Ear infections are common in many dog breads. Poodles, however, tend to have smaller ears and don't tend to get ear infections that often. The one exception to this poodle free ear infection rule are poodles with larger, floppier ears. Poodles with these types of ears tend to get ear infections more often because the open air cannot easily circulate around their ears. If your poodle has larger, floppier ears, make sure that you keep an eye out for the following signs of an ear infection and act appropriately when you see those signs.

Signs Your Poodles Ears Are Infected

Ear infections in dogs generally come from one of three sources – bacteria, yeast or ear mites. The symptoms of an ear infection caused by those three sources all look pretty much the same.

When your poodle has an ear infection, you may notice them trying to scratch their ear or ears by rubbing them against the floor and against any other object that could bring them some relief, such as your furniture. Your dog will not just do this once; they will do it continually over the course of a day. Your dog may also shake their head a lot and use their paws to try to rub their ears.

Additionally, when you look at your poodle's ears, you may notice that they smell a little off and feel kind of hot. They may look red and inflamed as well. You may even see discharge coming from your poodle's ears.

Treating Your Poodle's Ear Infection

If you see your poodle exhibiting one or more of the warning signs discussed above, you need to take your poodle into your vet. Your vet will use your observations, as well as a physical exam, to determine if your dog has an ear infection. They may also take a swab from your dog's ear in order to determine what type of bacteria is present in your dog's ear.

Once your vet determines that your dog has an ear infection, they will generally give you an antibiotic to help fight the infection in your poodle's ears. These antibiotics are only available through a prescription from your vet.

It is important that you follow the directions on the medication and complete the full course of treatment, even if your dog appears to be better. If you cut the treatment off early, you may not kill the entire infection and the bacteria may develop an immunity to the medication you were administering to your dog.

Although poodles don't often get ear infections, it is important to know the signs of an ear infection and to know when to take your dog to the vet. An ear infection can cause your poodle a lot of distress, but luckily it can easily be treated.

To learn more, contact a company like Daily Wag.