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Some dogs have ears that stand straight up. Others have ears that hang down. And some dogs' ears are well-furred, while others are covered in smooth, short hair. No matter what kind your dog has, his ears enable him to pick up far more sounds than humans can. Listen up to learn more about common disorders that affect two of your dog's most sensitive organs.
Ever seen your pet shake his head and scratch his ears? On occasion this is quite normal, especially when he's just awoke from a nap. But persistent, insistent scratching and head shaking can indicate a serious problem.
Catch Serious Dog Ear Problems Early
If a thick, yellow discharge is present, for example, along with a loss of balance, you dog may have a bacterial infection of the inner ear. If the inside of the ear looks red and inflamed, you pet may be suffering from an allergy. Flea infestation also can bring on ear scratching, so it's smart to start a flea-control program before the season starts.
Canine Ear Problems Can Be Caused by Parasites
Furious scratching is also associated with an infestation of ear mites, one of the most common reasons for a visit to the veterinarian. If your dog has a dark-brown, pungent-smelling wax in his ears, or a crusty residue that looks a little like coffee grounds, he may have mites. These tiny, eight-legged parasites feed on the lining of your pet's ear canal and cause great irritation. When your dog attempts to get relief by scratching, the ear canal becomes inflamed. Left untreated, the infection could spread to the middle and inner ear.
A loss of hair on or around the ears is also commonly seen in dogs. This can be caused by sarcoptic mange, which often infests the tips of a dog's ears. Ringworm can also cause itchy, crusty patches and hair loss. And some breeds, including Yorkshire terriers, may lose all the hair on their ears as they age.
As your dog grows older, he may experience gradual hearing loss. This is a natural process of aging. But deafness can also be the result of chronic middle ear infections, drug reactions, tumors, head injuries and even loud noises. Impaired hearing is an inherited condition in some breeds of dogs, including boxers, dalmatians, collies and bull terriers. ANIMED recommends that you check your dog's ears regularly. Look for any lumps, bumps, discharge or skin irritation. If you suspect that your pet has an ear disorder, call your veterinarian immediately.
For more information on ear mites, please checkout the topic EAR MITES.
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