MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — Ear infections among dogs and cats are common and can cause a lot of discomfort.
It is a seemingly endless cycle of irritation and inflammation and there are numerous causes, including dog breed.
Infections can develop in the inner, middle, or outer portion of the ear but is most common in the outer. Signs and symptoms include itching, red ears, pain when touching it, scabs, frequent head shaking and scratching, excessive wax, and an unusual odor — typically the first thing noticed.
Some dog breeds are at a predisposition of chronic ear infections including breeds with large, floppy ears and a lot of hair around their ears such as labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, poodles, and cocker spaniels, along with hounds including beagles and basset hounds.
Other sources, apart from breed, for chronic ear infections include bacterial and yeast infections. Pets will naturally have yeast in their ears, but an overgrowth can cause infection. Yeast infections will typically come from allergies, whether environmental or from food.