One of a golden retriever dog’s lovable characteristics, long, floppy ears are also to blame for ear infections prevalent in goldens. That’s because their winding ear canals are shut off from air, creating a moist environment ideal for yeast and bacterial growth. And if ear infections aren’t enough, mites, wax, and debris are also common ear problems of goldens.
The good news is, pet owners can take steps to avoid dog ear problems and maintain ear health in their golden retrievers. The first step? Simply recognizing the problem.
Recognizing Dog Ear Infections and Mites
Ear infections, or otitis, in goldens can present themselves in a number of ways, depending on the type of ear infection. If a dog’s ears are red or inflamed, feel warm to the touch, contain scabs, puss, or discharge, or smell bad, there could be a problem. A dog with an ear infection may also scratch, shake his head, or rub his ears. Too much scratching can cause a blood vessel to rupture, resulting in a blood-filled swelling, or hematoma.
Recognizing dog ear mites – especially common in golden puppies or sick adult dogs – is also important for ear health. Dog ear mites look like coffee grounds or dark, dry buildup, often in both ears. Dogs with mites might shake their heads, scratch their ears, or hold their heads sideways. If mites are suspected, separate the dog from other pets and call the vet. Immediate attention is necessary.
Preventive Dog Ear Care for Goldens
While recognizing ear problems in a golden retriever is key to dog ear health, so is remembering to check the dog’s ears regularly – preferably once a week. Look both outside and inside the ear for any signs of trouble. If nothing appears abnormal, it’s still a good idea to routinely clean a golden’s ears, especially if any debris or wax is noticeable.
At-home ear cleaning can be done with an ear cleaning product, an alcohol and vinegar mixture, or mineral oil. Using a cotton ball moistened with cleaner, gently insert the cotton ball into the canal and carefully wipe the ear, including the crevices and folds. Avoid using swabs that can damage the ear or pack debris farther into the canal. Dog ear care also involves keeping the ears neatly trimmed, which can make cleaning easier.
Another preventative for dog ear health is protecting the dog from outdoor pests. Applying a flea and tick product to a golden’s skin can prevent tick diseases and other pest-infested problems. Foxtails (grassy weeds that form barbed seeds, which can cause infections in the external ear canal) are another source of ear problems in dogs who spend time outdoors, so keeping a dog away from areas where foxtails grow is also important for ear care.
Treating A Golden Retriever Dog With Ear Problems
If a golden retriever dog succumbs to an ear infection or other dog ear health problem, the best solution is prompt treatment. An outer canine ear infection can spread to a painful middle ear infection, which can result in a more serious inner ear infection that could lead to deafness. Likewise, dog ear mites and ticks can cause irritation to the ear or, worse, illness.
Treatment of ear problems begins with a trip to the vet and often includes a thorough cleansing along with medication. The sooner the problem is detected and dealt with, the better. Some dog ear problems are difficult to cure once established. Canine ear infections are also costly to treat on a continuous basis.
Although most ear problems are not serious in goldens, they are uncomfortable for the dog and may recur with frequency, causing expense and frustration. But by taking preventive measures to maintain ear health, golden retriever owners can keep their dogs’ ears problem-free and flopping happily – just like they were meant to be.
For more articles on golden retriever health issues, see:
- Skin Problems in Golden Retriever Dogs
- Golden Retriever Muscular Dystrophy: A Canine Duchenne's Disease
Sources:
- Coile, Caroline, Ph.D. The Golden Retriever Handbook. Hauppauge, NY: Barrons, 2009.
- Sucher, Jaime. Golden Retrievers: A Complete Pet Owner's Manual. Hauppauge, NY: Barrons, 2010.
- Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue. www.ygrr.org.
Susie Yakowicz - Susie Yakowicz is a Minnesota freelance writer whose work has appeared in dozens of publications for children and adults.
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