Tim Couzens Holistic Vet — dog ear irritation

What is Otitis Externa? This is an inflammation of the outer part of the ear, including the ear flap and the ear canal right down to the ear drum. You can see the ear flap and the very top of the ear canal quite easily, but the deep ear canal itself is tricky to see as it’s a horn shaped narrowing tube with a bend towards the ear drum at the bottom. Why do some dogs get otitis externa? The L shaped bend in the ear canal of dogs does not help as it helps trap wax and debris but...

Ear problems are far more common in dogs compared to cats What are the signs and symptoms? Shaking the head from side to side Scratching the ears or rubbing them along the floor Red sore ear flaps An unusual smell Excess wax production, usually brown or black in colour An unusual discharge which may smell What causes ear problems? A foreign body in the ear canal, usually dogs often involving grass awns. This problem needs urgent veterinary attention Dirty water getting into the ear, leading to an infection, usually dogs from swimming. This is a problem that resolves quickly with...