Ear infections that occur in dogs can be caused by an assortment of causes. In many cases, they are the result of water in a dog’s ear during a bath. Water that remains in a canine’s inner ear can cause growth changes and imbalances.

Hormonal irregularities and genetic disorders are also capable of producing ear infections in dogs. Case in point, a condition called hypothyroidism can produce an ear infection in pooches. This can be treated with a prescription called Soloxine which can be obtained from a vet.

Ear infections are more likely to occur in certain dog breeds. For instance, dog breeds that have excessively floppy ears are at greater risk of getting an ear infection than dog breeds with ears which are not floppy.

Yeast and bacterial infections are the 2 main suppliers of ear infections in dogs. In minute amounts, both yeast and bacteria can be found in a canine’s ears, but if the amount of either or both grow excessive, then an infection might arise. Each infection will create distinct symptoms.

Dogs with a yeast ear infection will typically shows signs of dryness, itching, and scaling in and around the ears. This condition may expand to other parts of a pooch’s face. Ear infections caused by yeast overgrowths are often accompanied by a chalky odor; this is a factor that may allow you to distinguish it as the causative agent of the ear situation.

Ear infections caused by bacteria show themselves through swelling and pain, redness, and a large or unusual discharge coming from the ears. Perhaps the largest sign of a bacterial ear infection is a strong odor and a large amount of ear wax.

There are many medical treatments available for canine ear infections. The vet will choose one based on the cause of the condition. Treatment methods include but are not limited to such prescription medications as the antibiotic Cephalexin and Mometamax (primarily used for ear infections caused by yeast) and Otomax ear drops. Temeral-P and Epi-Otic Flush may also be considered for treatment of an ear infection.