Preventive measures for dog otitis externa

1. When bathing, it is best to stuff cotton balls into the dog’s ears to prevent water from splashing in.
2. Puppies should avoid lying on their backs to nurse. Since their physiological structure is not yet complete, choking on milk can easily lead to otitis media.
3. Frequently use cotton swabs to clean the dog's earwax to ensure it is clean and pollution-free; after bathing, use a hair dryer to dry the ear canal and surrounding hair. (Do not insert the cotton swab deep into the ear)
4. Make sure the ear canal is clean and clean the ears at least once a week.
5. Get more rest during the illness, avoid strenuous exercise, ensure adequate sleep, and try to keep the sick side of the puppy facing down to facilitate the flow of fluid.
6. If the dog is restless due to pain, you can feed it some aspirin and apply hot compresses with a hot towel or water bag, which will also have certain effects; in the case of very severe otitis media, you can consider injecting antibiotics.
7. Add more vitamins and manganese-rich dog food and formula to your dog. Nutrition needs to be strengthened at this stage.

Causes of otitis externa in dogs

1. There are many factors that cause otitis externa, such as friction, scratching, foreign bodies, and parasites. In particular, water immersion is a common cause of otitis externa. reason.
2. Especially for small long-haired dogs, the ear canal structure is very narrow, and the coat is very long. After bathing or being exposed to rain, if water enters the ear canal, it is difficult to drain out, causing microorganisms to develop in a humid and warm environment. reproduce, causing otitis externa.

Which breed of dog is more likely to suffer from otitis externa

1. Abnormal ear structure: dogs with narrow ear canals
Large and drooping auricles and Hair in the ear canal reduces ventilation, increases the temperature and humidity in the ear.
For example, Labrador retrievers, American Cocker Spaniels, and British Spring Spaniels have a larger number of hair follicles and apocrine glands.

2. Dogs with ear canal epithelial damage
Due to long-term ear wetness or improper drying after cleaning. The barrier function of the stratum corneum is lost, and the epithelial layer is invaded.

3. Dogs with blocked ear canals
Epithelial swelling caused by acute inflammation can narrow the ear canal. The tumor blocks the ear canal.