The Cocker Spaniel's ears are long and covered with soft, silky hair. Although they are one of the main characteristics of this dog's beauty, they can cause continuous problems, including otitis. The latter, normally produced by fungi or bacteria, risks worsening and becoming chronic, causing the dog to scratch and get depressed. If you notice that your Cocker Spaniel's ears are bothering him, act promptly and have him get the necessary care to recover.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Spotting the Otite in the Cocker Spaniel
Step 1. Observe how your dog behaves
When he has an ear problem, it is obvious. For example, he shakes his head, scratches his ears and is sensitive if someone touches his head or ear area. He could also rub them against a piece of furniture. If her discomfort is severe, she may even moan as she scratches her paws.
If you shake your head excessively, there is a risk that the internal blood vessels will rupture and form an otohematoma
Step 2. Smell your ears
Typically, otitis is characterized by a strong and disgusting smell. If your furry friend allows you to touch the ears, lift a flap and smell the inside. If it's unpleasant, the smell won't take long to reach your nose.
If the ear has been infected with the pseudomonas bacterium, it will give off a pungent and nauseating smell
Step 3. Look inside the ears
If your dog allows it, examine the inside of his ears. They should appear red and inflamed. You may also see some skin peeling.
If the ears contain mites, you will not be able to see them as they are quite small. However, you may spot irritation in the form of dark, coffee bean-like bumps
Step 4. Examine ear secretions
You may find the presence of secretions depending on the cause of the otitis (bacteria, fungi, mites). They vary from yellow to brown and have a certain texture. For example, they are brown and lumpy in the case of mites, while in the case of pseudomonas the ear produces a greenish-yellow pus.
The secretions can also be waxy or contain traces of blood
Part 2 of 3: Consult Your Veterinarian to Treat Otitis
Step 1. Take your dog to the vet
Don't delay taking your furry friend to the vet. Untreated otitis can spread from the outer ear (the one you can see) to the middle and inner ear (the one you can't see) and will be more difficult to treat. Your vet will examine the ears to determine the cause of the infection and assess how much pain and discomfort it entails.
- To diagnose otitis, your vet will use an otoscope that will allow him to look inside the ears, touching and manipulating them gently, then take a sample to analyze under a microscope.
- If the pain is severe or the ear canal is very narrow, he will have to sedate the dog to examine the ears.
- Other health problems, such as food allergies, can cause ear infections and cause the dog to scratch hard. If your Cocker Spaniel suffers from chronic otitis, your vet may suggest that you have your Cocker Spaniel allergy tested to identify the foods they are intolerant to.
Step 2. Have the vet clean and care for the dog's ears
Generally, the treatment of otitis involves cleaning the ears and therapy with drugs for topical use (ie the administration of ear drops) or oral. Therefore, your vet will first clean and dress your ears, then provide you with the necessary care instructions once you get home. Depending on the severity of the infection, he may anesthetize the dog for an outpatient treatment.
He will likely recommend that you only use the prescribed medication without cleaning your ears until your next follow-up visit. In these cases, you may be too aggressive, so it's best not to cause further damage with inappropriate cleaning
Step 3. Care for your dog's ears once he gets home
Your vet will prescribe specific medications, such as antibiotics and antifungals, depending on the cause of the infection. Drugs that reduce pain and inflammation, such as steroid drugs, are also useful in treating otitis.
- Antibiotics and antifungals can be administered orally or in the form of ear drops. Oral administration is recommended when the infection is chronic or has spread to the middle ear.
- If there are mites, the vet will prescribe a drug to eliminate them. Many pesticides are effective against these microorganisms.
- Your vet will explain how to administer each medication.
Step 4. Make an appointment for a follow-up visit
After initial cleaning and care, the vet will want to see the dog again after 5-7 days. This will allow you to examine your ears again. If their condition seems to have improved, he or she will probably advise you to continue treatment and monitor how the situation evolves.
If the otitis goes away and then comes back, your vet may have your dog undergo a more thorough diagnostic test to determine the cause of the chronic infection
Part 3 of 3: Learn Helpful Treatment Tips
Step 1. Follow the treatment instructions exactly
To permanently cure your Cocker Spaniel's otitis, you need to give him medication exactly as they were prescribed. For example, respect all therapy, avoiding interrupting it when the condition of the ears seems to improve! If you stop taking medications early, there is a risk that the organism causing the infection will not be completely eradicated and the infection will return.
- If you have to administer the ear drops, respect the dosage prescribed by the veterinarian.
- Do not forget and do not skip the prescribed doses, otherwise the risk of the infection returning will be greater.
Step 2. Clean your ears properly
To treat and prevent otitis, it is essential to clean the dog's ears. Therefore, you will need a good ear cleaning solution (which you can buy at a pet store) and cotton balls or gauze (available at the drugstore). Do not use cotton swabs, otherwise they will push the secretions deeply, damaging the eardrum.
- Lift the flap of one ear and squirt a small amount of the solution in, following the instructions on the product package. Gently massage the base of the ear for about 20-30 seconds, then pat it dry with a cotton ball or gauze. Repeat with the other ear.
- The dog will likely shake his head after you apply the solution to him. Don't stop them.
- Make sure the tip of the bottle doesn't touch your ears. Any surface it comes into contact with could contaminate the product contained.
- Clean your ears half an hour before administering the medicated drops.
- Don't clean them too frequently (once or twice a week will be enough), otherwise you risk causing infections.
Step 3. Do not use homemade or irritating ear cleaners
You probably know that there are home remedies for cleaning dog ears, especially homemade vinegar-based ones. Don't use them! They can irritate the skin inside the ears, causing swelling and an increase in secretions that lead to infections.
Advice
- Not all Cocker Spaniels suffer from otitis.
- Certain characteristics of this breed (such as long drooping ears, narrow ear canal, thick coat) increase the risk of otitis.
- The Cocker Spaniel is prone to various skin conditions and health problems that increase the risk of otitis.
- The treatment of otitis can last a few days or months.
- Used topically, tea tree oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties, however it is toxic to dogs in high concentrations. Use only very diluted tea tree oil, with a concentration between 0, 1 and 1%. Never give this oil to your dog orally and check that it does not show signs of intoxication, such as lethargy, uncoordinated movements and excessive salivation. Ask your vet for detailed information on using this natural alternative.
- By thinning the hair around the ears, it is possible to prevent otitis in dogs, but this is controversial as it can inflame the ears. Ask the vet if it is appropriate to cut them.
- If your dog has a food allergy, your vet will recommend a diet that does not contain the ingredient he is allergic to.
Warnings
- Some Cocker Spaniels suffer from ear problems throughout their lives. If your dog has chronic otitis, treatment could be a huge waste of money.
- Otitis in the Cocker Spaniel can become chronic and severe enough to require surgical removal of the entire ear canal. This is a complex and expensive procedure that requires the expertise of a specialized veterinarian.
- Otitis caused by pseudomonas is very difficult to cure.
