Table of Contents
How To Prevent and Treat Dog Ear Infections in Dogs That Participate in Obedience Trials
Ear infections can be a common problem in dogs that regularly take part in agility courses and obedience trials, due to their ears being exposed to a lot of moisture and allergens. By following some simple prevention methods and treating your dog quickly and effectively when an infection does occur, you can help keep your pup healthy and able to participate safely in these activities.
Prevention
To help prevent ear infections in your furry trial-taker:
- Keep your pet’s ears dry. After swimming and bathing, dry your dog’s ears thoroughly to prevent any moisture from becoming trapped in their ear canals and creating an environment that’s prone to infection. If your pet takes part in regular outdoor activities or if they have hair that covers their ears, gently pull the fur back so you can inspect the area and make sure their ears are dry. You can also use a blow dryer on the cool setting to dry your pup’s ears.
- Clean your dog’s ears regularly. If your pet’s ears need cleaning, use a cleaning solution from your vet specifically made for your pup’s ear type (wax-y, dry, normal, etc.). Do not use cotton swabs, as this can push debris and bacteria further into your dog’s ear. Talk to your vet and make sure you’re using the right product and following instructions correctly.
- Check your pet’s ears frequently. Inspect your pup’s ears regularly to find any signs of infection or irritation. Symptoms like redness, itchiness, odor, or discharge can all indicate an infection, so contact your vet if you notice anything that looks off.
- Keep your pup’s environment full of healthy bacteria. Healthy bacteria in your pup’s environment can help prevent ear infections. Give your dog probiotics from your vet to help establish good bacteria in your pup’s belly and to prevent them from becoming unbalanced.
Treatment
When an infection does occur, your vet can prescribe antibiotics for your pup to help clear it up. Additionally, you’ll want to do some extra steps to help speed up the healing process and reduce symptoms.
- Rinse your dog’s ears. Your vet can also prescribe a special rinse to help clear away discharge in your pup’s ear canal. Use the rinse as directed on the package to help reduce infection symptoms and to help the antibiotics work more efficiently.
- Clean your pet’s ears with a cotton ball. After you’ve used the ear rinse, use a soft cotton ball to gently clean the ear canals and help draw out any remaining discharge. Do not use cotton swabs, as they can push debris further into your pup’s ear and cause more irritation.
- Keep your pup’s ears dry. After cleaning your pup’s ears, use a blow dryer on the cool setting to ensure their ears are completely dry before they take part in obedience or agility courses.
Conclusion
By following the prevention and treatment steps, you can help keep your pup healthy and their ears infection-free. Make sure to always consult with your vet if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s ears. With the right preventive care and treatment, your pup can go back to taking part in obedience and agility courses in no time.
Are there any particular breeds of dogs that are more prone to developing ear infections due to participating in obedience trials?
There is no single breed of dog that is more prone to developing ear infections due to participating in obedience trials. However, breeds with abnormally shaped ears are more likely to develop ear infections because of their anatomy. These breeds include Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, Shih Tzus, Bulldogs, and Dachshunds. Keeping the ears dry and cleaning them regularly can help to reduce the risk of ear infections resulting from obedience trials.
How can owners take precautionary measures to prevent a dog’s ears from becoming infected during obedience trials?
To prevent a dog’s ears from becoming infected during obedience trials, owners should take precautionary measures such as avoiding exposing their dogs to water during trials, making sure to keep their dogs’ ears dry by using ear dryers or cotton balls, ensuring their dogs do not have any cuts or injuries inside the ears, regularly cleaning and inspecting their dogs’ ears for unusual particles or debris, and giving their dogs’ a good bath before obedience trials. It is also important to monitor the temperature of the environment; as the warmer the environment, the greater the risk of ear infection.
What medical treatments are available to treat a canine ear infection?
The most common treatments for canine ear infections include topical and oral antibiotics and antifungal medications, antiseborrheic shampoo, and an ear flush. In more severe cases, a vet may need to remove ear wax or debris from the ear canal and prescribe an anti-inflammatory medication. In the case of a prolonged or chronic infection, a vet may suggest a course of steroids and/or surgery to correct any underlying abnormalities.
As any devoted dog owner knows, ensuring the health of their pup is a priority. When it comes to issues like ear infections, early prevention is always the best option, along with early treatments for any infections that arise. This is especially true when it comes to dogs that participate in obedience trials, as their ears are at a greater risk from the physical exercise and close contact with other animals that such trials require.
In order to prevent ear infections in dogs that participate in obedience trials, it is important to reduce a pup’s exposure to moisture and bacteria. Regular ear cleaning with an approved cleaner can help eliminate debris and extra moisture in the ear canal, reducing the chances of infection. It is also essential to monitor your animal on a regular basis and inspect their ears for redness, foul odor, or discharge.
When it comes to dealing with an ear infection, the first step should always be to consult with a veterinarian, as the cause and severity of an infection is something best determined by a professional. Depending on the symptoms and cause of the infection, an appropriate treatment plan may involve medications to reduce inflammation and pain, as well as antibiotics to eliminate any bacteria.
This is especially important for dogs that are participating in obedience trials, as their ears are more susceptible to physical stressors. Additionally, if the ear infection persists it can prevent your pup from participating in trials; by dealing with the infection swiftly, owners can get back to the sport and activities that their pet loves.
By being vigilant about preventative care, and swift in treating any ear infections, owners of competitive obedience trial dogs can help ensure their pup’s continued good health and participation in the activities they enjoy.
