Ear allergy causes and remedies in Dogs

Ear allergy causes and remedies in Dogs

Introduction

Inflamed and irritated skin are typical signs of an allergy in dogs, and the skin in the ear is not immune to the changes. An allergy, whether contact, inhalant, or food, will influence the inner ear and surrounding skin condition.

To cure a chronic ear infection due to allergies, the source of the allergy must be determined and dealt with first. The ear contains skin, glands, and fluid which are all part of the normal wear make-up. In addition, a natural balance of yeast and bacteria can be found in the ear as well. When the balance is disrupted (for example, by the inflammation due to allergies), the ear becomes infected.

Symptoms of Ear Infection due to Allergies in Dogs

If you have a canine companion who has known allergies, or if you are in the midst of a diagnosis period as you and the veterinarian work to determine the cause of itchy, inflamed skin, you will benefit from the knowledge of knowing that your pet is susceptible to ear infections as an allergy sufferer. Signs that your dog may have an ear infection will become more and more evident as the infection develops.

  • Pain
  • Vocalization of pain
  • Odor coming from the ear
  • Fluid or waxy substance build-up in the ear
  • Shaking of the head
  • Rubbing of ears on the floor
  • Discomfort when touched
  • Redness in the ear canal
  • Scratching of the ears
  • Self-harm due to excessive itching

If the ear infection reaches an advanced stage, your dog may experience loss of coordination, balance, and hearing loss.

Types

Ear infections can be broken down into three types:

  1. Externa – infection of the outer ear canal
  2. Media – infection in the middle ear
  3. Internal – infection found in the inner ear

Treatment of Ear Infection due to Allergies in Dogs

If your dog has infected ears due to allergies, the allergen will need to be identified. Treatment of the ear infection can occur, but the condition will return, possibly becoming chronic, if the allergy is not being treated. For dog ear allergy relief, here are some procedures that you must know:

Ear Cleanse

An ear infection is typically treated with a thorough but gentle cleaning of the ear (usually under sedation or anesthesia). Depending on the severity of the infection, this may have to be repeated at the veterinary office in a few days.

Medication

The medications prescribed may be based on the results from the culture or microscopic screening. The types of medication given could be antibiotics, antifungal drugs, topical medications in the form of ointments or drops, antihistamines, and anti-inflammatories. 

Identification of the Allergen

An all-important part of treating an ear infection due to allergies is to identify and treat the allergy accordingly. Relevant testing for contact, inhalant, and food allergies must be done to relieve your pet of the symptoms and eliminate the source of the problem.

Conclusion

Ongoing care of the ear as needed and control of the allergy will be paramount to recovery. The veterinarian may prescribe a gentle cleanser for you to use at home. Follow the instructions carefully and complete the course of medication as prescribed. Stopping before you should result in the infection returning with a vengeance. If you have concerns about how well the infection is clearing up, contact the clinic without delay.