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Otitis in dogs: a real problem… Unlike children with otitis media, otitis media in dogs is most often otitis externa. The earlobe and the ear canal leading inwards towards the skull are covered by skin, and canine ear infection is most commonly dermatitis on the inner surface of the ear canal. The skin in the ear canal is susceptible to inflammation because it is a fairly narrow tubular structure where humidity and temperature easily rise to microbial-friendly levels. In three out of four cases, otitis media is caused by an allergic skin condition, either atopy or a food allergy. Other things that predispose to otitis are e.g. hormonal diseases, such as hypothyroidism, ear structure, foreign object in the ear canal, constant wetting of the ears, autoimmune diseases, and other factors that alter the balance of the ear canal. Symptoms of ear infection include: • reddish earlobes • itchy ears and shaking of the head • dark or yellowish discharge from the ear canals • ear tenderness • yeast-like odor • ears "lotina" A healthy ear does not need to be cleaned, so if your ears “get dirty” easily, there is probably a mild inflammation in the background. If your dog has any of these symptoms, you should make an appointment with your veterinarian immediately. Ear infections rarely heal on their own, but are sure to get worse if not addressed in time. A single ear infection can strike a dog as well as a dog, but in the treatment of recurrent ear infections, in addition to treating the inflammation, it is important to identify possible underlying factors such as atopy, food allergies, or hormonal diseases. If these are not treated properly, or the ear infection is not controlled but treatment is discontinued, there is a risk that the ear canal will gradually constrict and the inflammation will become chronic, and the ear will no longer be medically salvaged. Chronic inflammation in the ear canal causes permanent changes in the ears that prevent the ear from healing. Dog otitis does not thrive in a clean ear. Especially in dogs, otitis externa is common. They are exposed, for example, to dermatitis, allergies, wounds, the structure of the outer ear (for example, drooping ears), the amount of hair in the ear, hypothyroidism, or ear mite infection. If your pet has scratched their ear due to, for example, atopic skin, it may become inflamed. Bacteria and possible yeast take over the ear. On healthy skin, this would not happen. Cleaning your ear regularly reduces the risk of inflammation. Ear inflammation should be treated quickly, as prolonged inflammation causes changes in the ear, such as thickening of the skin and wrinkles, which in turn maintain otitis media. How do you identify ear infections? The pet's means of getting the pain caused by otitis media are scarce without human help. In order to treat inflammation effectively, it must first be detected and the cause of it. Typically, the animal shakes its head and scratches its ear. In addition, it may tilt its head to the side of the sore ear. The ear is sensitive to contact and may emit foul-smelling secretions. The skin of the earlobe may also have been broken by scratching, which can cause it to develop. The veterinarian looks at the ear and takes a sample. A medical examination will help you know the cause of the inflammation and find the right type of antibiotic. How do you treat and prevent pet otitis? Don’t let your pet’s ear infection become chronic, but treat it according to your doctor’s instructions in a timely manner. In order for any ear drops to be effective in an inflamed ear, it is necessary to clean the ear with a substance intended for it. Clean the ears as long as the medication is running or the ears are inflamed. For some pets, otitis media becomes chronic or recurrent. Then you should clean your ears regularly throughout your pet's life. Clean ears stay better healthy. Once the resin is removed, the bacteria do not multiply easily. The cure for otitis must always be confirmed by a follow-up visit to a veterinarian.