To understand the problems and treatments of our pet’s ears, one must understand the anatomy of their ears.  The diagram below illustrates the bend in the ear canal that can create problems.  In some breeds such as Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, and Irish setters, the long ear flaps cover the ear canal and will not allow air to enter and dry the ear.  The result is a warm, moist ear canal that is the perfect environment for organisms to grow.

Diagnosing the cause of your pet’s ear problem is important.  “Bad Ears” can be caused by a number of different things and each requires a different treatment.  The veterinarian may take a swab of the material in the ear and look at it under the microscope.  Sometimes just the odor of the ear will tell them the cause.  An otoscope is used to look into the ear to look for inflammation, foreign bodies, etc. 

Ear mites are parasites.  For you pet to have ear mites, it must have had direct contact with another animal that was infected with ear mites.   

Yeast is a microorganism that thrives in the warm, moist environment of the ear canal.  Several types of bacteria may also thrive.  If the infection persists, the ear canal will become swollen, and very sore to touch.   

Recurring ear infections may sometimes be linked to other problems.  For example, allergies affect the skin and the inside of the ear is just an extension of the skin surface.   

Treatment generally begins with a thorough cleaning of the ears.  This may be followed by the administration of a drying agent.  Removing the moisture from the ear canal makes it an unsuitable environment for the growth of years and bacteria.  Medication is applied last.  One treatment will not suffice.   You must follow the schedule of cleaning and treating the ears or the problem will return. 

To clean your pet’s ears at home, use cotton balls and cleaning solution.  Wet the cotton with the solution and push it gently into the ear canal.  Remember how far the veterinarian showed you that the cotton can go inside the ear.  If you push it too far, you can use tweezers to pull the cotton out.  Massage the base of the ear; you should hear a squish sound as the cleaner moves in and out of the cotton.  Remove the cotton.  Repeat this process several times in each ear.   

Sometimes it is necessary to use a drying agent.  Massage the base of the ear to distribute the substance. 

Medication for the ear may be in a tube, a bottle, or a dropper.  Follow the directions below for the proper application, then massage the base of the ear. 

Pets who tend to get water in their ears during baths or swimming should have a drying agent applied each time this happens.  Dry ears do not provide an environment for bacteria and years and ear infections may be avoided.   

Those pets who have chronic ear problems need regular ear care.  Cleaning on a regular basis will prevent ear infections from recurring and make life much more pleasant for both you and your pet.