Hearing Aids for Dogs: Learn How to Prevent Dog Hearing Loss

Dog ear problems are the main factors why dogs get affected with deafness. It can be frustrating when you symptoms of deafness in your dog. Though, many dogs are affected by inherited deafness, other become deaf due to an accident, old age, overdose of a certain medication, or ear infections.

Hearing aids for dogs functions the same as the human’s hearing aids. If your dog does not listen or respond to you as it used to, it is either your pet is just being stubborn or cannot hear you. A sign of hearing impairment in dogs is that they become irritable or uncomfortable when you touch their ears. Other symptoms are constant head shaking and unresponsive unless touched. These symptoms can be related to any dog ear problems. So, it is important that you determine what the problems in your dog’s ears really are. Dog ear problems such as yeast infection, hematoma, and ear mites can also result to hearing loss.

If you are suspicious that your dog is suffering from a hearing problem, you can try to use a squeaky toy to test. Try to squeeze the toy behind your dog and make unexpected or annoying noise. If your dog is not responsive to it, there’s something wrong with your dog’s hearing.

One of the major questions many dog owners have regarding hearing aids for dogs is whether it fits in their dog’s ears. Generally, dog hearing aids are custom-made by veterinarians. Most of the time, hearing aids can fit in the dog’s ears; however, there are some exceptions for that. Dogs that were born with hearing-impairment associated with a pigment cannot use a hearing aid. This means that those dogs with inborn hearing problems cannot be cured by hearing aids.

Hearing loss in dogs can be painful and distressing. We would not like that to that to happen to our dogs or any dogs. Hence, proper dog ear care is essential in keeping our dogs healthy and happy.

Dog Ear Problems: What is Hematoma?

One of the most common dog ear problems is ear hematoma. It can afflict a dog of any age and breed. Nevertheless, there is a major factor in this type of condition; dog ear hematoma is caused by permanent abnormalities in the dog’s ears. Ear hematoma can be very hurting to a dog. In result, the dog will obsessively scratch their ears, which certainly make the ear problem worse.

This condition is actually complicated because there’s no documented precise reason why this ear problem occurs in dogs. Ear hematoma in dogs is also known as auricular hematoma and aural hematoma. In simple term, it is a collection of blood or fluid in the dog’s ears. This blood in the dog’s ears is the result of ruptured blood vessel. This usually occurs between the cartilage and the skin of the dog’s ear. When a blood vessel is ruptured, there will be blood discharges from your dog’s ear, and it is extremely painful for them.

If by unfortunate chance, your dog has a history of chronic dog ear infections or allergies, your dog may have a higher risk of getting hematoma. Although the authentic cause is not yet proven, there are theories revealing that ear mites may cause it.

Hematoma in the dog’s ears is a serious condition. It is very crucial to have your dog checked by a veterinarian if symptoms persist.

Dog Ear Discharge: What are the causes and cure for it?

Dogs’ ear discharge is not actually a particular disorder. In fact, it is one of the symptoms of a core problem in your dog’s health, for example, dog ear problems or ear infections.

These dog ear problems can be tremendously excruciating. Your dog does not deserve to suffer its effects. Dog owners should be aware of the causes and symptoms of dog ear problems, as well as its prevention.

Dog ear discharge can be caused by any of the following: dog ear mites, Inner ear infection (otitis interna), and outer ear infection (otitis externa).

Ear discharge in dogs is painful to them, especially when their ears are touched. If you notice that your dog keeps on head shaking, pawing, and ear scratching, it is possible that your dog has ear problems. Also, inflamed ears and bad ear odor are some of its symptoms too.

This type of dog ear problem needs the veterinary’s attention, regardless of it is an internal or external dog ear infection. This problem may require a vet’s prescription, antibiotic cream, or ear-cleaning solutions. If it is not so bad, you can even treat it from your home; however, chronic dog ear problems may need a surgery.

Dog ear problems prevention is vital before they can affect your dog’s health. Keep your dog safe from these problems by cleaning your dog’s ears regularly, healthy diet, and clean environment.

Canine Ear Mite Problems

Canine ear mites - a nice, short little guide on identifying and dealing with ear mites in dogs.

Anatomy of a Dog’s Ear

It is well-known that dogs have the capability to hear well than humans do. The anatomy of a dog’s ear enables them to have higher sensitivity to a broader frequency of hearing any sound. In fact, the reason why dogs have survived through centuries. Unfortunately, the dog’s ear anatomy cannot save them from any dog ear infections or dog ear problems.

Ear flap - It is also known as pinna, which is the outer ear’s primary part. It can be in the shape of upright, floppy, or pointed. Pinna is composed of skin, hair, and cartilage. It can of hearing infinite amount of movement to regulate in better auditory angles and social cues transmission in dogs.

Ear Canals – Dogs have two types of ear canals: the vertical and horizontal canals. Cerumen is a waxy component that resists water. These two dog ear canals and cerumen protects the ears from water retention.

Inner Ear – It is part of the dog’s ear that is filled with fluid. Its primary function is to transmit sound to the appropriate nerves.

Middle Ear – It is where the ossicles and bulla are located. Ossicles vibrate when waves of sound smash them. On the other hand, bulla is responsible in detecting the lower sound registers.

Based on studies, the anatomy of dog’s ears are capable of hearing range up to 45,000 Hertz, while humans are only up to 23,000 Hertz. It is interesting to learn about dog ears. However, knowing the importance of it should motivate us take care of our dog’s ears. Read this Complete Guide for Dog Ear Care.

Dog Ear Care - A Way To Prevent Dog Ear Problems

One of the most common problems handled by many vets today is the dog ear infection. Surprisingly, most of the dog ear problems can be prevented by the pet owner. Clean, odor-free, pale pink color and a minimal accumulation of wax are indications of healthy ears. Check your pet's ears regularly. Prevent infections and dog ear odor by keeping ears clear of dirt, mites, and excess wax.

A few smart tips for dog ear care.

Avoid Wet Ears

Moisture is easily collected in your dog's ears often after a bath. For long-haired, or floppy-eared dogs such as Cocker Spaniel or Afghan hound dog, to help the ears dry up and to avoid moisture related infections and yeast troubles is particularly crucial. Also, consider using ear wraps to keep the ears out of water and food. They can also be used to help air out the ears.

Regular Grooming

Many pet owners do not realize that dogs can grow hair in the ear canal. Most of the grooming service includes bath and ear cleaning. Ear cleaning can be requested individually too. Keeping the hair short on and around the ear allows more air to reach the ear canal and keeps the internal ear drier. Make sure that the air is not blocked by excessive hair growth may promote better ear hygiene. Plucking hair remains controversy. The best method is to remove overgrowth hair gently, but avoid extensive pulling and plucking.

Regular ear check-ups and cleaning contributes to healthy ears, free of painful infections. When a dog shakes his or her head rigorously, it may be because of the discomfort of the ears.

Pet Insurance

There are a lot of dog insurance plans that cover dog ear infections. Check online if your dog's breed is prone to have ear issues. Hearing is one of the most highly developed senses in dogs. Keeping your dog's ear clean is extremely beneficial to maintain proper health. Check and clean your pet's ear regularly.

Dog Ear Infections – How To Treat and Prevent It?

Dog ear infection is common in dogs. It is can cause discomfort and pain for the dogs. For this reason, it is vital to learn how to determine its symptoms. Being aware of its known symptoms will help you identify if your dog is afflicted by it and how to cure it.

There are several factors that cause dog ear infections. The most common causes are yeast infections, bacteria, allergies, and ear mites in dogs. Constant scratching of ears and shaking of the head are just few of the known effects of ear problems in dogs. A brown-colored and foul-smelling ear wax discharge in your dog’s ears would also be another symptom.

If your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms, immediately take your dog to the veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. Unfortunately, there are some people who have a tight budget for such veterinary expenses so mostly likely they would prefer doing that.

Generally, dog ear infections are caused by the yeast infection in your dog, so you can initially try to treat this at home. Doing this might help you avoid having a trip to the veterinary clinic and save some money.

If you try a dog ear problem remedy at home, learn how to clean and treat your dog’s ears properly. Home remedies for dog ear problems are helpful; however, if your dog still continues to experience some discomfort and pain, you shouldn’t ignore it. Take your dog to the veterinary.

Preventing dog ear infections begin at home. Keeping your dog’s ears clean and dry especially after a shower is one major step. Also, maintain a healthy and clean environment at home to protect not just your dog’s health, but also yours and your family.