As previously mentioned, dog’s ears are very open to the elements and they have no way of properly cleaning out the ears on their own. Because of this fact, foreign objects such as bugs, grass, sticks, bacteria and more can get inside the ear and irritate it. If your dog has allergies, any flare ups can also cause the ears to become red and itchy. Bacterial infections and yeast infections are also common causes for red ears in dogs.
Foreign Bodies
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When it comes to the outdoors, there is quite an extensive list of foreign objects that can become a problem for your dog’s ears. Even something as simple as a piece of grass can be extremely irritating when lodged inside the ear. If you notice that your dog is shaking his head and pawing constantly, accompanied with redness of the ear, there may be something stuck inside the canal. Never stick anything down inside the ear as you may puncture the eardrum. If the object is easily retrieved, do so yourself. Otherwise, you may need to see a veterinarian in order to remove the foreign body safely.
Ear Mites
These microscopic, spider-like bugs can make your pet really miserable when they overrun the ears. Typically, ear mites affect younger dogs, but older dogs can contract them through contact with an animal already carrying mites. Monitor your dog carefully if you begin to notice irritation around the ears. Your dog may shake his head often as well as paw at the ears. This behavior, paired with redness and occasional discharge, might be a sign of ear mite infestation. You will want to get your dog to the veterinarian for a thorough cleaning and medication to keep the mites at bay. Treatment usually involves ear drops used for a week or two, depending on the severity.
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Parasites
Ear mites aren’t the only little bugs that can cause big problems. Other examples or parasites that can cause ear redness are, mange mites, fleas, and ticks. If you notice any of the signs mentioned in the previous paragraph (shaking the head, pawing, redness, itchiness, discharge) you may need to take your pet to the veterinarian for a checkup and ear cleaning.
Allergies
When the seasons change, allergies can become a serious headache. When ears become irritated due to allergies, the cycle typically consists of three steps.
- When an allergy causing agent is inhaled or ingested, the ears will then become inflamed in response; this cases the ears to overwork and therefore produce extra wax and secretions
- The extra warmth and moisture from secretions attracts organisms that love this kind of environment, thus creating the perfect setting for bacteria and yeast to grow
- Lastly, thanks to the increase of bacteria and yeast, the ears become further red and inflamed, making the allergic reaction even worse
Such a situation can make your dog truly miserable. If he suffers from allergies, the best thing that you can do is carefully follow your veterinarian’s instructions on medication and how to properly clean the ear. You can also use a warm compress to help ease any swelling, itching, and redness.
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Bacterial Infections
A bacterial infection is sometimes a secondary response to another process. This means that if your dog has experienced a foreign body in the ear or perhaps mites, a bacterial infection can occur due to the damage created by the initial irritant.
Yeast Infections
Just like with bacterial infections, yeast infections can be a secondary consequence of a previous irritant.
When determining whether or not your pet needs to see a veterinarian for his ear issues, it is important to remember that cleaning an ear is a very delicate process. So, despite what may be causing your dog’s ear to become red, you may want to seek medical assistance from your veterinarian if a deep cleaning is required.
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