Ear infections are a common ailment for many dogs. From struggles with ear-mites, fungus, and allergies, to more serious inner ear infections, some dogs seem to fight a never ending battle that has them – and their owners – constantly scratching their heads. Many common outer ear problems can be prevented with a little extra effort and vigilance.

Veterinarians use antibiotics to treat severe ear infections, these may include antibiotic/anti-fungal/anti-inflammatory medicines like Otomax or Malotic. Some owners also choose to take a more holistic approach to dealing with their pups infections before resorting to medicines

Keeping the ears clean and free of debris is the simplest way to help stave off an infection in your pet. Keep the hair around the ears, clean and trimmed and check the ears periodically to make sure they dont have a buildup. Dogs with long floppy ears seem to pick up more debris than those with pricked ears. Be especially sure to do a quick cleaning after a hike or a trip to the beach.

Washing the ears is the next level of prevention. A simple solution of diluted white vinegar is a great way to eliminate common allergies. Use a solution of 1 part vinegar and two parts water to rinse the ear thoroughly before rinsing again using plain clean water. A 1:1 Hydrogen Peroxide/water solution also makes a good rinse and will sting less if your dog has been doing a lot of scratching. Be sure to dry your pups ears gently after youve cleaned them.

Commercial ear cleaners are often a step up from home-made solutions and for troublesome infections may go a step further to help keep your dogs irritations at bay. Many of the commercial varieties also come with an applicator which can make ear cleaning much easier on both the dog and their owner. Check with your local pet store.

One of the easiest ways to reduce all types of infections is to improve the quality of your dogs food. The fillers often used in cheap big brand dog foods offer little to know nutritional value. In addition to sometimes triggering allergies, non-nutritional fillers do your dog no good and only serve to add bulk to the product – and ultimately to your dogs too. Treat your pup to a healthy lifestyle by starting with a high quality dog food, check with your local specialty pet center for quality brands.

In spite of looking and smelling terrible, most ear infections only affect the outer ear. Keeping the ears clean and groomed will help reduce both the discomfort of common problems as well as the risk of greater infection. More serious infections to exist and you should be aware of the symptoms. If you notice your dog tilting their head more than normal, walking in circles, or showing signs of general clumsiness, it may be a sign of a more serious condition and you should schedule a trip to your local vet.

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