Ear infections are a very common problem for many dogs. They are uncomfortable, odorous and if left alone can progress to other more serious issues.
Ear infections happen for a number of reasons. They can be caused by a buildup of bacteria, yeast, ear mites, hair or a simple an allergic reaction to food or something in their environment. No matter the cause, it must be treated.
The first step to treating an infected ear is to determine what is causing it. The veterinarian can do what is called “ear cytology”, which is taking a swab of the inside of the ear and looking at it microscopically. What is seen under the microscope will determine what medication will resolve the problem. The next step is to clean the ear. This is best left to the veterinarian and the staff at the vet hospital. They have the proper ear cleaning solution and tools to do the best job.
Once the ear is clean the veterinarian will prescribe a medication for you to use at home to completely resolve the infection. It is very important to use the medication for the full extent of the indicated time, because even though symptoms may disappear, the cause will not be fully eliminated until the medications are finished.