How to know when your dog's itch is more than just an itch
I always knew when our dog was scratching her ears even if she wasn't in the same room. I would hear the jingling of the tags on her collar as her back paw scratched her ear or her head shook to relieve the itch. Sometimes an itch is just an itch, but many times an itch requires treatment.
If your dog begins to scratch his ears persistently, it is time to find the cause. Begin by peeking inside the ear. If he was bitten by an insect, you may see the bite. Do you see seeds stuck in the fur around the ear? It is not uncommon for grass or weed seeds to get lodged in the ear canal of dogs who enjoy walks in natural areas.
Ear mites, fleas and ticks can also be the cause of a relentless itch. You might spot fleas and ticks, but ear mites are too small to be seen by the naked eye.
Allergies are also a common cause for itchy ears, and like many of the other causes already mentioned, can result in ear infections. If you see a large amount of debris, crusting or scabbing in the ear, redness in the ear canal, or if his ears smell gross, he likely has an ear infection.
Instead of trying home remedies to stop the jingling of dog tags, it is important to consult with your veterinarian. Quick treatment is important to prevent the spread of the infection, and the type of treatment depends on the underlying cause.
A veterinarian will determine the cause by asking a broad range of questions including your dog's recent activities, the food he has eaten, the medications - over-the-counter or prescribed - he is currently taking, and ear cleaning done at home. She will also ask how long your dog has been scratching his ears or shaking his head. If the vet is meeting your pet for the first time at the appointment, she will also ask if your dog has any known allergies, other medical issues and a history of past ear infections.
Next, she will examine your dog's ears. An otoscope allows her to examine the ear canal and eardrum. Ears will be swabbed so samples can be looked at under a microscope and cultured if necessary. If foreign materials are present, they will be removed before infections are addressed. Any debris will be removed from your dog's ears with a medical cleanser.
Antibiotic, anti-inflammatory medications or ear cleaning products may be prescribed. If you have never used ear cleaners or applied ear drops, your veterinarian will be happy to show you how.
It is very important to follow the directions on the medication and to schedule a recheck appointment to make sure the infection is completely gone. Most ear infections get better in a week or two with the correct treatment. More extreme cases can take much longer.
Preventing ear infections is important, especially in breeds prone to them. Long, floppy-eared dogs like spaniels and basset hounds and all dogs who regularly swim are examples.
Ask your vet to show you how to clean your dog's ears so you can do so at home once a week or more often if your veterinarian recommends it. And always dry your dog's ears after swimming or bathing.
• Diana Stoll is the Practice Manager at Red Barn Animal Hospital with locations in Hampshire and Gilberts. Visit redbarnpetvet.com, or call (847) 683-4788 (Hampshire) or (847) 426-1000 (Gilberts).