German Shepherds Ear Problems or infections are not just common in German Shepherds, but in all dog breeds. One of the main problems that affect dogs is earache, an alteration often seen among veterinarians.
Owners of a dog with an ear infection knows that this can be a very uncomfortable nuisance for your pet. This change, unfortunately, is quite common, since pets’ ears are constantly exposed, leading to the triggering of ear inflammation – better known as canine otitis.
As much as the occurrence of a dog with ear pain is very common, this is a change that needs to be diagnosed as soon as possible, as this type of inflammation can become chronic and cause serious damage to the animals’ ears, often leading to loss of hearing.
How do you tell if a German Shepherd has an ear infection?
This is a question many German Shepherd owners keep asking, and there’s no better way to answer it that given you all the symptoms of the ear infections in german shepherds.
German Shepherd Ear Problems: symptoms, causes, treatment, and prevention
The major ear infection in Dogs, especially the German Shepherds is known as canine otitis. Once you are observant enough as a owner, you can easily recognize the symptoms of an ear infection.
If your pet is infected with Canine Otitis, it starts to whimper, as well as scratch and shake its ears frequently. It can be caused by the presence of bacteria, fungi, parasites (ticks, ear scabies), excess wax, presence of water in the ear canal, as well as lack of hygiene or the ear shape itself. So, know the causes of ear infections and how to clean your German Shepherd’s ear.
What breeds are most affected by canine otitis
Ear infections are common conditions in dogs, especially those with floppy ears, as they do not receive adequate ventilation:
- Cocker Spaniel;
- Basset Hound;
- Golden Retriever;
- Dachshund;
- Irish Setter;
- L Abrader Retriever;
- German Shepherd (has a pricked ear but is also affected);
- Dachshund
An estimated 20% of dogs have some form of ear disease, which can affect one or both ears. Fortunately, there are measures to reduce the severity of this problem.
What Kinds Of Ear Infections Are There In German Shepherds?
Presently, we have three types of German Shepherd ear problems or infections. These infections are known as otitis externa, otitis media, and Otitis interna:
- Otitis externa – inflammation affects the layer of cells that lines the outside of the ear canal.
- Otitis media – refer to infections of the middle ear canal. These infection usually result from the spread of the outer ear infection. Otitis media can be very serious and can result in deafness or facial paralysis.
- Otitis interna – This is inflammation of the inner ear, and is caused most often by a bacterial or yeast infection, and can also be caused by an outer ear infection.
That’s why it’s important to prevent infections and seek early treatment when problems arise.
What are the German Shepherd ear infection symptoms?
Some dogs have no symptoms of an ear infection, other than earwax buildup and discharge in the ear canal. However, ear infections often cause discomfort to animals, and can show signs. Affected German Shepherds can show signs such as:
- shaking head;
- Scratching the affected ear;
- Odor;
- Redness and swelling of the ear canal;
- Pain;
- Itch;
- discharge of secretion;
- Sores or scabs on the ears
What is the most common cause of ear infections in dogs?
The causes can be from allergies to auto-immune diseases, but the main cause for canine otitis is humidity, which can be the result of inadequate cleaning.
It is essential not to allow water to enter your dog’s ear while bathing, protect it with a cotton pad and soap and water.
Sometimes people ask.. But what about when the dog enters the pool or stays in the rain? – In these cases he will know how to protect his ears as nature taught him, but don’t forget to dry them after getting out of the water.
Diagnosis for German Shepherd ear problems or infections
If your dog is showing any of the common signs of ear infections, it’s important to visit the vet as soon as possible.
A quick treatment is necessary not only for your dog’s comfort (these infections can be very painful!) but also to prevent the infection from spreading to the middle and inner ear. Do not try to treat ear infections at home.
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How is ear infections in German Shepherds treated?
Your veterinarian will thoroughly clean your dog’s ears, as well as prescribe an ear cleaner and topical medication for you to use at home. In severe cases, oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications may be needed.
Most uncomplicated ear infections resolve within 1 or 2 weeks once treatment is started.
But serious infections or infections caused by underlying conditions can take months to resolve or become chronic problems.
In cases of severe chronic illness where other treatments have failed, your veterinarian may recommend surgery such as Total Ear Canal Ablation (TECA). A TECA surgery removes the ear canal, thereby removing diseased tissue and preventing a recurrence of the infection.
Better than treating, it is certainly preventing. With these tips below you can prevent your German Shepherd from experiencing this discomfort:
- Always take him to bathe in trusted places. Qualified professionals will know the necessary care;
- When bathing at home, protect the ears and dry them properly;
- Don’t remove the dog’s ear hairs, they help with protection.
What’s the best way to clean your dog’s ear?
Using a hydrophilic type cotton, soak in a solution recommended by the veterinarian and pass it through the animal’s ear without forcing. Dogs’ ear canal is L-shaped, use your finger to guide yourself.
Never use cotton swabs or tweezers as they can harm your Pet.
Can I use home remedy for German Shepherds ear problems or infections?
Some people make home remedies to treat ear infections in German shepherds. Such recipes combine apple cider vinegar, green tea, almond oil, etc. However, as previously stated, only your trusted veterinarian will be able to prescribe the most appropriate treatment for the animal’s problem.
Remember that an external otitis, of lesser severity, can evolve into a more serious condition.