Treating dog balance and ear infection problems

Dog balance is dependent upon the health of dog ears. If a dog has an infection in the middle ear, it can become very uncomfortable, dizzy, and even be in pain.

Ear Infection Symptoms

• Black and chunky or yellow and pasty discharge from the ear
• A strong odor that may smell chalky
• Scratching or rubbing of the ears
• Redness or swelling of the inner flap of the ear and the ear canal
• Touching the ear causes the dog pain
• The dog is irritable
• Loss of balance in dogs

Causes of Ear Infections in Dogs

Dogs have bacteria and yeast that grow in their ears. This is normal. However, if the balance of bacteria or yeast is disturbed, an ear infection can develop.

Excess water in a dog`s ear can cause a disturbance if it is not dried properly after a bath or going for a swim.

Allergies can also cause inflammation in a dog`s ears. Instead of getting the sniffles or irritated eyes, dogs may develop an ear infection as a result of allergies. Food, the environment the dog is in, and fleas can all cause allergic reactions in dogs. If a dog gets chronic ear infections, a veterinarian can test for allergies to try to find the cause behind the reoccurring problem.

Hormone imbalances or abnormalities-like hypothyroidism-in dogs can also lead to ear infections. When there is a hormone imbalance, a dog`s immune system may be weakened. Thus a dog is more prone to ear infections. A blood sample can help a vet determine if a dog`s hormones need to be supplemented with medication.

Hereditary issues may also play a factor in the frequency of ear infections in a dog. Certain breeds of dogs may be more likely to have problems with ear health.

Ear Infection Treatment

If you suspect your dog has an ear infection, take him to see the veterinary for an evaluation. The vet will look in a dog`s ear canal with an otoscope. The vet may also take a sample of the bacteria and yeast that grew in the dog`s ear to see if any infections have developed and what type of infection it is (a bacterial infection or a yeast infection).

A vet may prescribe ear drops for a dog with an infection that contain a formula to help flush a dog`s ears out, antibiotics, or even steroids.

A natural product a vet may recommend is a mixture of white vinegar diluted with water. The recommended amount of vinegar and water is a 1:1 ratio or a 1:2 ratio (one part vinegar to two parts water). Talk to your vet about this home remedy, how it should be administered, and what he or she recommends for other alternative home treatments.

If your dog seems to have trouble with balance, consider having the veterinarian check its ears for imbalance of bacteria or yeast. Keeping a dog`s ears dry and clearing up ear infections can help rectify balance problems in dogs.

Reviews & Comments