Common Causes of Ear Infections in Dogs
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Introduction – The Anatomy of the Canine Ear
Just as with humans, a dogs ears main function is hearing. The difference is the appearance. The outside part of a dogs ear is referred to as the Pinna and is sometimes floppy like on a Basset Hound or straight like a Corgi. The main function of the pinna is to funnel sound into the ear canal. While human ear canals are straight, dogs are shaped like the letter “L”. The ear canal is made up of the vertical or descending canal and the horizontal canal. The latter canal ends at the eardrum or tympanic membrane. In a dogs ear the eardrum is a clear membrane and separates the external middle an inner ear.
Common Causes for Ear Infections
The most common is an infection of the outside of the ear including the horizontal and vertical canals. This infection is referred to as Otitis Externa and is caused by three main reasons; ear mites, bacteria and yeast.
Ear Mites or Otodectes cynotis cause these ear infections. While they are most commonly found in puppies, any dog at any age can get them. They are contracted by exposure to other animals infected with them and can live on the head and neck as well.
Staphylococcus is the most common cause of bacteria related ear infections. Malassezia is the most commonly seen cause of yeast related ear infections. These two types of infections are seen more frequently than ear mite infections. However, there are predisposing factors that make your dog susceptible. They include:
Ear canal conformation – Ear canals that are very small or longer than normal retain debris and moisture that can lead to an ear infection.
Excessive Ear Canal Hair – When there is too much hair in the ear canal, it tends to trap debris and retain water which leads to ear infections.
Swimming or living in humid areas – Water retained in the horizontal canal after swimming can lead to an ear infection. In humid climates, water from the air may accumulate in the ear canal leading to an ear infection.
Floppy or folded over pinnae – Pinnae that cover the opening of the vertical canal may result in retention of water and debris which can lead to an ear infection.
Allergies to Food – Not only will food allergies cause skin problems; they can also alter the environment of the ear canal. When this happens excess moisture is retained and results in ear infections.
Seasonal or Inhalant Allergies – This is also known as Atopy. If a dog has an allergic reaction to grass, trees, mold, dust and other environmental factors it can affect the environment of the ear canal. When this occurs, moisture accumulates creating an ear infection along with skin afflictions.
Systemic Diseases – Diseases that affect the endocrine system such as hypothyroidism can affect the skin and the immune system. When both of these systems are compromised, an ear infection can occur.
A growth or foreign object in the ear – A growth or foreign object in the ear can trap water and debris in the ear canal leading to an infection.
Excessive Ear Cleaning – If you clean your dogs ears too much, this can leave behind moisture and cleanser which can irritate and collect debris which then leads to infection.
Heather Fox is an experienced veterinarian who loves to write and share her experiences and knowledge about her job. She started an online classroom at Clivir.com where she provide more information about Dog Flea Allergy Dermatitis and Dog Urinary Tract Infections Treatment.
