappeared, and now you’re just giving the medications your vet prescribed.
There are actually three types of ear infection: otitis externa, media, and interna. Otitis externa is the most common ear infection in both humans and dogs because it occurs in the outer part of the ear. Media and interna can occur as a result of advanced otitis externa. Leaving otitis externa untreated can result in the middle and inner ear being affected and can cause impaired hearing and partial hearing loss. This is precisely why it’s important to prevent infections and seek early treatment when problems arise.
What Causes Ear Infections in Dogs?
There can be several causes of ear infections in dogs, some of which might not be mentioned below. You have to make sure your pup gets a bath when they should and that they’re dried up after the bath. You should wash in between their ears, especially when your dog has fluffy ears. Some of those pups with fluffy ears include: Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Bracco Italiano, French Bulldogs, Dachshund, Bloodhounds, Basset Hounds, Afghan Hounds, Poodles. You should make sure you always stroke your dog’s ear while bathing. Here are some causes of ear infections in dogs.
- Moisture can create a prime growing environment for bacteria and yeast.
- Allergies, which cause ear disease in approximately 50% of dogs with allergic skin disease and 80% of dogs with food sensitivities.
- Endocrine disorders, such as thyroid disease,
- Autoimmune disorders
- Wax buildup
- Foreign bodies
- Injury to the ear canal
- Excessive cleaning
Symptoms of Ear Infection in Dogs
Symptoms of an ear infection should be quite noticeable. Some common symptoms may include,
- Head shaking
When your pup always shakes their heads, they’re trying to cool themselves off. Ear infections can cause discomfort and distress in the head region.
- Scratching at the affected ear
- Dark discharge
- Odor
- Redness and swelling of the ear canal
- Pain
- Itchiness
- Crusting or scabs in the ears
Not all of these symptoms will be seen in the early stages of the infection. Odor and dark discharge can appear when the infection has been left untreated for some time. Ear infections in dogs can bring a foul smell if they’re not attested to on time.
How To Treat A Dog’s Ear Infection Without A Vet
Most dog owners have also wondered if they can treat a dog’s ear infection without their vet. Your veterinarian will thoroughly clean your dog’s ears using a medicated ear cleanser. Your vet may also prescribe an ear cleanser and a topical medication for you to use at home. In severe cases, your vet may prescribe oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications. Well, technically, when your vet prescribes medications and anti-inflammatory drugs, you will be treating your pup without a vet.
Well, there you have it. Over-the-counter drugs are not recommended when your dog has an ear infection as your vet will decide the type of ear infection and the type of medication that suits the condition. Over-the-counter NSAIDs such as Advil (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen) and products containing acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) should never be given to dogs, as they can cause serious health issues.
Most uncomplicated ear infections resolve within 1–2 weeks once appropriate treatment begins. But severe infections or those due to underlying conditions may take months to resolve or may become chronic problems. How to treat a dog’s ear infection without a vet? It’s more like treating a dog’s infection with vet prescriptions but without the vet.
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