Say goodbye to ear problems — relief for your itchy pup

Dogs' ears are different from ours in several ways. They're longer, have a more vertical ear canal, and are usually covered in hair. This makes it easier for moisture, dirt, and wax to get trapped, creating a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and yeast. Certain breeds—like Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, and Basset Hounds—are more prone to ear infections due to their floppy ears or excessive hair growth in the ear canal. Infections can also be triggered by other factors like allergies, excessive moisture from baths or swimming, foreign objects in the ear, or even ear mites. But no matter what's causing it, the result is the same: your dog is uncomfortable and probably itching like crazy.

How do you know if your dog has an ear infection? Here are some signs to watch out for: • Head shaking or tilting: If your dog is shaking their head repeatedly or tilting it to one side, their ears are likely bothering them. • Scratching at the ears: Dogs with ear infections will often try to relieve the itching by pawing at their ears or rubbing them against furniture. • Bad odor: An unpleasant smell coming from your dog's ears is often a telltale sign of infection. • Redness or swelling: If the inside of your dog's ear looks inflamed or red, it's a strong indication of infection. • Excessive wax or discharge: You might notice dark wax, discharge, or even blood coming from the ear. • Pain: If your dog seems sensitive when you touch their ears or they're acting unusually irritable, it could be due to pain caused by the infection. If you notice any of these signs, it's time to take action. Left untreated, ear infections can worsen and cause permanent damage to your dog's ear canal or eardrum. But don't worry—Telavets is here to help!

Understanding the root cause of your dog's ear infection can help you prevent future flare-ups. Some common causes include: 1. Bacterial Infections Bacteria are one of the most common causes of ear infections in dogs. These infections can occur when moisture or wax gets trapped in the ear, creating a warm, moist environment where bacteria can thrive. 2. Yeast Infections Yeast infections are also common, especially in dogs with floppy ears or those that swim often. Yeast thrives in moist environments, so if your dog's ears are constantly wet, they're at higher risk for a yeast infection. 3. Allergies Dogs with allergies—whether to food, pollen, dust mites, or other allergens—are more prone to ear infections. Allergies can cause inflammation and itching, which can make the ear canal more susceptible to infection. 4. Ear Mites Ear mites are tiny parasites that can cause intense itching and discomfort in dogs. They're most common in puppies, but any dog can get them. If left untreated, ear mites can lead to secondary infections. 5. Foreign Objects Sometimes, something as simple as a blade of grass or a bit of dirt can get lodged in your dog's ear and cause an infection. If your dog has been playing outside, it's worth checking their ears for any foreign objects. 6. Excessive Moisture Swimming, bathing, or even humid weather can contribute to excess moisture in your dog's ears. When moisture stays trapped in the ear canal, it can increase the chances of infection.

At Telavets, we understand that your dog's comfort is your top priority. If you suspect your dog has an ear infection, here's how we can help: 1. Virtual Consultations for Fast Diagnosis If your dog is showing signs of an ear infection, you don't have to wait for an appointment at a clinic. You can schedule a virtual consultation with one of our experienced veterinarians. We'll help diagnose the issue and determine if it's an ear infection, allergy, or something else entirely. We may ask you to send in photos or videos of your dog's ears to get a better look, making the process quick and easy. 2. Prescription Ear Medications Once we've diagnosed the infection, we can recommend the right treatment. Depending on whether it's bacterial or yeast-based, we may prescribe ear drops or oral medication to clear up the infection and relieve your dog's discomfort. If your dog's infection is caused by ear mites, we may suggest a special treatment to eradicate the parasites. 3. Ear Cleaning Instructions Proper ear cleaning can help prevent future infections. If your dog has chronic ear infections, we'll guide you through safe ear-cleaning techniques and recommend the right ear-cleaning solutions. Keeping your dog's ears clean and dry can reduce the risk of infection and keep them feeling great. 4. Allergy Management If your dog's ear infections are linked to allergies, we can help you manage them. We may suggest a specialized diet to address food sensitivities or recommend allergy medication to reduce inflammation and itching. Managing allergies is key to keeping those ears infection-free. 5. Next-Day Medication Delivery Once we've prescribed the necessary treatment, you don't have to worry about running to the pharmacy. Telavets offers next-day medication delivery, so your dog can start their treatment right away. We'll make sure you have everything you need to treat the infection effectively. 6. Prevention Tips We don't just treat infections—we also help prevent them. We'll provide you with personalized advice on how to keep your dog's ears healthy, whether that's recommending ear wipes or advising on moisture control. If your dog is a swimmer, we'll give you tips on how to keep their ears dry and safe after water activities.

While some dogs are more prone to ear infections than others, there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of future flare-ups: 1. Keep Ears Dry Moisture is a major contributor to ear infections, so after baths or swimming, make sure to dry your dog's ears thoroughly with a clean, soft towel. If your dog swims often, consider using ear-drying solutions to help wick away moisture. 2. Regular Ear Checks Make ear checks part of your routine. Gently lift your dog's ears and look for any signs of redness, discharge, or foul odor. Early detection can help prevent a full-blown infection. 3. Proper Cleaning Use a dog-safe ear cleaner to gently clean your dog's ears. Never stick cotton swabs into their ear canal, as this can push debris further in and cause injury. 4. Address Allergies If your dog's ear infections are allergy-related, managing those allergies can help prevent ear flare-ups. We can help you pinpoint the cause of your dog's allergies and develop a treatment plan to keep them comfortable. 5. Regular Grooming For dogs with a lot of hair in their ears, regular grooming can help prevent ear problems. Keeping the hair trimmed around the ear canal allows for better airflow and reduces the likelihood of trapped moisture and debris.