In this blog post, our veterinarians in North Providence will discuss some common causes of ear bleeding in dogs, other symptoms that may accompany it, and when a visit to the vet is necessary.
Reasons for Ear Bleeding in Dogs
It's distressing whenever you believe that your dog is hurt or unwell, so noticing that your dog has a bloody ear can be especially alarming.
What could be causing your dog's ear to bleed? Here are some common causes of ear bleeding in dogs:
- Bacterial, yeast or fungal infections
- Infections caused by an underlying health problem or perforated eardrum
- Ear hematomas (puffy, swollen areas on the ear) caused by vigorous head shaking
- Trauma or injury, either self-inflicted (i.e., scratching too hard) or caused by an outside source
- Parasitic infestations such as ear mites, ticks, or fleas
- Allergies leading to inflamed, itchy ears that your dog can't resist scratching
Symptoms Related to Bleeding Ears in Dogs
If your dog has bleeding in the ear, you may also notice the following symptoms:
- Visible blood on the rim or just inside the ear
- Excessive head shaking or ear scratching
- Pain in or around the ear
- Discharge of any color
- Foul odor coming from the ear
- Swelling of the ear and ear canal
- Problems with balance
- Avoiding opening their mouth
How to Stop Dog Ear Bleeding
If your dog's ear is bleeding, the first step is to contact your vet and schedule an appointment. Many causes of ear bleeding in dogs are serious and require professional veterinary care.
Effective treatment starts with identifying the underlying cause of the problem. Your vet can diagnose the reason for your dog's ear bleeding and offer specific treatments to help resolve the issue quickly.
Here are some tips on how to treat dog ear bleeding if it is the result of a small external cut:
Step 1. Make sure you have your dog in a safe and calm area.
Step 2: Grab your dog's first aid kit:
- Styptic powder (cornstarch or flour will also work)
- Antiseptic ointment
- Absorbent pads, gauze, or cotton balls
- Bandages
Step 3: Apply the styptic powder to the wound and hold the absorbent pads with firm pressure until the bleeding stops. If it does not stop after 10 minutes, contact your vet.
Step 4: Apply the antiseptic ointment to the area surrounding the wound but not directly on it; otherwise, the bleeding may begin again.
If your dog is in a fight with another dog or animal, or if the wound is deep, you should contact your primary vet or nearest emergency animal hospital for professional care.
How Vets Treat Bleeding Dog Ear
Your vet will conduct a thorough examination to determine the cause of the bleeding. After diagnosing your dog's condition, the vet will recommend treatment to address the bleeding's cause. Treatment may include:
- Topical and/or oral antibiotic medications for treating infections
- Pain medications
- Steroidal medications for any inflammation
- Surgical drainage of hematomas
- Clean and flushing of the ear canal for build-up or foreign body removal.
- Treatments specific to certain diseases
Recovery Time For Bleeding Ears in Dogs
Most dogs that receive timely treatment recover quickly.
For dogs with ear bleeding caused by an ongoing illness, the veterinarian will likely provide treatment for the ear itself and treatment to address the underlying health problem.
If an ear infection causes your dog's bloody ear, it is essential to follow your vet's care instructions precisely and administer your dog's medications as directed. Stopping medications early can lead to recurring ear inflammation and infections that become increasingly difficult to treat.
Treating ear problems as quickly as possible once symptoms arise is the best way to avoid complications and prolonged infection.
When is it an Emergency?
Ear bleeding in dogs always requires a trip to the vet to determine the cause. However, some situations may require emergency veterinary care.
- Bleeding that does not stop after 10 minutes
- Signs of pain
- Showing symptoms of infection
- Symptoms becoming worse or more severe
- Bleeding that is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, lethargy, vomiting or diarrhea
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.