Ear infection, or Otitis Externa, is very common in dogs with long and floppy ears. These types of infections are in the top ten reasons why dogs go to the vet in the first place.

An estimated twenty percent of dogs have an ear infection at least once in their lives.

The major causes of them are by fungus, parasites and bacterias. Lab tests can usually identify the primary cause without many problems, at all.

There are many diagnostic tests that your vet can do to identify the cause and to lay out a good treatment plan for you. They will take into special account your dogs medical history and perform a complete physical on him/her.

They might decide to take a small sample of the discharge or mass, if any have formed. This sample will them be viewed underneath a microscope to help with an accurate diagnosis.

If your dog has a recurring problem or has not responded well to treatment, in the past, they might require some additional tests. These include: More thorough lab testing of samples, radiographs, allergy tests, complete blood count, skin scraping and a biochemical profile.

A treatment plan is going to require aftercare of your dog. Make sure that you are clear on how to administer the medicine to your dog’s ears before you leave the vet office. Also, make sure that you return to the vet if they have set any follow-up appointments.

You want to not use cotton swabs when cleaning your pets ears. This will only push the infection further up into the ear and likely cause the situation to become worse. The ears should be cleaned each time before medicine is given.

After a bath or swim make sure that you dry your dogs ears and also check to make sure that no foreign matter has become stuck there.

If you notice your dog shaking his/her head, notice swelling, smell an odd odor, see a discharge you should go see the vet as soon as possible.

It is easy to confuse otitis externa with other medical conditions. 55% of dogs that deal with atophy, or itchy skin disease, also have symptoms inside their ears. Allergies to things they eat or come into contact with can also be confused with an ear infection. Parasites, such as ear mites, can also mimic this common condition.

Make sure that your vet follows through on testing so that you can attack this problem head on and allow your dog to live a happier and healthier life.

Ear Dr. is a natural, safe and effective blend of herbal ingredients in a medicinal olive oil base, all specially selected to treat and prevent ear infections and ear mites without the side effects of prescription drugs or the health and environmental risks associated with commercial synthetic pesticides. Ear Dr. can provide safe yet effective relief from your pet’s ear problems and helps to prevent the spread of mites from one pet to another.