My dog's ears are red and aching inside. What's wrong and what to do?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Bella. I recommend that she sees her veterinarian. I agree that her ear is likely infected. The veterinarian will examine her including inspecting the ear canals with a special instrument known as an otoscope. A sample will be taken from each ear canal to evaluate under the microscope. This will confirm an infection and determine the type. For example, she could have a yeast or bacterial infection or a combination of both. In other cases, ear mites are possible. Based on these results, appropriate treatment can be started. An ear cleaner is usually commonly used to cleanse and dry the canal. Then a medication is applied to treat the infection. Ear infections are painful and require prompt treatment. If left untreated, chronic changes can result that will predispose her to future problems. I hope this information helps!

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. Judging from the pictures, it appears that Anya has some irritation on the inside of her ear. This could be from an allergy , irritation or an ear infection. If this does not resolve on its own Within 48 to 72 hours then I would recommend having a veterinarian examine her so that the most appropriate Diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. If this is infectious, she may need a course of an oral antibiotic and topical ointment. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any further questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Sorry about Bella's ears. Sounds like Bella may have an ear infection. Normally, I would recommend reaching out to your local veterinarian for an exam and treatment as ear infections require specific medications that treat yeast and bacteria. Occasionally, low grade ear problems respond to conservative therapy such as gently cleaning and flushing with small amount of 2 parts white vinegar and 1 part warm water. This is commonly called swimmers solution, which can help reduce bacteria and reduce growth of yeast in the ear canal. I usually recommend an eyedropper full of this solution in and around the ear canal, then gently massage the ear canal, then after shaking it out, wipe the ear clean with cotton balls. You could apple a small amount of Neosporin and Hydrocortisone cream mixed 50/50 to the inside of the flap of the ear to help reduce redness and inflammation. That said, the best recommendation is a complete exam of the ear and treatment at your local veterinary clinic. Ear problems can become chronic and require aggressive therapy if they get severe. Hope this helps, Steve Popish, DVM.

Bella likely is suffering from ear mites or a fungal or bacterial infection of the ear canal. This is something very uncomfortable for Bella and because she vigorously scratches the ear it is bruised. Your veterinarian will examine the ear with an otoscope to ensure that the ear drum is intact, and possibly take a swab of the ear canal and will look at it under the microscope to find out which type infection is causing the problem. This is important as each cause is treated with a different kind of medication.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Bella. If this is a continuing problem, I'm wondering if it's allergies. Has she seen a vet for it? If not, she needs to see a vet to have the cause of this diagnosed so she can be treated correctly. I hope this helps.

It could be from an allergy or the beginning of an ear infection. If it persists then she should be examined by a vet for treatment. She may need an anti-inflammatory and antibiotic to treat the problem.

This sounds like a serious bacterial or fungal ear infection. Your dog needs to be seen and examined by a veterinarian, the ears will need to be cleaned properly, the ear drums will need to be checked that they are intact and your vet will likely take a swab of the discharge to determine the cause of the ear infection. Your dog will then get treatment and medications according to the diagnosis. It is also possible that such ear infections are caused by certain allergies, Please take your dog to a veterinarian tomorrow.