A dog’s ear infection can cause coughing if the infection is severe enough. The cough is caused by the inflammation of the airway from the ear infection.
If your dog has an ear infection, it’s important to get it treated by a veterinarian. Left untreated, ear infections can cause pain and discomfort for your dog, and can also lead to other problems. One potential complication of an ear infection is that it can cause your dog to cough.
This happens because the infection can spread from the ear into the nearby throat and airway. When this happens, your dog may start coughing in an attempt to clear their throat and airway of the irritant.
If your dog is coughing, it’s important to take them to the vet so that it can be treated for both the ear infection and the cough.
Can an Ear Infection Trigger a Cough?
If you’ve ever had a cold, you know that a runny nose and coughing go hand-in-hand. But did you know that your cough could actually be caused by an ear infection? It’s true! Here’s how: The Eustachian tube is a small passageway that runs from the back of the nose to the middle ear. Its job is to equalize pressure in the ear and drain any fluid that may have collected there.
When this tube becomes blocked, it can cause a build-up of fluid in the middle ear which can lead to an ear infection. Ear infections are often accompanied by other symptoms like fever, pain, and difficulty hearing.
However, sometimes a cough is the only symptom. This is because when fluid builds up in the middle ear it can put pressure on the eardrum which can trigger a cough reflex. In fact, coughing is one of the most common signs of an impending ear infection in young children.
If you or your child has been having a cough for more than a week with no other symptoms, it’s worth considering whether or not an ear infection might be to blame.
What are the Side Effects of Ear Infections in Dogs?
There are a few potential side effects of ear infections in dogs. If the infection is left untreated, it can cause permanent damage to the ear canal and middle ear. It can also lead to hearing loss.
In rare cases, an untreated ear infection can spread to other parts of the body and cause serious health problems. Treatment for an ear infection usually involves antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication. Surgery may also be necessary in some cases.
Can a Dog Ear Infection Cause Breathing Problems?
Yes, a dog ear infection can cause breathing problems. The most common type of ear infection in dogs is called otitis externa, which is an inflammation of the outer ear canal. Otitis externa is often caused by bacteria or yeast that invade the ear canal and cause irritation and inflammation.
If left untreated, otitis externa can lead to more serious infections, including otitis media (inflammation of the middle ear) and meningitis (inflammation of the brain and spinal cord). These more serious infections can cause difficulty breathing, as well as other neurological symptoms.
How to Treat Dog Ear Infection Without Vet?
If your dog is scratching their ear or seems to be in discomfort, they may have an ear infection. While it’s always best to consult your veterinarian, there are some home treatments you can try to help ease your dog’s discomfort.
Ear infections are often caused by allergies, bacteria, or yeast.
Allergies can be treated with antihistamines like Benadryl. For bacterial infections, you can try using a solution of equal parts vinegar and water to clean the ear. Be sure to use a cotton ball and not insert anything into the ear canal.
Finally, for yeast infections, apply a small amount of antifungal cream to the affected area two to three times per day.
If your dog’s ear infection does not seem to be improving after a few days of home treatment, make an appointment with your veterinarian for further evaluation and treatment options.
Can Kennel Cough Cause Ear Infections?
Kennel cough is a highly contagious disease that affects dogs of all ages, but is most commonly seen in puppies and young adult dogs. The disease is caused by a number of different viruses and bacteria, including Bordetella bronchiseptica, parainfluenza virus, and adenovirus type 2.
These viruses and bacteria can cause an inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, which leads to the characteristic “honking” cough that is often seen in affected dogs. While kennel cough itself is not usually fatal, it can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia or ear infections.
Ear infections are one of the most common complications associated with kennel cough, and can be very painful for your dog. If your dog has kennel cough, it’s important to take him to the vet so that he can be treated properly and avoid any further complications.
Best Antibiotic for Dog Ear Infection
There are a number of different antibiotics that can be effective in treating dog ear infections. The best antibiotic for your dog will depend on the specific bacteria causing the infection, as well as your dog’s overall health. If your dog has a mild ear infection, your veterinarian may prescribe an oral antibiotic such as amoxicillin.
For more severe infections, or if your dog is allergic to penicillin, other antibiotics such as cefpodoxime or cefuroxime may be recommended. If your dog has a particularly stubborn ear infection, your vet may even recommend an intramuscular injection of an antibiotic such as ceftriaxone.
Whatever antibiotic is prescribed, it’s important to give it to your dog for the full course of treatment, even if the symptoms seem to improve. Stopping the medication too soon can allow the bacteria to continue growing and cause the infection to come back stronger than before.
Conclusion
If your dog is coughing, it could be caused by an ear infection. Ear infections are common in dogs and can be caused by a number of things, including allergies, bacteria, and yeast. If your dog has an ear infection, it’s important to get it treated by a vet as soon as possible.
