Ear infections in dogs are often a result of poor ear care routines and practices by the owners. Some breeds, however, are much more likely to get ear infections just because of the type of ears that they have. Dogs that have a lot of "leather" on the ears, which is the long flap of ear that covers the opening of the ear, are more likely to have problems with ear infections than dogs that have pricked or erect types of ears. This only makes sense as less air enters the ear to promote drying and provide oxygen to the area to prevent bacterial growth.
Dog Ear Infections And Bacteria
Any type of dog can get water in their ear or ears or have an excessive production of wax in the ear. Once this happens and the water or wax is not removed naturally or by the owner, the conditions are right for nasty bacteria to move in and get started breeding and creating irritations and ear infections.
The actual veterinary medical term for an external ear infections is otitis externa and it is characterized by:
• Redness and heat to the ear or ear flap
• Excessive scratching of the ears
• Rubbing the head on the ground
• Sensitivity to being touched around or on the ears
• Discharge from the ear draining down the face
• Foul, yeasty smelling discharge
• Tilting of the head in combination with scratching and rubbing
• Constant shaking of the head as if to dislodge something in the ear
