Ear infections in dogs can cause minor irritation, but can even be life-threatening if left untreated for too long. The type and cause of the ear infection usually determine what kind of treatment is needed and what type of medications will suffice.
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A dog ear infection may result from:
- Allergies – Allergies to food, environment, or pollen are the most common cause of ear infections in dogs. Dogs that have allergies will often rub their ears and scratch them incessantly. The ears may also be red and inflamed.
- Foreign objects inserted into the ear canal – Another common cause of infection is when some object becomes lodged in the ear canal, such as a grass awn, insect, or bead. These objects can cause inflammation and a build-up of wax, which will provide the perfect environment for bacteria or yeast to grow.
- Mites – Mites are tiny, minuscule parasites that live in the ear canal and cause irritation and itchiness.
- Yeast or bacteria build-up due to excessive moisture in the ear – Yeast is a biological type of fungus that can cause infection and often result from moisture accumulation in the ear canal. Bacteria can also cause infection when there is excessive wax build-up.
Early on, noticing ear infections in your dog is essential to prevent the infection from worsening and affecting their entire body. Using colloidal silver for dog ear infection, most of these conditions are treatable, resulting in minimal discomfort for both you and your canine friend.
Treating Ear Infections
If you suspect your dog has an ear infection, it is essential to take them to the veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. Your regular veterinarian will most likely want to perform a physical exam and order laboratory tests to determine the type of infection.
The doctor may even require an X-ray to determine if there are any foreign objects in the ear canal, which can be challenging to find. Your veterinarian will clean your dog’s ears with a unique cleanser and prescribe antibiotics or antifungal medication depending on the culture results.
Natural Treatments for Dog Ear Infections
Some alternative treatments can help treat and prevent ear infections in dogs. They include:
Colloidal Silver
Using colloidal silver for dog ear infection treatments is not uncommon. It is an antibiotic agent without the side effects, making it ideal for treating your dog’s condition. Add a few drops of quality colloidal silver to your dog’s ear once or twice a day until the condition has improved. It is essential not to use silver on dogs with kidney problems.
CBD Products
Cannabinoid oil or CBD dog treats are also pretty handy when it comes to treating ear infections and other pet illnesses. The oil has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and can help alleviate pain and discomfort. CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning, it will not give your dog a “high.”
Probiotics
Adding probiotics to your dog’s diet can also help prevent and treat ear infections. Probiotics are beneficial bacterial organisms that help keep the gut and other body areas healthy. They help fight off harmful bacteria and fungus, leading to ear infections. You can find probiotics in some foods, but they are often added to commercial dog food.
Thus, ear infections and other canine conditions are common problems in dogs and can be caused by various things. These canine conditions are usually easy to treat when diagnosed early but can cause significant discomfort for the dog.
