Owner should be aware if the master is just being cute or if their ear is inflamed, because if the master keeps tilting their head, it's actually because they are too itchy, and they tilt their head because of the itch!
Here are a few common ear problems that can make your dog itchy/uncomfortable and tilt their head:
1) Yeast infection
Yeast and dogs are symbiotic, and normally, they don't cause any problems.But if the yeast suddenly grows abnormally, it can lead to a systemic yeast infection.
Causes - There are many causes of abnormal yeast growth, including medications, malnutrition, thyroid issues, etc.And the ears are the most common site for yeast infections.
Symptoms
Itchy ears and red skin
2) Ear mites
Ear mites, also known as ear scabies, usually parasitize the outer ear and are highly contagious, so infected individuals must be isolated. The mites feed on earwax and ear secretions, and then lay eggs in the outer ear. Ear mites cause allergies in the ear canal of pets, and can even lead to secondary bacterial or fungal infections.
Symptoms
Earwax is blackish-brown and foul-smelling.
Constantly shaking head and scratching ears.
Ear canal has white powder.
Ears are red and hot.
3) Ear hematoma
Swelling caused by subcutaneous bleeding in the ear shell is usually due to trauma, such as scratching the ear or continuous fingering causing subcutaneous bleeding in the ear shell.
Symptoms
Swelling of the ear
The ear shows a noticeable fluctuation, initially elastic, but later becomes firm and loses the fluctuation
Thickening of the ear shell
Pain
Swollen lymph nodes
Fever
Loss of appetite
Hematoma can develop into an abscess
4) Otitis
It can be divided into otitis externa, otitis media, and otitis interna. Because the inflammation occurs in different locations, the symptoms vary slightly.
5) Otitis externa
It belongs to allergic dermatitis and can be divided into chronic and acute forms. The main triggers are bacterial infections, improper cleaning, food allergies, and ear mites, all of which can cause otitis externa. Besides the ear canal, inflammation can sometimes occur in the auricle as well.
Symptoms
Constantly scratching the ears
Large amounts of earwax quickly produced
Constantly shaking the head
Ear pain causing tilting or lowering of the head
Earwax appears black and foul-smelling
Pus discharge from the ear canal
6) Otitis media
The location of occurrence is on the inner side of the eardrum, in the tympanic cavity and the Eustachian tube, which are covered by mucous membranes. Young puppies are particularly susceptible. Especially when they catch a cold, pharyngitis, or cough, bacteria can take advantage of the situation and enter the middle ear, causing otitis media. However, otitis media does not necessarily cause itching, making it harder to detect. Of course, if otitis externa worsens and triggers otitis media, it will be very itchy.
Symptoms
Loss of appetite due to pain
Bleeding from the ear, earwax is black and foul-smelling
Pus discharge from the ear canal
Fever
Nystagmus (involuntary eye movement)
Facial paralysis
Severe cases may cause eardrum rupture
7) Otitis interna
The worsening of otitis media can trigger labyrinthitis. Additionally, trauma, Eustachian tube infections, hematogenous infections, and other infections can also cause labyrinthitis. Labyrinthitis is more common in pets with dental diseases or elderly pets. This inflammation can disrupt the pet's sense of balance, leading to constant spinning and falling, and in severe cases, it can even be fatal!
Symptoms
Loss of balance, frequent falling
Frequent circling
Vomiting
Abnormal eye positioning
If the condition worsens, it can lead to meningitis or cerebellar swelling, which can result in death.
So, owners, remember to take some time to check/clean the master's ears regularly. If you notice any of the above symptoms, make sure to take the master to the doctor for an examination as soon as possible!
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