Otitis Externa is a very common ailment in dogs. This is inflammation of the external ear that can lead to an infection. This condition is easily treatable and can have several different causes. Otis Externa can be caused by parasites, food allergies, drug reactions, foreign bodies, accumulation of hair, dead skin buildup, or autoimmune diseases. The sooner you bring your dog to the vet for a check-up, the sooner your vet can begin treating your pet’s ears.
Symptoms of otitis include:
● Odor and discharge from the ears
● Soreness
● Swelling of the ear
● Scratching or shaking of the head or ears
● Anorexia
● Tilting the head
● Coordination
Otitis Externa can be initiated by several factors such as flea allergies, pollen, house or dust allergens, ear mites, foreign bodies, hormone imbalances, anatomical abnormalities, or water trapped in the ear canal. Otitis can be made worse if it is exposed to yeast or bacterial infection.