Unusual head tilting Loss of balance (tipping to one side or falling down) Vomiting Pain when the ear is touched Drainage of thick and/or bloody fluid from the ear
Head shaking Pain Rubbing the ear(s) on the floor Pawing or scratching at the ear Head tilt Loss of balance or falling over Turning in circles towards the damaged ear
It is important that the eardrum does not have any damage and is not torn. If you apply medicine to an ear with a damaged eardrum it could damage the ear further, including the risk of full hearing loss. [4] X Research source
There are a variety of medicines for dog’s ears and they usually come in a liquid or an ointment form. Antibiotics for ear infections, for example, come in both liquid and ointment forms. Treatments for ear mites, on the other hand, usually come in liquid form. Your veterinarian may also prescribe a veterinary ear cleaning wash. This will help clean out wax and debris from the ear, making your dog’s ears healthier and allowing medication to absorb more easily. [5] X Trustworthy Source Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine Leading veterinary medicine training institution and biomedical research center Go to source
If the dog is in pain or doesn’t want its ears touched you may need to muzzle him or her. This will keep you safe and sometimes diverts the dog’s attention enough that you will be able to put the medication in its ears. Placing a leash on the dog can also help you maintain control over a dog that does not want its ears messed with. You can do this by yourself if needed, but a helper can make things easier for you and for the dog.
If a helper isn’t available have the dog lay down. You will need to hold it steady while applying the medication. Place one arm gently across the neck and under the chin of the dog, and use the hand of that arm to hold the lower front leg. Place the other elbow on top of the dog, pinning its upper front leg to its body. [6] X Trustworthy Source Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine Leading veterinary medicine training institution and biomedical research center Go to source
Once again, wipe around the ear to remove any excess drops that have drained from the ear.
