Ear infections in dogs are common, but fortunately, they are easily treatable.
Here is everything that you need to know about ear infections in dogs, specifically Labradoodles!
Ear Infection Symptoms
It would be great if your dog could tell you how they feel, but unfortunately, they can’t.
It’s up to us to notice any signs of ear infections in our furry family members.
Here are the most common symptoms:
Shaking or tilting head from side to side,
Odor coming from the ears,
Constant scratching of the ear,
Swollen ear,
Ear flaps filling with fluid (hematomas),
Pain, soreness and discomfort around the ear,
Discharge inside the ear (yellow, brown, black or bloody),
Redness inside the ear,
Crustiness inside or around the ear
Keep in mind that your Australian Labradoodle can have an infection in one ear while the other is just fine, or both ears can be infected at the same time.
Ear Infection Causes
Dog ear infections can be caused by many things, but the most common causes are: moisture in the ear, allergies, bacteria build-up, hormonal imbalances, yeast, swimming frequently, inner-ear hair growth, ear mites, and injuries.
Australian Labradoodles have large, droopy ears which are more susceptible to developing dog ear infections.
Droopy ears block airflow inside ears, therefore, the ear can’t properly dry out. Excess moisture can build up inside the ears, allowing bacteria and yeast to grow.
Hair inside the ears can also restrict the airflow and trap dirt and ear wax, which also supports bacterial growth.
Your Australian Labradoodle’s lifestyle, diet, and immune system may also contribute to ear infections.
Food allergies, specifically chicken, are also a contributing factor to ear infections in dogs.
Ear Infection Prevention
Here are some ways to reduce the risk of infection in your Labradoodle’s ears:
Ear Hair Trimming
Keep the hair around the ear canal cut as short as possible. Trim it regularly. Keep the hair under the ear flap cut short. Keep the hair on your dog’s neck that is under the ear cut short. The goal is to allow for as much air flow and circulation as possible.
Ear Hair Plucking
We don’t recommend you pluck your dog’s ears unless it has repeated ear infections, and then only allow a veterinarian to pluck its ears.
Plucking can cause tiny abrasions in your dog’s ear where bacteria can set in.
Many groomers will suggest plucking ear hair, but we strongly feel that it should only be done if absolutely necessary.
Cleaning the Ear
Use a solution formulated for ear cleaning once per week. Squirt some of the solution in the ear canal, rub on the outside of the ear (over the ear canal), and then use a cotton ball or soft cloth to wipe out as much of the liquid as possible.
Changing Your Dog’s Diet
If your dog has recurring ear infections, we suggest changing their diet to a poultry-free formula.
If the infections were caused by a food allergy, you can expect to see an improvement in your pet’s ear health within a month or two.
Keeping the Ear Dry
Dry your Australian Labradoodle’s ears very well after a swim or a bath! Keeping the insides of the ears dry is paramount to reducing the risk of moisture in his ear canals.
Ear infections in dogs are not uncommon. However, if they occur a few times each year, you should ask your vet to help you figure out what is causing the infections.
For more information on how to properly care for your Australian Labradoodle, visit our website!