You often hear about dogs getting “ear infections,” but that’s sort of a catch-all term representing many different ear problems that dogs can deal with. Here are some of the most common ear problems in dogs:
Allergies. Both environmental and food allergies can trigger ear problems in dogs. If your dog has other symptoms, such as licking their feet or digestive issues, it may be worth having your dog tested for allergies.
Bacterial infections. Bacteria, especially streptococcus, live in your dog’s ear, usually in a healthy balance. Sometimes, these bacteria get out of control and trigger an infection. Antibiotic ear drops from your vet should knock out a bacterial ear infection.
Yeast infections. Yeast, a type of fungus, also lives in your dog’s ears. When yeast gets out of control, it can be trickier to treat than bacteria. Your vet can prescribe an antifungal medication to help treat a yeast infection. Regularly aerating your dog’s ears with an ear cleaner that has antimicrobial properties may help prevent future yeast ear infections.
Ear mite infestations. While ear mites are more common in cats, they can occur in dogs, too. Ear mites are insect parasites (similar to fleas and ticks) that feed on your dog’s ear wax. Some flea and tick medications also kill mites, but you should talk to your vet if you suspect your dog has an ear mite infestation. Unlike fleas and ticks, ear mites are too small to see with the naked eye, which is why you should always take your dog to the vet for a diagnosis if you suspect any time of ear infection.
Foreign body obstruction. Small items like plant debris, insects, or pebbles can find their way into your dog’s ear and cause problems. Ear cleaning helps you notice and remove foreign bodies. If something appears to be lodged in your dog’s ear, don’t attempt to pull it out yourself – you could injure your dog. If debris doesn’t come out easily with a regular ear cleaning, it’s time for a trip to the vet to have the object safely removed.