You know your pup’s moods better than anyone, and you can tell that something with your little French bulldog isn’t quite right. Maybe they’re shaking their head from side to side without much break in the action, or scratching their ear like it’s going out of style.
If you’re thinking it’s an ear infection, you could be right. In fact, the Royal Veterinary College ranked French bulldogs as the eleventh most likely breed to come down with a dog ear infection.1
Knowing the cause and symptoms of a French bulldog ear infection, as well as how to treat it, can help you keep your little buddy’s earaches and itches at bay.
Causes and Symptoms of a French Bulldog Ear Infection
Ear infections typically happen when the shape of your dog’s ear creates a warm, moist environment in which bacteria can easily grow.2 And as you know, Fench bulldog ears can be particularly prone to such ailments.1
An ear infection in dogs could be caused by:2
- Various bacteria types
- Fungus
- A small, typically benign growth known as a polyp
- A tumor
- A foreign body that’s gotten into your pup’s ear
Ear mites can also cause French bulldog ear infections but that’s typically more common for young puppies than adult dogs.2
The precise cause of the ear problem can help inform the type of treatment. If you think your dog might have an affected ear, visiting your local vet can help you determine the reason behind their discomfort—and thus, the best possible steps forward.
Before you take a trip to the vet, be on the lookout for these dog ear infection symptoms such as:2
- Head scratching and shaking – If your dog’s ear hurts from an ear infection, they may try shaking their head or scratching their ear to relieve the pain.
- Unpleasant odor – Red, inflamed ears can sometimes cause dog ear smells and unpleasant odors.
- Discharge – Some dogs’ ears may reveal their infection by way of a yellowish or black dog ear discharge.
- Crusty or thickened ear canals – If your pup tends to develop recurrent ear infections, their ear canals may become thicker and more crusted as a result of chronic inflammation.
If your dog appears to be dealing with one or more of these symptoms, it’s probably worth reaching out to a professional to help you troubleshoot.
Treating an Ear Infection
To determine the type of infection, your vet will likely inspect your pup’s ears. They’ll typically try to determine:2
- Whether or not the eardrum is intact, so they can identify which medications they can use safely without damaging your pet’s hearing
- Whether there’s any foreign matter lodged in your dog’s ear canal that’s causing or exacerbating the infection
- The type of organism causing the infection, which can be determined by extracting a sample from your dog’s ear and examining it under a microscope
Sometimes, more than one factor can cause an affected ear, meaning the vet may recommend a combination of treatment plans. For example, the vet may remove a foreign body like a piece of grass from your dog’s ear, and then recommend you flush your pup’s ears with an appropriate antimicrobial ear rinse until the ear infection has passed.
In extreme cases, a dog’s chronic ear infections might be treated by a surgery that alters the shape of the ear to reduce the risk of future ear infections. However, it’s much more common for a vet to treat dog ear infections with ear cleaner and medication.2
If your vet recommends a medication or an ear cleaning product, they can show you the best way to apply it to your French bulldog’s ears.
They’ll typically tell you to:2
- Gently lift the end of your pet’s ear flap.
- Apply a small amount of medication to the infected inner ear canal.
- Continue to elevate the end of your pet’s ear flap until the medication runs down to the juncture between the horizontal and vertical ear canals.
- Delicately massage the base of the ear flap to work the medication in.
- Use a cotton ball soaked in the medication to clean out the inside of the ear flap and the outer part of the ear canal.
Once that’s finished, you can release your dog’s ear flap. Don’t be surprised if they want to give it a shake—ear cleaner can sometimes feel a bit odd, especially if it’s their first time using it.
Tips for Preventing an Ear Infection
To prevent future French bulldog ear infections from popping up, consider cleaning your dog’s ears about every two weeks, or as often as recommended by your vet.3
Using an antimicrobial ear rinse can help by:
- Removing foreign materials from the ear
- Alleviating irritations
- Keeping your dog’s ears clean and free from harmful bacteria
In addition to implementing a regular cleaning schedule, you may also want to clean your dog’s ears every time they get wet. To avoid French Bulldog health issues, a little extra cleaning could go a long way in keeping your pup healthier, longer.
Get Safe Ear Care Solutions for Your Bulldog with Vetericyn
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We’re here for you and your pup—whether you’re looking to heal uncomfortable ear infections, or help keep them from happening in the first place.
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Reviewed by Dan Richardson, Veterinarian
Dan Richardson has been a practicing veterinarian for over 10 years. He specializes in surgery and orthopedics. Dan is originally from rural western Nevada and attended the University of Idaho for undergraduate study and Oregon State University for Veterinary School. The Richardson Family enjoys camping and spending time on the water fishing, paddle boarding, or digging their feet in the sand somewhere warm.
Sources:
- Country Living. 30 dog breeds most likely to suffer from ear infections. https://www.countryliving.com/uk/wildlife/dog-breeds/a37629194/dog-breeds-ear-infections/
- VCA Animal Hospitals. Ear Infections in Dogs (Otitis Externa). https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/ear-infections-in-dogs-otitis-externa
- Tier 1 Vet. Quite a few bugs in your ear. https://tier1vet.com/how-to-prevent-ear-infections-in-dogs/
