Introduction
Ear infections are a common health problem for dogs. The medical term for ear infections is otitis externa, which refers to inflammation of the outer ear canal. Ear infections in dogs often cause symptoms like head shaking and scratching at the ears. In some cases, they may also lead to secondary symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.
When a dog has an ear infection, the normal bacteria and yeast levels in the ear become imbalanced. This allows an overgrowth of harmful organisms that irritate the ear canal. Inflammation and infection set in, causing redness, swelling, itchiness, and pain. Dogs will shake their heads and scratch their ears in an attempt to relieve the irritation.
While most dogs with ear infections experience symptoms localized to the ears, some may also develop vomiting and diarrhea. This is because the nerves that supply the ears connect to nerves from the gastrointestinal tract. The inflammation from the ear infection can travel along these connected nerves, leading to nausea and intestinal upset in some dogs.
What Are Ear Infections in Dogs?
Ear infections, medically known as otitis externa, are a common health problem for dogs. An ear infection is an inflammation of the outer ear canal, which runs from the outer ear to the eardrum.
They occur when bacteria, yeast, or other microorganisms proliferate in the ear canal, causing inflammation, redness, swelling, pain, and discharge. The most common causes of ear infections in dogs include:
- Allergies – Allergies to food, medication, grass, pollen, etc. can trigger ear inflammation.
- Excess moisture – Swimming, bathing, excessive humidity, and other moisture sources allow microbes to thrive.
- Ear mites – Microscopic mites that live in the ear canal can irritate it.
- Foreign objects – Grass, seeds, burrs, etc. trapped in the ear canal can cause infections.
There are several types of ear infections in dogs:
- Otitis externa – Infection of the outer ear canal
- Otitis media – Infection of the middle ear
- Otitis interna – Infection of the inner ear
While any part of a dog’s ear can become infected, otitis externa is by far the most common type of ear infection.
Common Symptoms of Ear Infections
The most common symptoms of ear infections in dogs include:
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Head shaking or head tilting – Dogs will often shake their heads or tilt them to one side when they have an ear infection. The head tilt is their attempt to relieve pressure in the ear.
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Scratching or rubbing the ears – In an attempt to relieve itchiness and irritation, dogs will often scratch or rub their ears with their paws or rub their heads on furniture or the floor.
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Odor – Infected ears often give off a very unpleasant odor. A yeasty or musty smell is common.
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Redness and swelling – The ears will frequently become red and swollen inside. The ear flap may also become red and swollen.
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Discharge – Infected ears commonly have a discharge. It may be black and waxy or yellowish-green and pus-like.
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Hearing loss – The infection itself plus the swelling and discharge can lead to hearing loss in the affected ear.
If your dog is displaying any of these symptoms, it likely has an ear infection that requires veterinary attention and treatment.
Less Common Symptoms
While ear infections in dogs typically cause symptoms around the ears and head, they can sometimes also lead to issues elsewhere in the body. Some less common symptoms to watch out for include:
Vomiting and Diarrhea – Gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhea are occasionally seen with ear infections. This is likely because the infection irritates the nerves that control balance and nausea. It’s also possible for the infection to spread and cause secondary issues.
Loss of Balance – Since ear infections affect the vestibular system, responsible for balance, you may notice your dog becoming dizzy, walking in circles, falling over, or leaning to one side. This is called vestibular syndrome.
Appetite Loss – Ear pain, nausea, and not feeling well can cause a loss of appetite in dogs with infections. This may lead to weight loss if the infection persists.
Lethargy – Feeling ill from an infection can make dogs tired and less energetic. They may sleep more and not want to exercise or play.
Head Tilt – Persistent head tilting or holding the head at an odd angle can indicate an inner ear infection. This occurs as the dog tries to find a position that minimizes dizziness and discomfort.
If you notice any of these less common symptoms in your dog along with signs of ear issues, make an appointment with your vet. Prompt treatment is important to alleviate discomfort and prevent the infection from worsening.
Why Vomiting & Diarrhea Occur
There are a few reasons why ear infections in dogs can sometimes lead to vomiting and diarrhea:
Infection Spreading: Ear infections are often caused by bacteria or yeast overgrowth. These infections can spread from the ears to the throat and gastrointestinal tract, leading to vomiting and diarrhea. The infection irritates the stomach and intestines, causing inflammation that results in vomiting and diarrhea.
Toxin Absorption: Some types of bacteria that cause ear infections, like Pseudomonas, can produce toxins. These toxins can be absorbed into the bloodstream through the inflamed ear tissue. Once in the blood, the toxins circulate and can irritate the stomach and intestines. This irritation stimulates vomiting and diarrhea.
Medication Side Effects: Certain medications used to treat ear infections, like antibiotics and anti-inflammatories, can sometimes cause vomiting or diarrhea as side effects. Broad-spectrum antibiotics in particular can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the gut, leading to diarrhea. The inflammation-reducing effects of certain medications may also contribute to these gastrointestinal side effects.
So in summary, the spread of infection, toxin absorption, and medication side effects are the main reasons why dogs with ear infections may also experience secondary symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.
Diagnosing Ear Infections
Veterinarians use a variety of diagnostic tests and procedures to diagnose ear infections in dogs. The first step is a thorough physical examination of the ears, looking for redness, inflammation, discharge, debris, and other signs of infection. The veterinarian will also take the dog’s temperature, as fever can indicate infection.
To identify the specific cause of the infection, the vet will take a swab of the ear discharge and examine it under a microscope. This helps determine if yeast, bacteria, or mites are causing the infection. Cultures may be taken to identify the specific strain of bacteria or fungus.
Blood tests are sometimes performed to check white blood cell count and look for other indicators of infection. Imaging such as x-rays or ultrasound may be used to check for structural problems or growths in the ear canal.
These diagnostic tests allow the veterinarian to positively identify the type of infection and select the appropriate medication for treatment. Proper diagnosis of ear infections is key to relieving symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea that can sometimes accompany ear infections in dogs.
Here are the most common treatment options for ear infections in dogs:
Treating Ear Infections
If your dog is diagnosed with an ear infection, the veterinarian will likely prescribe medication to treat it. The most common treatments include:
- Ear drops – These contain antibiotics, antifungals, and/or steroids to fight infection and reduce inflammation in the ear canal. They are applied directly in the problematic ear. Common prescription ear drops include Mometamax, Otomax, and Posatex.
- Oral antibiotics – Antibiotics like Amoxicillin help fight bacterial infections. They are often prescribed along with prescription ear drops.
- Oral anti-inflammatories – Drugs like prednisone help reduce swelling and inflammation. Severe infections may require these medications.
- Topical antifungals – Antifungal creams containing miconazole may be prescribed for yeast infections.
In mild cases, over-the-counter ear cleansers and antibiotic ointments may be recommended. More severe infections require prescription medication from your vet. Be sure to finish the entire course of treatment even if your dog’s symptoms improve.
Sometimes a follow-up vet visit is needed to ensure the infection has been fully resolved. Contact your vet if your dog’s condition does not improve within 5-7 days of starting treatment.
Home Remedies
While home remedies cannot cure an ear infection in dogs, some simple solutions can help provide symptom relief as you wait for medication to take effect or decide if a vet visit is needed. Here are some natural home remedies to consider:
Warm Compresses
Applying a warm compress to the outer ear area can help soothe pain and discomfort. Use a clean washcloth or towel soaked in warm water. Apply for 3-5 minutes as needed for relief.
Vinegar & Water
Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water. Use a dropper or cotton ball to apply 2-3 drops into the affected ear canal. The vinegar can help restore normal pH levels and has antibacterial properties to fight infection. Be sure to properly clean and dry the ears after use.
While home care can help, ear infections often require medication prescribed by a veterinarian. Seek prompt veterinary attention if symptoms persist or worsen. Home remedies should only be used alongside proper medical treatment as recommended by your vet.
Preventing Ear Infections
Preventing ear infections in dogs starts with keeping their ears clean and dry. Here are some tips for prevention:
- Clean your dog’s ears regularly with a gentle, veterinarian-approved ear cleanser. Be sure to only clean the outer part of the ear canal and avoid going too deep inside. Follow product instructions carefully. How often you need to clean depends on your dog’s breed and ear shape.
- After baths or swimming, gently dry your dog’s ears with a soft towel or cotton ball to remove moisture. Moisture breeds bacteria and yeast.
- Treat any underlying allergies, which can cause inflammation and increase ear infections. Work with your vet on hypoallergenic diets and/or allergy medication if allergies are a recurring issue.
- Don’t allow foreign objects like grass, dirt or food into the ears during grooming or playtime.
- Avoid using cotton swabs or other objects to clean inside ears as these can cause injury.
- Keep hair around ears trimmed to allow for better air circulation.
- Use a humidifier to reduce environmental allergens at home.
- Avoid exposing your dog to cigarette smoke, which can irritate ears.
- Make sure ears are fully dried after baths, swimming, or other water activities.
With prompt treatment and proper preventive ear care, you can help keep your dog comfortable and reduce the incidence of chronic or serious ear infections.
When to See a Vet
In most cases, ear infections in dogs can be treated at home with cleaning and medication. However, it’s important to monitor your dog’s condition and see a vet if symptoms persist or worsen.
You should make an appointment with your veterinarian if:
- The infection does not improve within 7-10 days of starting home treatment
- Symptoms like head shaking, scratching, redness or swelling get worse
- New symptoms develop like balance issues or hearing loss
- Vomiting, diarrhea or appetite loss continues beyond 24 hours
- There is pus or blood coming from the ears
- Your dog seems in distress or pain
A veterinarian can properly examine your dog’s ears with an otoscope, determine the type of infection, and prescribe the appropriate medication. They may also recommend further treatment like flushing the ears or a deep cleaning under anesthesia.
Left untreated, some ear infections can lead to permanent damage of the ear canal or eardrum. It’s important not to wait too long before seeking professional veterinary care if home treatment is not improving the infection.