Is your dog constantly scratching at his or her ears? Dog ear irritation is common and can be sparked by a variety of things, including a fungal or yeast infection of the ear.
Signs of dog ear irritation include:
- Scratching and pawing at ears
- Head shaking
- Red or swollen ears
- Unusual odor coming from ears
What Causes Dog Ear Irritation & Dog Ear Fungus?
Most dog ear infections are caused by yeast and bacteria. Ear mites are another common problem (especially with puppies) that may need to be eliminated. Your vet can swab your pet’s ears for a sample to view under a microscope and determine the type of microorganism to blame.
Dogs who spend a lot of time swimming are more prone to ear issues because water can become trapped in the ear. Moisture from grooming or bathing may also be to blame. Any type of moisture in the ear canal creates an ideal environment for microorganisms to thrive. It’s important to clean ears and remove moisture on a regular basis.
Another possible cause of dog ear irritation is an allergy to something in your dog’s environment, for instance certain plants, pollen, mold, dust mites, and even certain foods can spark ear infections. Dogs that are predisposed to ear infections may undergo a reaction to allergens in which microscopic inflammation of the skin occurs, creating an ideal environment for bacteria and yeast, which are naturally present in the skin, to overproduce and create irritation and infection.
#1 Home Remedy for Dog Ear Irritation & Infection
No matter if your dog’s ear infection is caused by an allergy or moisture exposure, the first step is to clean out their ears using a gentle cleanser. Be prepared for the fact that this can be rather painful. Fill the ear canal with the solution and then use a cotton ball to massage the ear at the base. The cotton allows the liquid to move throughout the ear canal, absorbing debris and excess solution. Once the ear is clean, let it dry for about 10 minutes. Once dry, you can add a medicated ointment or drop, such as Wrinkle Balm.
Wrinkle Balm is made from all-natural ingredients that are carefully sourced for the love of dogs. Apply a generous amount of Wrinkle Balm to the affected area and your pup’s ears will improve. It’s safe to apply on the underside of the ear, but avoid applying the balm inside the ear canal.
Products to avoid using on your dog’s ears:
- Small Q-Tip swabs
- Rubbing alcohol—this will further irritate and inflame skin
If your dog’s ears do not improve or seem to be getting worse, make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible.
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