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Ear infections in {hunting dogs are one of the most common ailments they have.  There are a lot of reasons for them to get one, including the size and depth of their ears.  Some breeds are more prone to them than others, especially those with large, floppy ears and those prone to being outdoors.  Gun dogs, in this regard, are common sufferers of ear infections.  The infection starts as yeast or bacteria grows inside the dog’s ear and works its way into the ear canal.~It’s not uncommon for bird dogs to get an ear infection in fact it’s a result of the size and depth of their ears.  Because hunting dogs (gun dogs) spend so much time outdoors and have large, floppy ears, they are actually more prone to getting an ear infection.  Infections in the ear are a result of yeast or bacteria which can grow in your dogs’ ear and eventually may wind up in the ear canal.~It’s not uncommon for hunting dogs to get an ear infection in fact it’s a result of the size and depth of their ears.  Because hunting dogs (gun dogs) spend so much time outdoors and have large, floppy ears, they are actually more prone to getting an ear infection.  Infections in the ear are a result of yeast or bacteria which can grow in your dogs’ ear and eventually may wind up in the ear canal.}

Symptoms of Otitis

These infections are painful and your dog may develop deafness as a result, so knowing what to look for is very important. Although some symptoms may be behavioral, other symptoms may be more clinical. The symptoms can include:

Green or yellowish discharge coming from the dears

An unpleasant odor near the ear

Scratching at the ear or shaking the head excessively

If you notice these signs early enough, you can stop an infection well before it becomes too serious.  Unfortunately if left untreated, ear infections often get into the dogs inner ear and can affect their balance and their hearing.  You should watch for signs of:

Disorientation

Falling down or an awkward “drunken” gate

Loss of hearing

Unusual eye movements or “crazy eye”

If you recognize any of these symptoms, take your dog to the vet as soon as possible. The quicker it is diagnosed, the quicker you’ll be able to begin treatment. Quick treatment will save you money in the long run, as well as discomfort for your dog.

Your veterinarian can find the problem by utilizing a special scope to observe the infection, and sometimes, a cotton swab may be use to get a sample. Ear mites and other diseases can have the same symptoms of otitis, so they must be ruled out before treatment can begin.

Treating Ostitis

Usually the infection is treated with a medication.  Sometimes it’s as simple as hydrogen peroxide poured into the ear regularly or it will involve a prescription medication for more serious infections.  Sometimes antibiotics are also prescribed to lessen the other affects of the infection.  A thorough ear cleaning will be done at the vet’s office and then your regular treatments with medication will be done at home.

When you give the medication, which is usually squirted or poured into the dog’s ear, you will have to hold the dog down or have someone help you.  Obviously, the dog won’t like this, but it needs to be done.

Watch your dog carefully.  Even after the infection is “cured,” it can come back again and dogs never become immune to it.  Remember: the earlier you catch it, the easier it will be to take care of it.

There are lots of hunting dog supplies on the market today. Do your research before you purchase anything include electronic dog collars.

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