An ear infection in a dog can be very unpleasant for the animal. Therefore, it needs proper action and attention. But how do you know that your dog has an ear infection? And then how can you help the animal get rid of it as soon as possible? In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know in order to understand and help your four-legged friend.

How do you tell when your dog has an ear infection?

The symptoms of an ear infection in a dog can be very different. It can also depend on the cause and location of the inflammation. For example, many four-legged dogs have a middle ear infection, but this is not necessarily the case. In general, these are the symptoms:

• Shaking the head: this can be a sign of irritation or pain in the ear;
• Scratching the ears: they may start scratching their ears or rubbing their head along the furniture or floor;
• Redness and swelling: in some cases, the inside of the ears becomes red or swollen;
• Fluid: Sometimes brown or yellow fluid may come out of the ear. There may also be an unpleasant odor from this, but this does not have to be the case;
• Sensitivity to touch: the site of inflammation may hurt when touched, causing the animal to exhibit different behavior;
• Changes in behavior: the animal may behave differently due to pain and discomfort. Perhaps the animal is tired, aggressive or there is less appetite.

When should you take your dog to the vet for an ear infection?

It is always wise to go to the veterinarian if you think your animal is suffering from an infection. If the ear is red, the animal seems to be suffering a lot, or there is odor coming from the ear, it is crucial to have it examined. A recurring ear infection may also be a sign that a different treatment plan needs to be established.

Can an ear infection in a dog go away on its own?

An infection usually does not go away by itself. It depends mainly on the cause. For example, it often arises from bacteria or a fungal infection. This can often only be fully treated with antibiotics.

In addition, it is also not nice for the animal to wait a long time to be treated, because he or she will suffer from pain and discomfort for a long time. So it is always better to treat it as soon as possible. Thus, low level laser therapy is also increasingly used for pets.

What can you do yourself for ear infections in a dog?

Fortunately, there are a lot of things you can do to treat your dog’s ear infection. It is always important to consult a veterinarian, but you can always do additional treatments yourself. Read below to see what you can do to help your four-legged friend.

1. Treatment with ear drops

Drops can help with an ear infection. This is the most common treatment. These drops are often prescribed by the veterinarian and usually contain antibiotics, fungicides or anti-inflammatories. Follow the vet’s prescriptions to help your pet the best you can.

2. Use of olive oil

Olive oil is a fine home remedy to cure your dog’s ear infection. Apply a few warm (but not hot!) drops to the ear and gently massage it in. This soothes the earwax soothes the infection. This may reduce irritation and loosen dirt. Do not use this as a replacement, but as an addition to the treatment.

3. Cleansing with apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is another home remedy for an ear infection. Mix one part apple cider vinegar and one part water and apply to a cotton ball. Then use this to clean the outside of the ear. Caution: Do not use this if the animal has wounds or severe inflammation. In fact, this can cause a nasty sensation.

4. Application of ointment

For certain infections, the doctor may prescribe ointment. This ointment often has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Follow the veterinarian’s instructions here.

5. Red light therapy

Red light therapy is increasingly being used to treat various complaints in animals. This form of light therapy has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties and can promote the healing process. With the PowerCure laser you can treat your four-legged friend yourself, just from home. Later in this article we will tell you more about the positive aspects of red light therapy in pets.

6. Gentle ear cleaners

You can purchase special cleaners from the veterinarian or certain pet stores. These are designed to clean the ears and remove excess wax. This can also be a means of preventing future infections.

7. Nutrition and allergy control

An ear infection in a dog can sometimes come from diet or an allergy. If the animal suffers from recurrent or even chronic inflammation, diet may also have something to do with it. Therefore, take a look at your four-legged friend’s diet and make some adjustments to figure out the cause.

8. Check and care for coat and ears

Groom the coat and ears regularly. This can help prevent infection. Dogs with long ears and lots of hair are more prone to infections. So these animals need extra control and care. Trim the hair around the ears a little more often and be sure to dry off properly after swimming.

9. Pain relief with analgesics

In some cases, the veterinarian may prescribe painkillers or other medication. This happens especially if the animal itself is in a lot of pain and irritation.

By applying these treatments, or a combination of them, you are helping to treat your four-legged friend. And did you know that red light therapy can be a good (complementary) treatment in many cases? Read more about this form of light therapy below.

Ear infection in a dog and low level laser therapy

Low level laser therapy, also called red light therapy, is a good treatment for your dog’s ear infection. Laser therapy is also a good treatment method for other complaints.

What exactly does laser therapy do?

Low-level laser therapy uses low levels of laser light to stimulate cellular processes. This can help relieve pain and symptoms. Here’s why laser therapy can work for your four-legged friend:

• Pain relief;
• Anti-inflammatory effect;
• Better blood flow;
• Accelerated recovery.

Is there science behind red light therapy?

The use of low level laser therapy, also called red light therapy, is scientifically proven. This therapy uses laser devices with a special frequency of low-level laser light energy. This light creates interactions with the tissues in your dog’s body. This reduces pain, swelling, inflammation and various conditions. This therapy can be used in both humans and animals.

What can PowerCure do for your four-legged friend?

The PowerCure laser has already helped many animals reduce pain, complaints and conditions. Thus, we have received many good experiences from pets and their owners. The cost of laser therapy in dogs is also often less than what you have to pay for other treatment methods.

You can purchase the PowerCure (Pro) laser yourself for home use. So you can treat your beloved four-legged friend yourself in their familiar place. And the laser is not only useful for your pet, but it can also be a great tool for yourself, your roommates and even horses. And it can be used for almost any complaint!

Want to learn more about the PowerCure (Pro) laser and what it can help you with? Then especially take a look here.