Otitis and ear problems in dogs and cats: symptoms, treatments, and prevention

Taking care of our four-legged friends' ears is essential to prevent unpleasant and bothersome otitis. 

In this article, taken from the Facebook live of  Dr. Daniela Di Scala, we address otitis, how to recognize it, and how to treat it with natural remedies.

We will see how to recognize the signals our friends give us, how to treat it, and how to prevent it where possible.

What is the ear made of?

Before discussing otitis, let's see how the structure of the ear is made.

It is divided into 3 macrostructures:

• the outer structure is a parabola that helps amplify sounds and direct them towards the second structure.
• the middle part is the resonance chamber of sounds, where vibrations are transformed into nerve signals.
• the inner contains the hearing receptors, connected to those of balance, which in turn send signals to the central nervous system.

Our loyal friends have a hearing ability that is definitely superior to ours; they recognize our voice among many others.

Through the perception of sounds and their wonderful hearing, they can communicate and express their emotions and moods.

But what is otitis?

Just like any other part of the body, the ear can be subject to alterations, and the delicate balance that holds these structures together is disrupted.

The function of the ear is compromised and becomes inflamed, sometimes causing severe otitis.

Otitis, is an inflammation of the ear and can involve one or more parts of the ear and can spread from one to the other portions.

An untreated external otitis, not recognized in time or poorly managed, can turn into a middle ear infection or even more severe and dangerous forms, including internal otitis.

What are the favorable conditions for otitis? 

The ear, with its "L" shape, is suitable for hosting bacteria, parasites, and moisture, creating a perfect environment for an infection or inflammation.

 

There are also some breeds that are predisposed to develop otitis.

Cocker for example, have beautiful ears, but heavy and droopy, creating a fertile environment for bacteria and yeast.

But even bulldogs with a narrow ear canal are prone to infections because their shape tends to retain natural secretions inside.

Additionally, a series of concurrent conditions can affect the ear:

• hormonal processes
• allergies
• mites
• malassezia
• battery

Then there is the chapter on dermatitis, which can affect the ear secondarily.

How is otitis recognized? 

Our loyal friends provide us with warning signals:

• They shake their head
• They scratch their ears or seek relief by rubbing their head against objects
• They react aggressively when we try to touch their ears
• Unpleasant odor coming from the ears

There is a signal that should never be underestimated; it appears in the early stages of the problem: itching.
They start to show us mild discomfort, which is precisely the itching.

What can we do to prevent them?

The first thing to do, especially if you have a puppy, is to train them to be handled and touched.

"My dog is jealous of his ears" we often hear from our clients and those of Dr. Di Scala, but the truth is that our animals are jealous of every part of their body.

You need to get them used to being handled around the ears, paws, and nails, so they will be more docile when visiting the veterinarian.

For example:

When returning from walks, carefully inspect your four-legged friend's fur and ears; the dreaded foxtails can get into every part, and the ear is a very popular area.

How do I clean my four-legged friend's ears?

 

✔️ Useful tips

 

• Use specific and gentle products, with a natural formulation to respect the structure of the ear and that do not release strong odors for them.
• After inserting the product, massage the base of the ear so that the product reaches deep.
• With a cotton ball, remove the material present in the ear.

 

❌ Errors to avoid

 

• Avoid, if possible, the use of cotton swabs; it is not an absolute ban, but if not used correctly, they tend to push the wax further into the ear canal instead of removing it.
• Do not insert unsuitable products into the ear, such as hydrogen peroxide. Whitening the ear is not a sign of effectiveness; this remedy is completely ineffective and often worsens the situation.

 

How do I treat it?

We always recommend consulting your trusted veterinarian for a specific diagnosis.

Use natural products specifically formulated for the care of your four-legged friend's otitis.

Avoid "do-it-yourself" products that often do nothing but worsen the problem.

Additionally, good prevention like regular ear cleaning will certainly help you avoid severe forms of otitis and the need for cortisone and antibiotics.