Clean, odour-free, pale pink colour and a minimal accumulation
of wax are indications of healthy ears.
Check your pet's ears regularly.

Signs of Ear Disease

• Unpleasant odour

• Excessive scratching and pawing of the ear and head

• Sensitivity to touch, often resulting in pain

• Constant tilting/shaking of the head to one side

• Black or yellowish discharge

• Redness or swelling of the ear flap (pinna) or canal

• Changes in behaviour like listlessness, depression or irritability

• Accumulation of dark brown wax

• Loss of balance or hearing and disorientation

• Bleeding or discharge resembling coffee grinds

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Causes of Ear Disease
Some breeds are more susceptible than others, including dogs with pendulous ears (such as labradors, beagles, cavaliers, cocker spaniels etc) or dogs with hairy inner ear flaps. Dogs with allergies are also at risk.

Otitis Externa infection of the external ear canal and Otitis Media, infection of the middle ear are usually caused by bacteria and/or yeast. Other possibilities include accumulation of wax, matted hair, debris or a foreign object lodged in the ear canal. When seeking treatment, act quickly. If your dog has an ear infection, they will be in considerable discomfort. Antibiotic drops are used for bacterial infections while antifungal drops are used for yeast. Ear infections can also be indicative of other problems such as underlying allergies. We can determine this during your visit and suggest the best course of action.

Ear Mites are common parasites that are highly contagious, often contracted from pet to pet. Excessive itching is the most common sign. Ear mites create dark, crumbly debris that look like coffee grinds.

Aural Haematoma means blood has accumulated in the ear flap (pinna). The exact cause of this condition in many cases is still unknown, but can sometimes be caused by vigorous head shaking, scratching or trauma to the ear area resulting in damage to the blood vessels, often set off by infection, mites, fleas or debris.

Deafness, usually brought on by age, trauma, loud noise or infection, can also be hereditary or born with it. Unfortunately, once diagnosed with clinical deafness, it is a lifelong condition. 

Prevention
Ear cleaning solution used on an appropriate basis can be helpful in maintaining your dog's ears healthy. In your visit we can determine the best one for your dog.

How to Administer Ear Drops or Ointment to Dogs

• Clean the external ear thoroughly with an ear bud or cotton ball.

• Gently pull the ear flap over the head and drop the medication into the lowest opening of the ear canal. If you are getting resistance you might just be in one of the cartilage pockets. We will show you how to administer if needed.

• Gently massage the ear area to help work the medication deeper into the ear canal. If there is enough medication in the ear, you may just begin to hear a "squishing" noise as you massage.