Swollen Dog Ear: What You Need To Know To Keep Your Pet Comfortable

If you’ve recently noticed that your dog’s ear is swollen, it might have been a frightening discovery. It’s easy to wonder if the swelling might result from a bite, an infection, or even a terrifying underlying health condition. Understanding what caused your dog’s ears to swell is crucial for getting the right treatment.

Many things can cause a dog’s ears to swell. Some of the most common causes of ear swelling include ear mites and ear infections, but issues like ear hematomas can also be responsible for causing swelling. When you work with a veterinarian, bringing your dog back to their best health can be a simple process.

Common Causes of Swollen Ears in Dogs

Ear Mites

One of the most common causes of swollen ears in dogs is ear mites. These aggressive microscopic pests feed on the earwax inside of dog ears. They are incredibly prolific pests and can become a problem for dogs of any age.

As the ear mites feed on the earwax, they produce small pieces of debris that can eventually fall and completely block a dog’s ear canal. Serious health issues like an ear hematoma might develop since uncomfortable dogs frequently scratch and itch at their ears.

Seeking veterinary treatment for ear mites is essential as soon as you notice the pests. While they might be harmless initially, the severe discomfort they cause can eventually lead your dog to suffer serious health consequences. Veterinarians can easily treat ear mites with insecticidal ear drops or other prescription medications.

Ear Infections

Another common cause of swollen ears in dogs is ear infections. These infections can develop for various reasons, like a dog bite, a reaction to an allergy, or even something as simple as too much moisture in the ear. These infections generally require antibiotics or antifungals as treatment.

Swelling can result from both outer ear infections and inner ear infections. If you believe that your dog is suffering from an ear infection, seeking treatment as soon as possible is important. Dogs with untreated outer ear infections often develop inner ear infections, which are excruciatingly painful and can cause permanent loss of hearing or balance.

Ear Hematomas

If a blood vessel inside the ear flap ruptures, it can cause the ear to start severely swelling. Without anywhere to escape, the blood pools in the tissue of the ears. When this severe issue develops, taking your dog to a veterinarian who can drain and treat the wound is essential.

A dog ear hematoma can develop for various reasons, but they usually happen due to an untreated condition like ear mites or ear infections. As a dog itches, scratches, and shakes their head to try and relieve the itch, they can inadvertently rupture a blood vessel in their ear.

Insect Bites

While many conditions can cause a dog’s ears to swell up alarmingly, it can also happen due to external irritants like bug bites. If you find that your dog has a bug bite or sting and don’t know where the bite came from, it’s essential to monitor your dog’s well-being. If you notice that the wound seems to worsen or that your dog develops adverse symptoms like labored breathing, you should immediately take your dog in for emergency care.

Allergies

If your dog has an allergic reaction to the skin of their ears, their ears may swell alarmingly. Understanding what your dog is allergic to and determining if there may have been any possible external sources of inflammation is the best way to address allergic reactions as they occur. Your dog may need treatment to reduce the inflammation and the likelihood of issues like ear hematomas developing.

Ear Blockage

Lastly, it’s important to note that ear blockages can also be a cause of swelling. Keeping up with your dog’s routine care is important. If your dog suffers from an earwax buildup, you must follow your veterinarian’s recommendations to get rid of the earwax periodically. If you suspect that earwax or a foreign object is blocking your dog’s ear and causing swelling, you should contact a veterinarian to attempt to remove the blockage.

Keeping Your Dog Comfortable with a Swollen Ear

If your dog is suffering from a swollen ear, keeping them comfortable is essential. As mentioned before, dogs who are allowed to remain uncomfortable can often worsen in condition. They are usually driven to scratch and itch at the discomfort to the point of self-injury. The best way to guarantee this doesn’t happen is to seek professional veterinary care.

Luckily, veterinarians have plenty to offer dog owners to help keep their pups comfortable. Treatment usually starts by addressing the source of the swelling. If a hematoma is responsible, the ear is generally drained and repaired. Treatments for ear mite infections, ear blockages, and ear infections all involve cleaning the ear in a way that will address the condition.

Once the veterinarian has provided the necessary care to help your dog recover, you’ll generally receive a few prescriptions allowing you to continue the same excellent standard of care at home. You may be instructed to gently clean your dog’s ears regularly with warm, salty water or to have your dog wear a cone to prevent scratching.

As your dog recovers from their ear issues, the most important thing you can do is monitor their recovery closely. If you notice any signs that the ear issue may be recurring or a new ear problem might develop, you should contact the veterinarian to make a follow-up appointment.

Remember the Importance of Keeping Your Dog’s Ears Healthy

While the importance of senses like hearing might be understated when it comes to dogs, one of the best things you can do to keep your pup happy and healthy is to keep their ears healthy.

Dogs rely on their highly sharp hearing to perceive the world and to keep themselves secure, and they may struggle to adapt if health issues suddenly reduce or take away their hearing. As long as you trust the help of a local veterinarian, however, keeping your dog’s ears healthy is often a simple process.