How Can I Prevent My Canine From Getting Chronic Ear Infections?

Q: My black lab gets chronic ear infections. What causes this and how can I prevent it?

A: Dogs have differently shaped ear canals than humans do. Theirs are shaped like an "L" which allow for more debris to become trapped inside the ear. Certain breeds are more at risk of getting ear infections. Labs, and other dogs that have long, hanging ears are prone to ear infections. Dogs like poodles have a lot of hair in their ear canals. They are at risk for infections since wax and dirt becomes trapped within the hair.

Any breed of dog that has allergic skin disease can suffer with chronic ear infections. The most important thing you can do to prevent infections is to keep your dogs ears clean. There are many different ear cleaners available that you can use. While over the counter products can be helpful, your veterinarian probably has products that are safer and more effective.

Some ear cleaners even have medications in it that kill bacteria and yeast that contributes to infections. Also remember to keep your dogs' ears dry when bathing him or her. Water that becomes trapped in the ear canal can predispose them to infections.