Dog lovers everywhere know that when your dog is in pain, so are you. Sometimes locating the source of that pain can be a difficult proposition, however. A whimpering dog can mean a number of different things, but one of the primary sources of that whimpering may be due to the fact that your dog has an ear infection. So, what can you do to determine if this is the case, and what should you do if it so happens that your dog does have an ear infection? This brief article will go over what causes an ear infection, symptoms of an ear infection, at home remedies, and what a vet can do for you.

What Causes An Ear Infection?

The primary cause of an ear infection in dogs is trapped bacteria or yeast. Trapped water, tumors, ear mites, foreign agents, and even growing hairs can all contribute to a growing amount of bacteria or yeast present in a dog's ear. It is highly recommended that if your dog shows signs of an ear infection, you address the problem as soon as possible. Without proper treatment, your canine pal can suffer from a litany of ear related misfortunes; among them is even the chance of permanent hearing damage or loss.

Symptoms Of An Ear Infection In Your Dog

There are numerous symptoms of an ear infection as it affects your dog, for which you should be on the constant lookout. Although head shaking and tilting are common dog ticks, especially when a dog hears something that sparks an interest in them, if they are constantly displaying  this behavior, it could be the case that they have an ear infection.

Redness or swelling in the ear is a definitive sign that your dog has an ear infection, as is an odd odor emitted from the ear or area around the ear. If your dog is constantly scratching his or her ear, then this could be a sign of an infection. Unusual behavior such as walking in circles, walking out of balance or unusual eye movement could point to a problem in the inner ear.

At Home Remedies

First and foremost, do not attempt to give your dog's ears a thorough cleaning. This can actually lead to more problems, as you may damage your pooch's inner ear. Most dogs' ears do not even demand cleaning. As far as cleaning goes, use a dry cotton swab and dab the area of the ear that you can see. Again, do not attempt to go inside of the ear into areas that you cannot see with your naked eye. Your dog's diet may need an adjustment, as well. If your dog has an ear infection, or you suspect they do, you may want to switch to a grain free diet. Grains have numerous elements that can lead to yeast and bacteria build up.

What The Vet Can Do

If you suspect that your dog has an ear infection, it is recommended that you bring your pet to the vet as soon as you possibly can. Your dog's vet can provide a number of treatments. First and foremost, he or she can diagnose the problem quite quickly in order to see if an ear infection was truly the source of your dog's recent change in behavior. Furthermore, he or she will be able to prescribe a number of medications that will be beneficial in clearing up the infection present in your pup. Topical creams and oral medications are among the most common forms of prescriptions that your dog will encounter.

Knowing that your dog is in pain is enough to cause you pain. With the information you've learned about your dog's potential ear infection and how it might very well be the source of his or her misery, you can now take steps to take care of the infection. For more information, contact a local animal clinic like 1st Pet Veterinary Centers - Chandler.