Ear infections are very common with dogs; in fact, this is one of the top reasons for sick visits to the veterinarian. There are several types of ear infections that can develop including yeast, bacterial, and mites.
There are several possible causes of ear infections with Pugs including chronically dirty ears and moisture in the ears. Yeast infections may also occur due to immune system response, often seen alongside
different types of allergies. Ear mites are very contagious and can be transferred from one dog to another when in close quarters, typically seen in shelters, doggie day cares, and other facilities.
Symptoms:
Signs of an ear infection include one or more of the following:
- Itchiness (a dog may scratch at the ears or rub his head into different surfaces)
- Head shaking
- Strong odor
- Red, irritated outer ear canal
- Discharge
- Crusting
- Black or red crumbly specks (see with ear mites)
Treatment:
If you are not sure if your Pug has an ear infection, are not sure of the exact type, if home remedy methods have not produced results, or if you do not feel confident treating an ear infection from home, it is recommended to bring your puppy or dog to the veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. The ears will be examined and a sample from the inner ear canal may be taken to determine the exact type of infection. Both topical treatments and oral medications may be given depending on whether the problem is a bacterial, yeast, or mite infection.