The Most Common Causes of Ear Infections in Dogs
Introduction – The Anatomy of the Canine Ear
A dogs ears are the same as a persons ears in that their main function is hearing. Dog ears just do not look like peoples ears. The outside part of the ear is called the pinna. In some dogs it is floppy (like a Basset Hound) and in some dogs it stands up (like a Corgi). The pinna helps to funnel sound into the ear canal. Whereas people have a straight ear canal, the ear canal in the dog is a little L shaped. It is made up of the vertical (descending) canal and the horizontal canal. The horizontal canal ends at the eardrum, or tympanic membrane. The eardrum is a transparent membrane that separates the external ear from the middle and inner ear.
Common Causes of Dog Ear Infections
The most common ear infection in dogs is an infection of the external part of the ear including the horizontal and vertical canals. This type of infection is called otitis externa. Otitis externa in dogs is really only caused by three things, namely ear mites, bacteria and yeast.
Otodectes cynotis or ear mites are the cause of this ear infection. It is most commonly found in puppies, but can be contracted at any age. It is highly contagious and is transferred from one infected animal to the next. These mites can also live on the head and neck.
Staphylococcus is the most common cause of bacteria related ear infections. Malassezia is the most commonly seen cause of yeast related ear infections. These two types of infections are seen more frequently than ear mite infections. However, there are predisposing factors that make your dog susceptible. They include:
Ear Canal Conformation – If a dogs ear is longer or smaller than normal, this will allow for moisture and debris to become trapped more easily, thus resulting in infection.
Over Abundance of Hair in the Canal – This excess amount of hair is the perfect tool for trapping debris and holding onto water which can lead to an infection.
Residing in Humid Climates or Swimming – In a humid environment, water from the air can become trapped in the ear. In addition, a dog that swims can end up with water retained in both the horizontal and vertical canals, both of which can lead to infection.
Floppy or folded over pinnae – Pinnae that cover the opening of the vertical canal may result in retention of water and debris which can lead to an ear infection.
Allergies to Food – Not only will food allergies cause skin problems; they can also alter the environment of the ear canal. When this happens excess moisture is retained and results in ear infections.
Seasonal or Inhalant Allergies – This is also known as Atopy. If a dog has an allergic reaction to grass, trees, mold, dust and other environmental factors it can affect the environment of the ear canal. When this occurs, moisture accumulates creating an ear infection along with skin afflictions.
Systemic Diseases – Some diseases of the endocrine system, such as hypothyroidism, change the environment of the skin and decrease the ability of the immune system to fight off infection. The combination of these things can lead to ear infection.
A Growth or Foreign Object – If there is an abnormal mass or some kind of foreign particle in the ear, it can trap debris and moisture causing an ear infection.
Over Ear leaning – If a dog’s ears are cleaned too often, excess water and cleanser can be left behind. These two things can trap debris and eventually lead to an ear infection.
Heather Fox is an experience veterinarian who loves to share her knowledge about Dog Diseases Symptoms. She has an online classroom at Clivir.com where you can find more of her articles about Ear Infections in Dogs.
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