Why Does My Dog Keep Getting Ear Infections?

Hello Dog Lovers!  We are so glad that you’re here!  Joining us is. Dr. Linda Messinger who has been board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Dermatology since 1993 and has been in specialty practice at the VRCC Specialty and Emergency Hospital outside of Denver, CO since 1995. She is one of approximately 300 board certified dermatologists in North America and her pet family includes dogs, goldfish, a guinea pig, and too many cats. 

Is it true that as many as 20 percent of dogs have some form of ear disease?

Would you say that itchiness is the #1 reason you see patients?  And are ear infections a close second?

And I understand that dogs are more prone to ear infections than humans because of the shape of their ear canals.  Can you elaborate?

Let’s start with the main causes of ear infections.

Since allergies are a main cause of ear infections, what are the most common allergens?

And I assume that dogs that swim often are more prone?

What are the signs of ear infection?

And these infections are pretty painful right?

Is it more common to have an ear infection in just one ear or both?

Can you talk about the different types of ear infections?

If left untreated, what can happen?

So, what are the steps that you go through to narrow down the actual cause of ear infections?

Are there certain diets or food that make dogs more susceptible?

What can we do at home to prevent ear infections?

Should we be trimming or plucking hair inside the ears?

Dr. Messinger, what final words would you like to leave us with regarding ear infections?

Dr. Messinger mentioned the American College of Veterinary Dermatology: https://www.acvd.org/

Dr. Messinger, where can everyone find out more information about you and VRCC?  https://www.vrcc.com/medical-services/dermatology-and-allergies/

SOCIAL MEDIA: FB and IG: @VRCCvet

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Special thanks to Dr. Messinger for being on the show. Catch you next time!

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