Outer ear infections are one of the more frustrating health problems that pet parents face. While ear infection signs are not hard to spot, determining the cause of them and making them go away—and stay away—can be tricky.
It’s tough to see your dog struggling with outer ear infection symptoms, which often include:
- Head shaking
- Redness and swelling within the ears
- Frequent scratching at the ears
- Discharge and an odor from the ears
You may feel so desperate to relieve your dog’s discomfort that you are willing try anything. However, don’t be misled by these four common myths about ear infections.
Myth 1: Apple cider vinegar can cure ear infections
Apple cider vinegar is sometimes heralded as a household “cure all.” Whether or not it is a helpful substance in some instances, apple cider vinegar should not be used in an attempt to heal a dog’s ear infection. If a dog has an existing infection, apple cider vinegar will not cure it, and delaying effective treatment will only make the infection worse and harder to eventually treat.
If you’re trying to prevent an infection, you may be able to use apple cider vinegar as part of an ear-cleaning solution. Keep in mind, however, that some homemade cleaning solutions can actually encourage infection, and all cleansers can make matters worse if used incorrectly. Before you use any cleanser, discuss the ingredients and proper ear cleaning techniques with your veterinarian.
Myth 2: You can reuse leftover medication from a previous infection
If your dog has already had an infection, you might be tempted to use leftover medications. Similarly, you might want to give the medication prescribed for one pet’s infection to another pet. However, it’s important for your veterinarian to examine your pet before you provide any treatment, even if the situation appears similar to one that has happened before.
Ear infection treatment varies from case to case because infections are caused by a number of different microbes and can have variable effects on the ear. Before the right treatment can be prescribed, a veterinarian needs to examine the ear and collect a sample for diagnosis.
Bacterial infections are treated differently from yeast infections in dogs, and different types of bacteria require individualized antibiotic therapy. Providing your dog with medication from a previous flare-up could end up exacerbating the infection. If your dog’s eardrum has ruptured, using the wrong type of medication could even lead to permanent deafness.
Myth 3: Cleaning your dog’s ears can fix an infection
Canine ear infections usually develop as a result of a separate, underlying condition. This is why ear infections frequently return after treatment is discontinued. If the primary problem isn’t fixed, the infection will continue to come back.
Allergies, whether environmental or food-related, are a common reason for recurrent ear infections. Foreign material, trauma, tumors and hormonal disorders are also potential causes, and certain breeds are more susceptible to ear infections based on the anatomy of the ears.
Cleaning may be part of ear infection treatment or prevention, but simply cleaning your dog’s ears will not eliminate an active infection or deal with the underlying problem.
Myth 4: Plucking a dog’s ears prevents infections
Some groomers recommend plucking hair from within the ear canal as a preventative measure in some breeds. Since moist ears are prone to infection, the theory is that plucking ears prevents debris from becoming trapped in the ear canal, thereby promoting airflow and a dry environment.
However, if your dog is prone to ear infections, it’s unlikely that, by itself, removing ear hair is going to make a big difference one way or the other. Performed incorrectly, plucking can also be painful and lead to inflammation, which may actually predispose pets to infection.
Talk to your veterinarian if you think your dog is suffering from an ear infection or has a history of recurrent ear infections. Your vet is in the best position to offer you individualized advice that will best match the current needs of your dog.