Ear Infections in German Shepherds: Advice for Owners
Health & Care Tips of The Week
Ear Infections in German Shepherds
The Complete Care Guide
When it comes to ear infections, there’s good news for German Shepherd owners.
The shape of a dog’s ears can influence the chances of getting an ear infection.
So dogs with upright ears are not especially prone to ear infections as much as floppy-eared dogs.
However, this doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll never get an ear infection.
There are three types of ear infections in German Shepherds:
The first is Otitis Externa.
This is an outer ear infection of the external ear canal and is one of the most common types of ear infections seen in GSDs.
The second type of infection is Otitis Media, and is characterized by inflammation of the middle part of the ear.
This can be more serious than an outer ear infection because it can be quite painful.
It can also result in damage to the tympanic membrane and bulla of the middle ear, and can lead to possible vestibular issues.
The third infection is Otitis Interna, which is an inflammation of the inner ear.
This is usually caused by a bacterial or yeast infection, and can also be caused by an outer ear infection.
However, some GSDs won't show any symptoms of an ear infection aside from a buildup of ear wax or discharge in the ear canal.
That being said, certain ear infections can cause significant discomfort and irritation, and most dogs will show signs like:
- Shaking the head and ears
- Scratching at the ear
- Dark, sticky discharge coming from the ear
- Distinct odor coming from the ear
- Swelling and redness in the ear canal
- The appearance of scabs in and around the ear
There are also certain conditions that can put your dog at an increased risk of ear infections like:
- Allergies
- Aar wax buildup
- Endocrine disorders like thyroid disease
- Autoimmune disorders
- Injury or trauma to the ear canal
If your German Shepherd is showing any of the signs and symptoms of an ear infection, contact your veterinarian right away.
Time is of the essence in preventing the spread of infection to the middle and inner ears.
During an appointment with your veterinarian, your dog’s ears will be thoroughly flushed and cleaned using a medicated ear cleanser.
Your vet may also prescribe an ear cleanser and a topical medication for you to use at home.
In severe cases, oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed.
But luckily, once treatment is started, most basic ear infections resolve themselves within a couple of weeks.
But as with any health issue, prevention is the best medicine.
The presence of excess moisture and fluid is the most common cause of ear infections.
So make sure your dog’s ears are thoroughly dried after swimming and bathing.
And if your pup is prone to chronic or recurring ear infections, pinpointing the causes and learning how to manage them can help prevent new infections from occurring.
With regular monitoring of your dog's ears, ear cleaning, and regular check-ups with your veterinarian, you can drastically reduce your dog’s chances of having to deal with painful ear infections.
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ARTICLE OF THE WEEK
The Ultimate Guide To German Shepherds Eye Boogers
When owning a German Shepherd, you’ve likely Googled many things that you never thought you would, like eye boogers.
In this article, we’ll talk through everything you need to know about GSD eye boogers.
We'll go over why they exist, and which ones you need to keep a closer eye on.
When thinking about dog eye boogers, it's very similar to what we experience as humans, and serves a very similar purpose.
They're simply the gunky stuff that you’ll find in the corner of your dog’s eye, but they can be a cause for concern in certain situations.
Click below to learn more!
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FEATURED VIDEO OF THE WEEK
Top 5 Things To Know About EPI In German Shepherds
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This is a rescue charity that does amazing work to raise awareness for the thousands of GSDs needing homes across the USA.
They're a national rescue of 17 years and have a sister rescue in LA that is a GSD rescue as well.
They do need help getting the word out that they're trying to find fosters in all states.
They also need drivers to get these amazing dogs from point A to point B in those areas.
They help countless medical cases and heartworm positive dogs and always need donations from other animal lovers as well.
Please visit their website for more information and to find out how you can help!
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