Why does my labrador retriever have an ear infection?

Labrador Retriever ear infections and other ear problems are quite common. Labrador ears don’t have the best design when it comes to health. Nature designed dogs with pricked up ears for a good reason. Upright ears allow good air flow which helps to keep ears free from infection.

Can a yeast infection cause an ear infection?

Yeast can cause severe ear problems. We usually observe a brown waxy exudate and a bad odor. Daily cleaning of the ears will help, but often these infections are difficult to treat, and special medications need to be given since antibiotics do not kill yeast.

What should I do if my dog has a yeast infection in his ear?

If you check your dog’s ears every couple of days, you should be able to control the problem before it becomes inflamed and uncomfortable for your dog. This is either a yeast or bacterial infection & requires a trip to a vets office. You will need an ear cleanser & antibiotic. Just got back from the vet.

What causes black tar build up in ears?

Smelly Black Tar Buildup in Dog’s Ear. One of the causes for a black smelly build up in your pet’s ears can be a yeast or other type of infection. This is a guide about smelly black tar buildup in dog’s ear.

What causes fungus on the outside of the ear?

Avid swimmers, individuals who suffer from diabetes, or people who have chronic medical and skin conditions can also experience ear fungus. Otomycosis is also called mycotic otitis externa or Singapore ear. The infection is usually on the external part of the ear.

Is it common for a lab to have an ear infection?

While Labs are a cheerful breed, ear infections can cause a serious nuisance to them. Ear infections are common to most pets; however, dogs are the most vulnerable. Do you know that more than 20 percent of dogs have some form of ear disease, including infection?

Can a yeast infection cause a dog to rub his ear?

If your pooch is rubbing their ear or tilting their head, they may have an ear infection caused by an overgrowth of yeast. A bacterial infection is also possible and can cause the same symptoms. So it’s important for your vet to establish what kind of infection your dog has.

Squamous cell carcinomas, melanomas, and other tumors can be seen in the ears. Because there are many potential causes of a Labrador ear infection or ear problems, we cannot just say it is a bacterial infection, dispense antibiotics, and it will go away. Often, more work is needed.

Can a middle ear infection spread to the brain?

Infection of the mastoid, the bony protrusion behind the ear, is called mastoiditis. This infection can result in damage to the bone and the formation of pus-filled cysts. Rarely, serious middle ear infections spread to other tissues in the skull, including the brain or the membranes surrounding the brain (meningitis).

What causes fluid to build up in the middle ear?

Role of eustachian tubes. The eustachian tubes are a pair of narrow tubes that run from each middle ear to high in the back of the throat, behind the nasal passages. The throat end of the tubes open and close to: Swollen eustachian tubes can become blocked, causing fluids to build up in the middle ear.

Are there any health problems with a yellow lab?

Ear troubles: Thanks to those cute floppy ears, ear infections abound with yellow Labs. Joint issues: Despite being pretty strong dogs, yellow Labs are genetically predisposed to joint problems including hip dysplasia. Obesity: Because of their (excessively) healthy appetite, yellow Labs (and Labs generally) can become overweight.

What does a yellow lab’s ears look like?

My yellow lab’s ears seem to be shorter than most. I know he is mixed but with a Golden and another type lab. They are shorter and kind of perk up and fold over on his head. He’s five months now and it’s more noticible. I have seen the term “flying nun ears” and that’s what they look like.

What are the symptoms of ear problems in Labradors?

Symptoms of Ear Problems in Labradors. Ear problems can be highly irritating, so you may see behaviors like head shaking and ear flapping. Or the dog may simply keep tilting his head to one side. Your dog may scratch at his ears with his hind feet.

What’s the name of the first yellow lab?

The earliest known photo of a Yellow lab is of Ben of Hyde, the first recognised Yellow Labrador Retriever. You can find out more about the origins of the Yellow Lab in our article on the history of the Labrador.

What happens if a child has a glue ear infection?

Glue ear Repeated middle ear infections (otitis media) may lead to ‘glue ear’ (otitis media with effusion), where sticky fluid builds up and can affect your child’s hearing. This may lead to unclear speech or behavioural problems. Your doctor will give you advice on treating glue ear.

What should I do if my child has an ear infection?

Most ear infections are caused by viruses, which can’t be treated with antibiotics. They will just get better by themselves. If your child is young or very unwell, your GP may prescribe a short course of antibiotics if there is a risk of bacterial infection.

Why do chocolate labs have more hot spots?

In fact, it’s reported that they suffer twice as many hot spots than the Black or Yellow Lab. Easily irritable skin aside, Chocolate Labs also suffer from more ear infections. It is believed that “repetitive inflammatory skin and ear infections in chocolate dogs create an immunological burden that effectively shortens their lives”.

How can I keep my labrador retriever’s ears healthy?

A good circulation of air helps to keep ears healthy. Upright ears have the advantage, but you can help your labrador by keeping his ears clean and free from debris so that the environment inside them does not encourage and overgrowth of unpleasant visitors.

Why does my Cocker Spaniel have an ear infection?

Bacteria and yeast could not ask for a better environment to live in than a warm, dark, moist ear canal. Dogs with heavy, floppy ears such as Cocker Spaniels may have ear problems due to the excess moisture that builds up in their ears. There are various rare hereditary diseases that occur in different breeds or lines and affect the ears.

What should I do if my lab has an ear infection?

If your Lab’s ears have already been infected (see symptoms above), then a regular cleaning will not improve their condition. You will need a medication to treat the infection as well. For best use, get an alchohol-free ear cleaning solution for your dogs. You can get these from Amazon, any pet store, pet groomer, or vet, and are very inexpensive.

Why does my labrador retriever have low hanging ears?

Canine Ear Infections Caused by Yeast. A yeast or fungal infection is another common problem in dogs, especially those with floppy low hanging ears like Labradors. Yeast infections are one of the problems that may also be more common in dogs with allergies.

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

Prevention is the most effective way to stop labrador ear infection. When you notice your dog showing any early signs of an ear infection, you should take him to the vet as soon as possible. Are you looking for information on Labrador ear infection?

What are signs that you have an ear infection?

Some of the common signs for an ear infection are pain in the ear, tugging at the ear, difficulty sleeping, headache, poor response to sounds, high fever, fluid draining from the ear, vomiting and diarrhea. The ear is made up of three parts: outer, middle and inner.

What does an ear infection look like inside the ear?

The diagnosis of an ear infection is made by examining the inside of the ear with an instrument called an otoscope . A normal, healthy eardrum has a pinkish-gray color as shown here. The healthy eardrum is clear, while an infected eardrum is bulging (swollen) and reddened.

What are common ear infections?

There are three common types of ear infections: Otitis media. Otitis externa (also known as an outer ear infection or swimmer’s ear) Otitis interna (also known as an inner ear infection or labyrinthitis).

What do you need to know about ear infections?

Everything You Should Know About Ear Infections in Adults Symptoms. There are three main types of ear infections. Causes. Ear infections are often caused by bacterial infections. Risk factors. One of the reasons children are more likely than adults to get ear infections is that their eustachian tubes are smaller and more horizontal than the tubes in Seeing a doctor. Diagnosis. Treatment. Outlook. Prevention.

How to tell if you have an ear infection?

However, too much wax can lead to an ear infection, so watch out for other signs, such as scratching and rubbing of the ears, frequent head shaking, or redness and swelling. Fungal ear infection: A dark brown discharge with a pungent, musty odor most likely indicates a fungal or yeast infection.

Why do I have a scratch on my ear?

As we described above, self-inflicted trauma to the ear due to scratching can exacerbate ear problems. Deficiencies or excesses of various hormones can result in skin and ear problems. Thyroid hormone, glucocorticoids produced by the adrenal gland, and sex hormones all influence the health of the skin and ears.

Why do my lab’s ears smell so bad?

When Labradors ears smell, it is a nasty scent. There are few things worse than a dog that smells bad. If you notice your Lab’s ears smelling bad, DO NOT ASSUME that it is just because she is a dog. Believe it or not, your dog should smell good and, if she doesn’t, doesn’t there is a problem. Reasons a Lab’s Ears Smell.

What should I do if my labrador retriever’s ears smell?

Now hold her ear down and massage the canal to loosen up the gunk. It is not a big deal if your dog shakes out the cleaner. You can always repeat the process again if needed. Use the swab or Q-tip to clean out the gunk or any debris that might be causing the infection.

How can I tell if my Labrador has an ear infection?

If my Labrador’s ears smell and she is constantly shaking her head, I am almost certain she has an ear infection. The best thing you can do is to get the ears clean. This will help with the smell and give the immune system an opportunity to get a foot up on the infection.

Why does my labrador retriever scratch his ear?

Dogs are affected differently by these creatures with some Labradors scratching their ears until they bleed whilst others barely seem to notice them. Your dog’s ear canals are likely to look dirty and possibly to smell unpleasant if he has mites. Does the dog in your life have a cat in theirs?

How to get rid of an ear infection in a lab?

Cleaning Your Labs Ears 1 Pour a small amount of ear cleaning solution directly into the ear. 2 Place a cotton ball into the ear and gently massage, cleaning up any wax and debris, while soaking up the ear cleaning solution. 3 Do not push the cotton ball deep into the ear.

Why are chocolate Labs more common than other dogs?

But compared with other labs, chocolate labs appeared to suffer certain non-life-threatening ailments more frequently. “Skin and ear disease were significantly more common in chocolate dogs than in black or yellow dogs,” the researchers wrote.

What’s the best way to clean a Labrador’s ears?

How do you clean a Labrador’s ears? A large ball of cotton wool moistened with warm boiled water or a little of the ear cleaner recommended by your vet can be gently wiped around the opening of the ear canal, as far as you can easily see.

Swabs of the ear can be taken, smeared on a microscope slide, stained, and examined for bacteria, yeast, and mites. A thorough history and physical exam may help determine if this could be a hormonal, allergic, or hereditary problem. If these are suspected, further diagnostic testing would be needed.

Why does my labrador retriever have floppy ears?

Labradors have floppy ears that give them an endearing distinctive look. However, the same soft ear flaps make a Lab vulnerable to ear diseases. The soft furry flaps cover the ear canal, creating a dark warm environment. No to mention, germs thrive in such places.

What are the most common ear problems in children?

However, they don’t usually cause long term problems. Here are the top common ear problems and how to deal with them so they don’t cause too much pain or distress. These are the most common form of ear pain, especially in children. Infections cause most earaches in children which clear up after a few days. There are inner and outer ear infections.

What to do if you have a hole in your eardrum?

If the hole is large enough it may cause some hearing loss. To confirm there is a hole in the eardrum an ear nose and throat (ENT) specialist uses an ‘auriscope’. Surgery: Sometimes surgery is necessary to repair the perforation to avoid repeated infections that occur when water enters the middle ear.

What should I do if my labrador retriever has an ear infection?

If your vet thinks that there is a bacterial infection he may prescribe antibiotic drops to be placed into the ears. A yeast infection can be treated with anti fungal drops. Do dogs ear infections get better on their own?

Why are chronic ear infections more common in children?

Eustachian tubes in children are smaller and more horizontal, so they can become plugged more easily. This is one reason ear infections occur oftener in children. What are the symptoms of chronic ear infection? A chronic ear infection can cause milder symptoms than an acute ear infection.

Water in the ears encourages ear infections, so if she’s swimming a lot that could be an issue. Zymox shampoos and ear cleansers are highly helpful for skin conditions. Watch your treats also– many dog treats are total garbage.

Can a chronic ear infection be treated at home?

you have been diagnosed with an acute ear infection but it’s not responding to treatment recommended by your doctor you have been diagnosed with an acute ear infection and experience new symptoms, or if the symptoms get worse Chronic ear infections require medical treatment. However, home treatments can help relieve your symptoms.

Why do I get yellow discharge from my ear?

In many cases, yellow ear discharge is simply a sign of excess earwax or wax that has mixed with water or sweat and fallen from the ear. People who experience other symptoms along with yellow discharge, such as streaks of blood, hearing loss, or pain and inflammation, should see a doctor.

Why does my dog scratch her ear so much?

We need to treat the allergies too. The ear mite, Otodectes cynotis, is a common cause of ear problems in cats, but less common in dogs. Some dogs are hypersensitive to the mites, however, and the resultant itching can be intense. These dogs may scratch so much they severely traumatize the ear.

What causes ear swelling in a Labrador Retriever?

The pinna is located at the tip of the dog’s ears and your Labrador is most likely to have aural hematoma when you see this part swelling. If your Labrador has this disease, there are two most likely causes: first is excessive and aggressive scratching and second is repeated head shaking resulting to over flapping of the ears.

Floppy ears have flaps which cover the ear canal, creating a warmer, darker environment where germs and other unwanted visitors can grow and flourish. What this means is that Labradors, and other floppy eared dogs, are somewhat more prone to ear problems, than dogs with pricked up ears.

Why does my Bloodhound have an ear infection?

One of the most often encountered dog ear problems is associated with ear infections, and it’s often a repeating problem, especially if your dog spends a lot of time in the water. Dogs with long and hanging ears like Bloodhound or Basset Hound are more likely to be affected by ear infections.

What to do if your dog has a yeast infection in his ear?