If water gets into your dog's ears while bathing, you can gently wipe the outer ear with a clean paper towel. Dogs' ear canals are L-shaped, which helps them naturally expel water by shaking their heads. Usually, no further intervention is needed from the owner.
After bathing, you can use a paper towel to absorb any water in your dog's ears. Again, due to the L-shape of their ear canals, most dogs will shake their heads vigorously to remove excess water. For breeds with floppy ears, you can assist by gently cleaning the outer ear canal with a paper towel during these head-shaking intervals. Using ear cleaning solution or ear drops after bathing can also help prevent infections. These are particularly useful for dogs prone to ear problems. The key is to ensure the ear canal is kept dry and clean.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infection) in Dogs
If your dog develops otitis media (middle ear infection), you may observe symptoms such as frequent head shaking, scratching at the ears, head tilting, ear pain, and a discharge of dark brown secretion from the ear canal. The ear may also have a very strong and unpleasant odor. In severe cases, the infection can spread to the inner ear, potentially leading to hearing damage. It's strongly recommended to take your dog to the vet for an ear cytology test. This will determine if the infection is bacterial or caused by ear mites. Once diagnosed, treatment will typically involve cleaning the ear canal and administering ear medication. Addressing the underlying cause is crucial for effective treatment and prevention of recurrence. Early detection and treatment are vital in managing otitis media and minimizing discomfort for your pet. Prevention, through proper drying of the ear canal after bathing and routine checks, is often the best approach.
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