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It’s essential to be proactive in ear care and ear health since pugs (like other breeds) is more prone to specific ear issues. Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to prevent ear problems with your pug and treat them if they occur.
In this article, we’ll look at why pugs are prone to ear problems, four common ear problems in pugs, how to deal with them and prevent them in the future.
Why do pugs get ear infections?
A variety of factors causes pugs ear problems and ear infections (Otitis Externa): whether their ear canals aren’t formed correctly, they don’t get enough air flowing through them. Your pug’s ear flaps hang down over his ear canal opening, so any dirt trapped under the flap will be challenging to clean without help.
Unfortunately, Pugs are more prone to ear problems. Pug ear infections are typically a result of a very moist and dark environment inside their ears, skin problems caused by allergies, mites, and wax build-up.
Pug ear problems can also be genetic. If your pug’s ear genetics aren’t great, they leave them open to ear infection risks.
Warning signs to look for to suggest your pug may have an ear problem
- Inflammation around the ear
- Redness of the skin
- Increased scratching
- Scaly skin
- Discharge from the ear
- Funny odor
- Extra hot temperature
- Hearing Loss
4 Common Ear Problems in Pugs & Easy Solutions
1. Earwax build-up
One of the most common ear problems in pugs is earwax build-up. If not treated, this can cause your Pug discomfort and even lead to an ear infection. Luckily, it is easy to prevent and treat earwax build-up.
Solution:
To prevent earwax build-up, clean your pug’s ears regularly. At least once a week will be fine. With a damp cloth or cotton balls dipped in the ear cleaning solution. Be sure to wipe around the inside of the ear canal. Do not stick anything into the ear, as you can cause more damage to your dog.
2. Ear Mites
Another ear problem is ear mites. They are tiny, spider-like creatures that live in your pug’s ear canals and feed on ear wax or ear tissue.
Pugs with ear mites tend to be itchy around the ears, shake their head frequently and scratch at their ears. It can make your pug more sensitive around the ear area, so it may be worth trying an ear protector to keep your pug from scratching the area.
Solution:
An ear mite ear problem is pretty easy to treat:
- Drop a few drops of dog ear cleaner into your Pug ear.
- Massage ear for a few minutes.
- Let it air dry.
In most cases, ear mite ear problems will be solved with just one treatment!
3. Allergies
Allergies in your pug can cause further problems in the ear. Some ear infections are caused by secondary allergies such as pollens, mold spores, dust mites, & food allergies. You may also see problems around the ear caused by skin allergies.
Solution:
You will have to first identify what your dog is allergic too. An antibacterial ear cleaner will prevent an ear infection from developing if you have a pug with allergies. You can use a cotton ball to apply it into their ears or spray the ear cleaner onto a cotton ball and wipe the ear.
4. Otitis Externa
According to MSD Manual, Otitis Externa is a condition that occurs when the layer of cells that line the external ear canal becomes inflamed. If the common ear problems mentioned above are not treated promptly, your dog may get Otitis Externa. The infection may be present in one ear or both. Not only is it caused by the problems mentioned above, but you may also get Otitis Externa from certain bacterial, yeast infections, or something stuck in your dog’s ear.
Solution:
Take your pug to a vet to determine the exact cause of the infection. They will look inside the ear with an otoscope. Your vet will be able to prescribe the proper treatment, such as antibiotics, according to your dog’s needs. As stated above, the ear infection will not go away on its own, and your pug is at risk of developing further long-term problems.
How to prevent ear infections in pugs
There are a few ways you can help prevent ear infections in your pug:
- Check your pug’s ears and look for the signs mentioned above
- If it’s humid and hot, then more checking will be required
- consistent cleaning of your pug’s ears but not too much as it could result in a skin problem.
Here is a helpful video that may guide you further on how to clean your dog’s ears properly:
FAQ
Can I just use water to clean my pug’s ear?
Regular ear cleanings will help keep your pug’s ears healthy. Use only ear cleaner labeled for dogs ; your vet will be able to direct you. As water will create a moist environment, it would help if you had a pH-balanced, non-irritating effective cleaner with a drying agent.
Will dog ear infections go away on their own?
No, you will need to seek a vet to observe your pug’s ear infection and treat it accordingly. Not treating the condition can cause further damage to your pug’s ears.
As a Pug parent, you want to do everything you can to keep your pup healthy and happy. A simple ear cleaning can help prevent ear infections and keep your pug happy and healthy! That includes keeping an eye on their ears and knowing how to deal with any problems or infections that may arise. So if you notice the symptoms above, you will know what it may be and the proper course of action!
Good luck!