Is It a Bad Symptom If a Dog Has Red Ears?

16.11.2018
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in dog ears became redRedness on the inner surface of a dog’s ear is a phenomenon of frequent occurrence. This part of animal’s body is constantly exposed to the environmental influence: temperature variations, wind, extreme exposure the sunlight. The ear is a reliable indicator of the dog’s general physical condition (an attentive owner can always  look on this body part for signs of an increased body temperature, allergic reactions to certain food). Moreover, the structure feature of the ears makes them vulnerable to mechanical damage.

Long-eared breeds often suffer from inadequate ventilation. Elongated and fleecy, outer area of the ear interferes with the natural cleansing processes in the inner canal and prevents natural evaporation of accumulated moisture and sweat. These create a breeding ground for various microorganisms and, as a result, the inevitable development of inflammatory processes. If a dog with naturally small has red with or cropped ears in dog red earshas redness on its auricle, the cause is most likely an insect bite or an allergic reaction to some product or food. One can always guess from the animal’s behavior that it has a problem with the ears. The dog moves its ears, tilts his head toward the sore side and shakes it, rubs the aching body part against pieces of furniture, carpet or even grass in the yard.

Try to palpate lightly with your fingertips the base of the external acoustic meatus on the side of the animal’s muzzle. If there are signs of pain, the pathological process sets inside, and there is urgent need for a visit to the veterinary. In other cases, the problem can be dealt with domiciliary. The table below shows the main causes of red ears in dogs with respective recommendations on how to treat the symptom in every particular case.

№ Cause Symptom Expression Treatment
1. Allergic Response
  1. 1. Small rash of pale pink color appears on the inner surface of the ear; pink spots of irregular shape;
  2. Severe itching, flaky skin.
  1. Identify and eliminate the allergy-causing agent.
  2. Try to ease the itching. For this: process the ear on both sides with a weak aqueous solution of vinegar; apply antiallergic ointment (after consultation with a veterinary!).
  3. If the allergy-causing agent is some type of food, administer sorbents (enterosgel or absorbent carbon) and a mild laxative for quicker excretion.
  4. Administer antihistamine (after consulting a veterinarian).
  5. Maintain strict control over the pet’s diet.
2. Elevated Body Temperature Hot red ears in dogs are signs of  hyperthermia or elevated body temperature.
  1. If the animal shows signs of hyperthermia, try to put it in a cool place, give it water at room temperature, limit the dog’s activity.
  2. To keep the fever down in case of an illness use pyretic together with a thorough treatment of the inflammatory process prescribed by a  specialist.
3. A Foreign Body in the Ear Canal
  1. Decreased hearing;
  2. Anxious behavior;
  3. The dog constantly pulls at its ear with a paw.
  1. Carefully inspect the sore ear.
  2. If the foreign matter is visible and convenient to pick up with tweezers, try to keep the pet calm and remove it yourself.
  3. If the foreign matter has penetrated deep into the auditory canal or has a rounded smooth surface, do not risk. You should better visit veterinary clinic as soon as possible.
4. Inadequate Ventilation The inner part of the ear looks inflamed, of bright pink or red color. In advanced stages a whitish pellicle and an unpleasant odor can appear.
  1. 1. Rinse the sore area with a cooled brew of chamomile or calendula; process with hydrogen peroxide.
  2. 2. Using cotton buds, cleanse the ear canal (you can apply a few drops of hydrogen peroxide into it).
  3. 3. Lift the long ears of the animal and carefully  fasten them over the head by the adhesive bandage. Let it remain this way while the ears are being treated.
  4. 4. Treat the inflamed area with an alcohol solution of chlorophyllipt, and sprinkle the moist areas after treatment with a thin layer of talc.
5. Insect Bites (mosquitoes, gadflies, ticks, fleas, flies, etc.)
  1. Red spots with a darker spot in the middle.
  2. Swelling.
  3. Soreness and/or itching.
  1. As soon as possible, wipe the area with a weak aqueous solution of vinegar.
  2. If the animal is presently far from home, you can use the juice of unsweetened grapes, or at least a slice of tomato. Anything that has a weak sour taste will do. Acidity neutralizes poisons and relieves swelling.

In most cases these actions are enough to sooth the pet.

  1. If the redness does not disappear, apply any allergy medication on hand.
6. Fungal or Bacterial Disease, Ear Mite A dog has redness on the inside of its ears, heavy odor, possibly a decrease in hearing.
  1. Visit the clinic to identify the causative agent of the process.
  2. Carefully adhere to the treatment directions.
7 Mechanical Injury It can be lacerations, bites, punctures, burns, etc.
  1. In case of minor injuries, treat the sore places with hydrogen peroxide, and apply some brilliant green.
  2. Use burn sprays to treat thermal injury.
  3. In case of extensive wounds, be sure to contact a veterinarian for help as soon as possible.

Preventive Treatment

red ears in dog treatmentTo make sure your dog does not meet problems with its ears, try to follow a few simple rules:

  • after each outing, inspect the body of the pet, paying special attention to the ears;
  • do not forget to cleanse the external auditory canal;
  • long-eared pets need their hair to be brushed daily;
  • keep a check on your dog’s diet.

Simple procedures above will reduce considerably the risk of ear problems.

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