Shih Tzu Ear Infection Prevention and Treatment Guide

Shih Tzus are prone to ear infections due to their floppy ears, which trap moisture and create a warm, humid environment perfect for bacterial growth.

Regular ear cleaning is essential to prevent ear infections in Shih Tzus. This should be done weekly, using a cotton ball or soft cloth to gently wipe away dirt and debris.

Shih Tzus are more likely to develop ear infections if they have allergies or excessive ear wax. Allergies can cause excessive ear wax production, which can lead to infections.

Ear infections can be painful for Shih Tzus, so it's essential to recognize the signs, such as shaking their head, tilting their head to one side, or scratching at their ears.

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Ear infections in Shih Tzus can be quite painful for your furry friend. Many dogs will shake their head and scratch their ears to relieve the discomfort.

The ears often become red and inflamed and develop an offensive odor. A black or yellowish discharge commonly occurs.

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Ear infections can be caused by various types of bacteria and at least one type of fungus. Knowing the type of infection present can better direct medication choice for the most effective treatment.

In chronic cases, the ears may appear crusty or thickened, and the ear canals often become narrowed (stenotic) due to chronic inflammation.

Ear infections in Shih Tzus can be caused by bacteria or yeast, which can be identified through cytology, a test that uses special stains on the swab of debris to color the microscopic bacterial cells or yeast.

Your veterinarian will need to test the ear debris or perform scans of your Shih Tzu's ear to choose the right treatment. These tests may include cytology, culture/sensitivity testing, blood testing, and skull X-rays, CT scan, or MRI.

If your Shih Tzu is showing signs of an ear infection, it's essential to consult with your veterinarian as soon as possible. Your vet will want to know the duration of symptoms, any allergies or underlying medical conditions, and what your Shih Tzu has been eating.

Ear infections in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors, including bacterial or fungal infections. The most common causes of ear infections are bacterial infections, which can be caused by a variety of bacteria, including Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas.

Some ear infections are caused by a foreign body, such as a polyp or a tumor. In these cases, treatment with medication alone will not resolve the problem, and your dog must be examined to ensure the eardrum is intact.

Ear infections can also be caused by allergies or skin conditions. If your dog is prone to allergies or skin conditions, it's more likely that they will develop an ear infection.

The symptoms of ear infections can vary depending on the severity and location of the infection. Some dogs may show no symptoms at all, while others may exhibit a range of symptoms, including head shaking, scratching at the ears, and dark discharge.

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Here are some common symptoms of ear infections:

In some cases, ear infections can affect the inner ear, leading to symptoms such as vomiting and nausea, as well as facial nerve damage, which can cause symptoms such as drooling and difficulty eating.

Ear infections are often caused by bacterial or viral infections that spread to the middle ear through the Eustachian tube.

The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of the throat and helps to regulate air pressure.

Middle ear infections can also be caused by allergies, which can lead to inflammation and congestion in the Eustachian tube.

Children are more susceptible to ear infections due to their smaller Eustachian tubes and developing immune systems.

Bacterial infections like Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae are common causes of ear infections in children.

Some people are more prone to ear infections due to their anatomy, such as those with a narrow or blocked Eustachian tube.

Ear infections can also be triggered by respiratory infections like the common cold or flu.

Your dog's ear infection symptoms can be painful and uncomfortable, so it's crucial to consult with your veterinarian as soon as possible.

To provide your vet with the necessary information, be prepared to give a thorough history of the problem, including the duration of symptoms, any allergies or underlying medical conditions, and what medications your dog is currently taking.

Your vet will want to know what your dog has been eating, how often you clean their ears, and which dog ear cleaning products you use.

Recent activities, such as baths, grooming, or swimming, can also be relevant to your vet's diagnosis.

If your dog has a history of ear infections, your vet will want to know when they occurred and how they were treated.

Here's a list of what your vet may ask you during the consultation:

Treatment of a Shih Tzu ear infection will likely consist of multiple elements, including topical, oral, or surgical therapies once the details of the infection are known.

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Topical ear cleaners can be used to help a mild infection, but veterinary treatment and prescription medication are often required to restore a healthy ear canal and treat a significant ear infection.

Your vet may recommend weekly preventative ear cleaning and/or a diet change to manage ear infections in the long term, as food allergies can be an underlying cause.

Antibiotics, such as amoxicillin-clavulanate, enrofloxacin, clindamycin, or cefpodoxime, will be used for a bacterial infection for a minimum of six to eight weeks, and anti-fungal medication may be prescribed if the infection is fungal.

If your Shih Tzu has an altered balance, restrict his activity during treatment to prevent falling injuries, and consider temporarily hand-feeding him to prevent nausea.

Dogs with otitis interna may require surgery if they have relapses, do not respond to medical management, or deteriorate despite treatment, and surgery may involve draining the middle ear cavity or removing the entire external ear canal.

Regular grooming, ear cleaning, and ear maintenance are important parts of pet care. Routine ear cleansing is especially important if your dog loves to swim.

Use a vet-approved ear cleaning product made specifically for pups to clean their ears. These products have been formulated for effective pH ranges for dogs and contain drying agents.

Dogs will be dogs, and they'll play outside or get wet during swim or bath time, so it's up to you to take precautions against ear infections. Don't worry, it's easy with the right routines and supplies.

After bathing your dog, use a cotton ball or Q-tip to wipe away any dirt or water that may have accumulated in their ears. This helps prevent infections and keeps their ears clean.

Avoid using harsh chemicals or cleansers on your dog's ears, as this can cause irritation. Some dogs are more sensitive than others, so be gentle and careful when cleaning their ears.

If you notice your dog scratching at their ears, shaking their head excessively, or notice that their ears are red and inflamed, these could be signs that they're experiencing discomfort in the ear. This is a red flag to take action and seek veterinary care.

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Shih Tzus can be prone to otitis interna, a severe inner ear infection that can have long-term effects on their balance and hearing.

A permanently altered sense of balance is a possible long-term complication of inner ear infection, and it can take two to six weeks for the balance to improve.

Your Shih Tzu may also become permanently deaf in the affected ear, which is a serious consideration for dog owners.

Infections can be classified into several types, each with its own unique characteristics.

Bacterial infections, such as pneumonia and tuberculosis, are caused by bacteria that can be spread through the air, contaminated food and water, or by coming into contact with an infected person.

Viral infections, including the common cold and flu, are caused by viruses that can be spread through the air, contaminated surfaces, or by coming into contact with an infected person.

Fungal infections, such as athlete's foot and ringworm, are caused by fungi that can thrive in warm, moist environments and can be spread through direct contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces.

Parasitic infections, such as malaria and toxoplasmosis, are caused by parasites that can be spread through the bite of an infected mosquito or through contact with contaminated food and water.

Some infections can be caused by a combination of these factors, making them more difficult to treat and manage.

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Dogs with long, heavy ears seem predisposed to chronic ear infections that can lead to otitis interna. These breeds include Spaniel breeds, such as the cocker spaniel, and hound breeds, such as the bloodhound and basset hound. They are the most commonly affected.

Some dogs are more prone to inner ear infections due to their ear anatomy. If your dog has a chronic ear infection that is difficult to control, it may develop otitis interna if the eardrum is damaged, allowing bacteria to migrate into the inner ear.

Excessively vigorous cleaning of an infected external ear canal can sometimes cause otitis interna. Some ear cleansers can irritate the middle and inner ear and cause signs of otitis interna if the eardrum is damaged.

Dogs with ear mites in the external ear canal are at a greater risk for a bacterial infection in the inner ear, which can lead to otitis interna. A foreign object, such as grass seed, can also set the stage for a bacterial infection in the inner ear.

Here are some breeds that are more susceptible to inner ear infections:

If your dog is experiencing an inner ear infection, it's essential to watch for additional signs beyond the initial symptoms. Some dogs may develop vomiting and nausea during the acute phase of otitis interna.

Drooling from the side of the mouth can be a sign of facial nerve damage caused by the infection. Difficulty eating and dropping food can also occur.

Inability to blink, eye discharge, and dry eye in the unblinking eye are other possible symptoms. Drooping of the eyelid, lip, and nostril on the affected side can also be observed.

Signs of Horner's syndrome, such as uneven pupil size, a prominent third eyelid, and a drooping upper eyelid on the affected side, can also appear.

The face may twist toward the side of the ear infection with long-term facial nerve paralysis. Additional signs include redness in the affected ear, discharge with a foul odor, and a thickened and hard-to-the-touch outer ear canal due to chronic inflammation.

The lymph node at the base of the chin on the affected side may be enlarged. Your dog may become reluctant to move, preferring to sit or lay in one spot, and his head may swing from side to side, even at rest.

You may also notice short, rapid side-to-side movements of the eyeballs (nystagmus).

The prognosis for specific conditions can be a concern, but in many cases, successful management is possible. Nearly all ear infections that are diagnosed and treated can be successfully managed.

However, if an underlying cause remains unidentified and untreated, the outcome will be less favorable. Several recheck examinations may be needed before the outcome is successful.