Ear Infections in Dogs Why Cleaning Your Dog's Ears is Important

Ear Infections in Dogs
Why Cleaning Your Dog's Ears is Important

Cocker Spaniels Prone to Ear Infections
Dog owners who notice head shaking, ear scratching, or tilted head in their pet may be seeing symptoms of ear infection which needs prompt treatment for cure.

Ear infections are quite common in dogs. Although any dog can get an ear infection, breeds such as Cocker Spaniels with heavy pendulous ears and Yorkshire Terriers with lots of hair inside the ears are most susceptible.
Causes

Ear infections are most commonly caused by bacteria, yeast, or mites. Anything that impairs drainage and promotes moisture in the ear such as waxy buildup, dirt, hair mats, growths, or ticks can bring on infection. Sometimes pollen, dust, mold, fleas, and even certain foods can cause irritation within the ear.
Symptoms

Dogs with an ear infection may scratch at the ear, shake their heads excessively or hold their heads tilted, or scoot the side of the heads with the infected ear along the ground or carpet. They may shy away from being petted around the ears. Upon examination, dog owners may find the ear to be red and irritated or filled with dark or yellowish discharge. Often a smelly odor is detected.
Prevention
Regular cleanings with a good ear cleansing solution go a long way toward preventing ear infections. Dogs with hair growing inside the ears will benefit from keeping it clipped.