Otitis externa, commonly referred to as “Canker”, is one of the most common dog ear problems and simply involves inflammation of the ear canal. Otitis externa affects approximately 1 in 5 of all dogs in Ireland and is most common in young dogs (aged 2-4 years).
Over the counter topical ear medications can be used to help treat canker, but if symptoms are more severe then those prescribed by your vets are usually most effective. First, it's important to wash your dog's ears with a specifically produced pet ear cleaner, and then dry them thoroughly.
Clinical Signs
Many dogs are in too much pain to allow anyone to examine their mouths, but if possible, one may see ulcers (canker sores) on the inside of the lips and inflamed gum tissue.
What is ear canker? Ear canker is a condition of the rabbit's ears caused by the ear mite Psoroptes cuniculi. Psoroptes cuniculi is a fairly common parasite of rabbits and occurs worldwide. The mites irritate the lining of the ear which causes oozing serum and thick crusts to accumulate within the ear canal.
Canker Ear Powder is used for ear mites and their complications - such as itching - in dogs, cats and small animals. Itchy ears are usually caused by an ear mite which also creates blobs of wax that can be seen in the ear. These blobs can also weep and smell.
Thornit Canker Powder can be used effectively for the treatment of ear mites in cats, dogs and small animals. Designed to work quickly to reduce symptoms and ease irritation, Thornit Canker Powder should be massaged directly, yet gently just inside the ear surface to help eliminate wax caused by the ear mites.
Apply a pinch of THORNIT Canker Powder using the end of a spoon. Lightly dust round the inner ear avoiding the ear hole. Gently massage the powder in with your finger from the outside. Apply THORNIT Canker Powder twice a day.
This is a condition called Otitis Externa, more commonly known as 'canker'. Prolonged head shaking and ear scratching by the dog can lead to blood loss between the skin and ear cartilage, causing a bulging of the ear flap.
Most cankers are caused by fungi, which invade bark tissue on current season wood. However, some colonize both bark and inner tissue causing canker rots that persist for years.
Cold sores are fluid-filled blisters, and they can appear in clusters on your mouth or genitals. Canker sores, on the other hand, aren't caused by an infection and aren't contagious.
Red ulcerative lesions may be present on the hard palate, or roof of the mouth as well as affecting the lips. Cauliflower or mushroom-shaped masses are often present on the tongue. A goal of treatment is to address the underlying allergic cause.
Our #1 Best Overall pick for ear drops for dogs is ZYMOX Enzymatic Ear Solution, an eardrop that is gentle to apply and takes care of inflammation immediately. These ear drops are designed specifically to fight inflammation and redness, which can help indirectly fight ear infections.
Common Symptoms of Ear Infection in Dogs
In the meantime, there are some home remedies you can try to ease your pet's discomfort, such as a warm compress, vinegar or hydrogen peroxide ear flush, and the use of natural anti-inflammatory agents like coconut oil or aloe vera gel.
Use salt water or baking soda rinse (dissolve 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 cup warm water). Dab a small amount of milk of magnesia on your canker sore a few times a day. Avoid abrasive, acidic or spicy foods that can cause further irritation and pain.
Hydrogen peroxide and Water rinse: To reduce mouth bacteria and thoroughly clean your canker sore, combine equal parts hydrogen peroxide (3 percent solution) and water. Use a cotton swab to apply rinse to the canker sore up to two times a day. You can also rinse your mouth out daily with diluted hydrogen peroxide.
Most canker sores are round or oval with a white or yellow center and a red border. They form inside your mouth — on or under your tongue, inside your cheeks or lips, at the base of your gums, or on your soft palate. You might notice a tingling or burning sensation a day or two before the sores actually appear.
Citrus canker is a citrus disease caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (synonym X. axonopodis pv. citri).
Although they are painful, they typically heal on their own and don't cause any problems. Some people get canker sores again just a few weeks later, while others may get them months or years later.
Paracetamol, while safe for humans, can be extremely toxic for your dog (particularly if the wrong dosage is given), and can result in serious liver damage or problems with their red blood cells.
Wondering how often your dog's ears need to be cleaned? In general, once per month is a good rule of thumb. Breeds with long, floppy ears or dogs who swim frequently may need to have their ears cleaned every other week, or even weekly. After bathing or swimming, be sure to properly dry your pup's ears.
Other dogs are attracted to the change in smell (and probably taste) of the discharge in an ear when there is an infection present. A sudden interest in another pet's ears may indicate there is a problem in the ear canal. Dogs depend on their mouths to experience the world, and ear licking is one way of exploring.
Canker Sores are painful white or yellow sores that only form inside the mouth, usually on the insides of the cheeks or lips or on the tongue. Canker sores (also called aphthous ulcers) are not contagious.
That's why it's important to never share your own mouthwash with the dog – not even a splash in their water dish is OK. Ingredients in human mouthwash, ranging from xylitol (very toxic to pets) to fluoride can make dogs sick.