Dog ear infections and inflammation are common in dogs. Ear infections can happen in the outer, middle, or inner ear and they can be caused by a number of things. As the ear canal of a dog is not the same as a human ear canal, canine ear infections can differ in intensity as they have both vertical and horizontal components. The more vertical nature (L-shape) of the ear canal makes dogs more predisposed to ear infections.
Dog ear inflammation and infection are an unusual buildup of contamination within a particular part of the dog’s ear. This inflammation and infection can occur in the inner, middle, or outer ear. This is a common incidence in dog breeds that are genetically predisposed or dogs that live a specific lifestyle, such as being in humid weather, outdoors, or working dogs.
Ear infections are caused by several types of bacterial and fungal yeasts. Only after identification of a specific type of infection present, it is possible to know which medication to use. Sometimes, the infections are due to a tumor, foreign body, or polyp. Proper diagnosis can be done by a careful ear examination by your veterinarian.
Ear mites can also mimic ear infection symptoms, including head-shaking, black discharge, and scratching. However, infections due to ear mites are more common in pups and young dogs. Occasionally, adult dogs may contract ear mites from infected puppies. Ear mites produce a setting within the dog ear canal that often cause a secondary bacterial or fungal (yeast) infection.
Chronic ear infections are another major cause of hearing loss. Wax build-up in the ear canals causes temporary hearing loss. Traumatic injury to the ear causes infections that may be temporary or permanent.