If you’ve ever experienced an ear infection, you know firsthand how painful this condition can be. However, the symptoms of ear infections in your Goldendoodle are somewhat different.
Some dog breeds, including Doodles, are more prone to ear infections than others. So if you own a Goldendoodle, you will need to pay close attention when it comes to their ear care.
If they don’t receive treatment, Goldendoodle ear infections can become serious. Even in mild cases, an ear infection can be stressful for your dog. So if you want the best for your dog’s health, you’ll need to know the signs of Goldendoodle ear infections and how you can treat and prevent them.
Before you read this guide, “Goldendoodle Ear Infections: What You Need to Know,” check out: Best Dog Brush for a Goldendoodle (2023) – Top 8 Picks! and How to Clean Goldendoodle Ear Hair? (2023).
Symptoms to Watch
If you suspect your Goldendoodle has an ear infection, there are a few signs to watch. Symptoms of ear infections in Goldendoodles vary, but some of the more common indicators include:
- Dark discharge from the ear
- Frequent ear-scratching
- Pain in the ear
- Scabs on the inside or outside of the ear
- Frequent head-shaking
- Swelling or redness in the ear canal
- Unusual odor
Should your dog experience any of these issues, it’s crucial to take them to a vet as soon as possible.
Why Goldendoodles Are Prone to Ear Infections
The shape of a dog’s ear canal makes it easy for bacteria and yeast to build up, which can also lead to infections. As a result, dogs of any breed have a higher risk of ear infections than humans.
However, Goldendoodles have an even higher risk of developing an ear infection compared to other breeds because of the shape of their ears. Namely, Goldendoodles have floppy ears with lots of fur on the inside, which can trap bacteria and moisture.
Another reason Goldendoodles are at a high risk of ear infections is that they are half-Golden Retrievers. Skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis are common in this breed, which further increases the Goldendoodle’s risk of getting an ear infection.
Other Factors That Increase the Risk of Ear Infections
The Goldendoodle has a higher risk of ear infections compared to many other breeds. However, other factors in a dog’s life can increase their risk of ear infections as well.
If any of the following apply to your Goldendoodle, they may have a higher chance of developing an ear infection:
- They swim often
- They have a diet high in sugar
- They have poor hygiene
- They have allergies
- They are still a puppy
Types of Ear Infections That Affect Goldendoodles
There are three types of ear infections that affect Goldendoodles. These include otitis interna, otitis media, and otitis externa.
- Otitis externa is the most common type of ear infection in Goldendoodles. These ear infections affect your pet’s outer ears.
- Otitis media impacts the central ear canal and is less common than an outer ear infection.
- Otitis interna affects a dog’s inner ear. This type of ear infection is quite rare and often accompanies otitis media.
All three types of ear infections can be painful for your dog, and if they don’t receive treatment, they could even become severe.
Are Ear Infections Contagious?
If you have more than one pet in your home, you might be wondering if your Goldendoodle’s ear infection could spread. Fortunately, ear infections in dogs are rarely contagious.
However, there are a few exceptions you’ll want to keep in mind to protect your household.
For instance, ear mites are a common cause of ear infections in dogs, so if your Goldendoodle’s ear infection is coming from this parasite, it can easily spread to other pets in your household. Additionally, if another pet in your home licks your dog’s infected ear, the bacteria could cause illness.
So even if the risk is small, it may be best to keep your Goldendoodle separate from your other pets until the ear infection clears up.
When to Contact a Veterinarian
Nobody likes taking their dog to the vet, but when it comes to ear infections, seeing a professional might be the best option for their health.
Indeed, if your Goldendoodle is showing any symptoms of an ear infection, you should take them to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Only a vet can determine the severity of the ear infection and provide the most effective treatment for your pet.
If your Goldendoodle is already receiving treatment for an ear infection but does not show any sign of improvement, it might need another trip to the vet. Other treatments could also prove more effective.
Be cautious when treating dog ear infections at home. Using ear drops may not see positive results and might even be harmful in severe cases. In addition, improperly cleaning your dog’s ears can lead to water buildup in the ear canal, which can cause more discomfort and worsen the ear infection.
Signs of Severe Ear Infections in Dogs
In most cases, ear infections in Goldendoodles are mild and go away with treatment.
However, some dogs may experience severe ear infections. These infections can be life-threatening or result in permanent hearing loss. If your dog shows any of these symptoms, take them to an emergency veterinarian:
- Dizziness
- Stumbling or falling
- Hearing loss
- Walking in circles
- Repetitive eye movement
Severe Goldendoodle ear infections are rare. As long as you spot the symptoms early and seek treatment as soon as possible, the ear infection is unlikely to become severe.
Frequently Asked Questions
There’s a lot of information Goldendoodle owners need to know about ear infections. Here are the answers to some common questions regarding this topic.
The most common treatment for a Goldendoodle ear infection is a thorough ear cleaning. A veterinarian will use a medicated cleanser to remove debris and bacteria from your pet’s ear.
In some cases, ear infections require antibiotic treatment. Make sure your dog receives the complete dosage of their treatment to ensure the infection heals properly.
Some of the most common causes of ear infections in Goldendoodles include:
Bacteria, yeast, or fungus in the ear
Water in the ear canal
Ear mites
Foreign objects trapped in the ear canal
Trauma to the ear
Skin diseases
Polyps
Tumors
There are a few signs that can let you know when your Goldendoodle has an ear infection. Keep an eye out for any symptoms like itching, discharge from the ears, head-shaking, or unusual odors.
Examining your Goldendoodle’s ears can help you catch an ear infection early. Look out for evidence of swelling, redness, and scabs in the ear canal.
If your Goldendoodle has an ear infection, you should never expect it to go away on its own. These infections can worsen without appropriate treatment, making them even more difficult to treat in the long run.
Most ear infections require a visit to the vet, but if you are not able to take your Goldendoodle to one and believe they have an ear infection, the best thing you can do is clean their ears.
Use an over-the-counter ear cleaner and follow the instructions on the package. Afterward, you can use a small cloth to dry the inside of the ear.
Be cautious when using over-the-counter sw for dogs with ear infections. Some ear infections can result in ruptured eardrums, and using drops could be harmful.
There are some precautions you can take to reduce the risk of your Goldendoodle getting ear infections:
Take your Goldendoodle in for regular vet checkups.
Keep your pet’s ears clean.
Avoid getting water inside your dog’s ears.
Provide a healthy diet for your Goldendoodle.
Conclusion for “Goldendoodle Ear Infections: What You Need to Know”
The Goldendoodle is just one of many dog breeds prone to ear infections. This condition can be very painful for your pet, and in some cases, it can be dangerous for their health.
So if you have a Goldendoodle, it is important to know the symptoms of ear infections in dogs. Early treatment can help ensure a better outcome for your dog’s ear infection. In addition, there are ways to prevent ear infections from happening in the first place.
Keeping your dog’s ears clean and also regularly taking them to the vet are the most consistently effective ways to prevent Goldendoodle ear infections.
If you find this guide, “Goldendoodle Ear Infections: What You Need to Know,” helpful, check out:
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- Is Dog Ear Plucking Necessary and How to Correctly Pluck Your Dog’s Ears! (2023)
- Why Does My Dog’s Ear Make a Crackling Noise? (2023)
Learn more by watching “Cleaning & Treating Infected Doodle Ears” down below:
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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