French Bulldog Ear Infections: Signs, Treatment & Prevention (Vet-Approved)
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French Bulldogs are known for their playful personalities, but this breed can also be prone to ear infections. Ear infections in French Bulldogs are common and may occur due to a variety of causes. French Bulldogs should be examined regularly for ear infections, and treatment may include antibiotics or antifungals. Dogs with this condition may experience an itchy ear, discharge from the ear, and pain when touched near the ear.
If your dog has any of these signs, consult your veterinarian immediately. Read on to find out all about this issue and how to keep your Frenchy’s ears clean and clear of infection.
French Bulldog Ear Infections: Causes
Bacteria and yeast are the most common causes of French Bulldog ear infections. Ear mites are also a common cause. These organisms can be introduced to the ear canal through a number of ways, including swimming, bathing, and having dirty ears.
It is common for French Bulldogs to be more troubled by otitis external and external ear infections for many reasons. Below are some of them:
- Dust, dirt, hair, and other debris are more likely to get stuck in their bat-shaped ears.
- French Bulldogs have a compressed skull shape, resulting in a narrow ear canal that provides an ideal environment for bacteria and yeast to thrive. Ear infections are also more common in French Bulldogs because their ear canals are narrower and more horizontal than in other breeds, which makes them more susceptible to infection.
- There are a lot of food and environmental allergies among purebred dogs, especially Bulldogs. French Bulldogs tend to develop ear infections or inflammation more often than other breeds, especially if they scratch their ears a lot.
- Occasionally, Frenchies can develop secondary ear infections due to endocrine disorders such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease.
Signs of Ear Infections in French Bulldogs
Some common signs of an ear infection in a French Bulldog include pawing at the ears, scratching at the ears, head shaking, and abnormal wax production. Infections in dogs can be smelly, irritating, and painful.
It is possible for the infection to spread deeper down the ear canal, causing even more serious damage to the dog. Some more serious signs include redness and swelling of the ear flap, discharge from the ears, and loss of balance. If your French Bulldog has any of these symptoms, it is important to take them to the veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.
Treating an Ear Infection in a French Bulldog
Treatment typically includes antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications. Infections are not always bacterial and so there are a variety of treatments available for non-bacterial ear infections, too. Treatments may include antifungals and medications for pain relief. However the infection begins, in some cases, if the progression of the infection is serious enough, a drain may be placed in the ear to help relieve pressure and allow the infection to heal. If the infection is severe or does not respond to treatment, surgical intervention may be required.
Preventing Ear Infections in Your Frenchie
There are a few things that can be done to help prevent ear infections in French Bulldogs. One is to keep their ears dry. This can be done by gently wiping their ears with a cotton ball or dry paper towel after they have been swimming or playing outside. It’s important to make sure that they don’t get too wet, as this can create an environment where bacteria can grow.
You can also very gently clean your Frenchie’s ears. You can do this by using a cotton ball or Q-tip to gently swab the inside of their ears once a week. Using an antimicrobial ear cleaner can help prevent these infections by killing any bacteria or yeast that may be present. It is also important to keep the hair around their ears trimmed short, as this will help keep the ears open to the air.
Preventing ear infections in your French bulldog can be helped by supplementing their diet with probiotics. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help to keep the skin healthy and may also help to prevent ear infections. You can find probiotic-supplemented dog food at most pet stores.
What Dog Breed Gets the Most Ear Infections?
Although Frenchies get ear infections regularly, the dog breeds that most commonly suffer from ear infections are Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, Chinese Shar Peis, and Labradoodles. These breeds have long ears that can easily trap moisture and debris, providing a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungus.
Conclusion
In conclusion, French Bulldog ear infections are a common occurrence in the breed. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including allergies, yeast overgrowth, and ear mites. Treatment typically involves antibiotics and antifungal medications, as well as cleaning the ears regularly. It is important to seek treatment for an ear infection as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the ear and hearing loss.
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Featured Image Credit: Mylene2401, Pixabay
